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Dogs are wonderful companions, but sometimes they can get into a lot of trouble! Especially dogs that love to eat anything and everything! Some dogs seem to have a penchant for towels, of all things. But what happens if a dog eats a towel?
Has your dog eaten a towel? Are you worried the towel will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about towels and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What are Towels?
A towel is an absorbent cloth used for drying or wiping a surface or body. They’re made to draw in moisture when in contact with a wet surface.
There are many types of towels, including bath towels, hand towels, beach towels, wash clothes, and more. In your own home, you probably have various towels for any number of uses!
While towels are safe when used correctly, what happens if a dog eats a towel?
Towels & Dogs
Unfortunately, towels can be dangerous if eaten by a dog. But why would a dog eat a towel in the first place? It’s possible a kitchen towel was used to clean up meat juices. This is all it would take to attract a dog and entice him to eat the fabric. In other cases, it may a dog’s curiosity or playing that turned into devouring the towel. In some cases, it’s hard to say why a dog would eat a towel.
But one thing is sure, and that’s a towel can make a dog sick. The problem is that towels are made to be absorbent. Once eaten, the towel could absorb fluid in the stomach and intestines. This could cause an obstruction. Digestive tract obstructions can be life-threatening if not treated.
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Ask a Vet Live NowWhat to Do If Your Dog Has Eaten a Towel
First, don’t panic. Try to determine if your fur baby has eaten the entire towel or just a small piece. Next, check your dog to see if he’s showing any symptoms of illness. At this point, do not induce vomiting. Making your dog vomit up the towel could cause more damage and/or cause him to choke.
Now, you’re ready to call the vet with the details you’ve gathered. Be sure to let the vet know your dog’s age, weight, and size, too. All of this information will help the vet determine the right next steps.
If your dog has eaten a large portion of the towel, the vet may ask you to bring your dog in right away. They will check your fur baby for obstructions. If they find an obstruction, the vet may need to perform emergency surgery to remove the blockage safely.
The good news is that dogs who receive prompt medical care usually make a full recovery! And in the future, it’s a good idea to make sure all towels are out of your dog’s reach. Prevention is always the best medicine!
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.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
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