Does your dog make a toy of almost anything and everything? Does he love to play with things that aren’t really toys? This is a common thing for many dogs to do! Remember those old socks you knotted up and gave him to play with? Or your favorite shoes he was throwing around and chewing on?
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Dogs love to play with many things around the house, especially something that’s stretchy, smells like you, and if fun to flip around! However, hair ties can be dangerous if swallowed.
However, sometimes the hair tie will cause no problems, and will pass right through the dog’s digestive tract. But occasionally the hair tie can become a health problem.
The Problem with Hair Ties
In other cases, a hair tie can even become lodged in the throat and cause choking. This is another serious issue that could quickly lead to a medical emergency.
All it takes is one hair tie to case a life-threatening medical emergency.
Why Do Dogs Eat Hair Ties?
A dog may eat a hair tie by accident as he plays with it. He may chase it across the floor, pick it up, and swallow it. This is a common occurrence with our canine friends. They love to chase things and pick them up; however, they occasionally swallow the item by accident.
Another reason your fur baby may eat hair ties is because they smell like you or someone in the family. Dogs are highly attracted to the smell of their pet parents and family. A hair tie that smells like you may cause your canine companion to lick the hair tie or chew and swallow it.
There are many scenarios that could cause a dog to eat a hair tie by accident or on purpose. You may be able to observe your dog’s behavior and discover why he’s developed this habit.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowCan a Hair Tie Kill a Dog?
Yes, it’s possible, but it’s not very common for a hair tie to cause death if swallowed. Hair ties that are ribbons have a higher potential to cause this problem. That’s because string (or ribbons) can become twisted and stuck in the dog’s intestines. This can lead to the intestines twisting or perforation of the intestines, etc.
So, if your dog eats a ribbon hair tie (anything like a string) or eats several of these, it’s best to call the vet immediately.
What to Do If Your Dog’s Swallowed a Hair Tie
The first thing is to remain calm and check your dog. Make sure he’s not choking and is breathing normally. Next, try to determine if your fur baby has eaten more than one hair tie. Then call the vet right away. They will give you advice on what to do next.
Symptoms of an Intestinal Blockage
If your dog is breathing normally and not chocking, the vet may ask you to wait a couple of days to see if the hair tie passes through and comes out in your dog’s poop. The vet will also ask you to watch for symptoms of a bowel obstruction, which can include:
- Dehydration
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Hunching or whining (could indicate pain)
At the first sign your dog may be experiencing a bowel obstruction, you’ll need to call the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency. In most cases, your dog may need surgery to remove the hair tie.
How to Prevent Your Dog from Eating Hair Ties
Prevention is usually the best way to keep your canine companion from eating hair ties and other items. The best way to keep hair ties away from your dog is to put them away. L
In addition, training your dog to “drop it” or “leave it” helps your fur baby learn to give you whatever he has in his mouth—before he can eat it.
Keeping hair ties out of your dog’s reach will ensure your fur baby stays healthy and happy!
The good news is that in most cases, with prompt treatment, your dog will go on to live a very happy and healthy life once he recovers!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now
