Most pet parents, who have doggie fur babies, will know that sometimes their beloved pups get in the trash and eat whatever’s there. This can be disturbing to new pet parents. It’s also gross to us, especially when our dog has eaten something like a tampon. Why would he eat that? Dogs are attracted to anything that smells like their pet parents. That’s a fact. It might be tampons, used underwear, dirty socks, etc. Your dog may rummage around on a regular basis to find something that smells like you.
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Other times, dogs use their mouths to explore their environment and what’s in it, including trash. They’re curious by nature, so want to see what something is and if it’s edible or not. Tampons can be dangerous, though, because they’re made to absorb fluid. Once in a dog’s digestive system, the tampon will absorb gastric juices used for digestion. Tampons that are unused are more dangerous, as they’ll be able to absorb even more liquid than a used one. And they’ll swell, which could lead to an intestinal blockage, which is a life-threatening medical issue.
What to Do if Your Dog Ate a Tampon
First, stay calm. You don’t want to freak out your pup, which will only make matters worse. Try to figure out how many tampons your pup just ate. Then call the vet right away.
The vet will offer guidance on what to do next, which could include monitoring your fur baby’s condition (appetite and stools), or x-rays and a physical exam. If the vet advises you to monitor your pup, then you’ll need to watch for these signs of bowel obstruction:
- Painful abdomen
- Constipation
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
If your dog shows any of these signs and symptoms call the vet and take your fur baby there immediately. This could be a life-threatening emergency.
After the Scare is Over
Once the issue’s been resolved, it will be necessary to take all measure to keep your canine companion out of the trash!
You might consider a dog-proof wastebasket such as the Stainless Steel Bathroom Slim Profile Trash Can. This wastebasket comes with a 10-year warranty and is perfect for small places, such as a bathroom or bedroom. The trash can features a removable inner bucket and only opens when the strong steel pedal is pushed. It’s almost impossible for your pup to get into this wastebasket!
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.
Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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