My Dog Ate Absorbent Pad Meat Tray What Should I Do?

When you buy meat at the grocery store, there’s usually some type of pad under the meat. Some of these pads are thicker, while others are more like a sheet of paper. Have you ever wondered what these are?

Dogs don’t wonder about these pads at all. In fact, if they have chance, many dogs will dig in the trash to find this soaking, bloody treasure! Then they may lick or even eat this pad. Can the pad make your dog sick?

What are Absorbent Meat Pads?

These pads are made of absorbent materials and are placed in the meat tray to soak up fluids that leak out of meat. It keeps the fluids from pooling in the package, which would look pretty gross. Who would want to buy an oozing package of meat? But the pads do even more than that.

Not only do the pads absorb the fluid, but they also keep these fluids from dripping all over kitchen surfaces. This keeps potentially harmful bacteria off your counters and other areas. Plus, the pads also keep bacteria from growing in the meat.

These pads are made of paper that have a plastic liner that has either includes a silica gel or cellulose. These are coated in a non-toxic plastic wrapping that has small holes throughout. Liquid from the meat goes through the holes and is held in place by the silica gel or cellulose.

All materials in the pad have been approved by the FDA. In fact, these pads and the rest of the meat packaging undergo strenuous testing to ensure they’re safe.

But what about if your dog happens to eat one of the pads?

Absorbent Pads Can Be Dangerous for Dogs

While nothing in the absorbent meat pads is toxic, the pads can still cause a problem if swallowed. In some dogs, the pad may pass right through and not cause a problem. However, in other dogs, the pad can be stuck in the intestines and create a blockage. This is called an intestinal blockage, and is a very dangerous medical condition in dogs.

An intestinal blockage may result because the pads are very absorbent. As they soak up liquid in the dog’s digestive tract, the pads expand. This is how they can lead to a blockage.

Symptoms of an Intestinal Blockage in Dogs

You may notice these symptoms if your dog has developed an intestinal blockage:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Lack of appetite
• Painful, swollen stomach
• Lethargy

If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, then call the vet immediately. This is a life-threatening medical emergency. Your dog needs help now.