Dogs are known for eating strange things. Think of the stuff dogs may dig out of the kitchen waste basket! No matter how gross the “snack” may be, many dogs will it this with relish!
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Dogs also eat a lot of other things such as dental floss. Should you be worried?
Dental Floss if Dangerous for Dogs
Dental floss can be very dangerous for dogs. The reason is that the minty taste may attract a dog. He wants to eat the thing that smells so yummy! So, he eats it.
If your dog eats a small piece of dental floss, it probably won’t make him sick. It should pass right through his digestive system without too much trouble. However, if the floss is longer, it could become balled up, creating a bowel obstruction.
Another issue is that the floss could tie off your dog’s intestines, which is also extremely dangerous.
Symptoms a Dog Has Eaten Dental Floss
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has chowed down on dental floss:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Swollen abdomen
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Constipation
- Loose string coming from dog’s rear end.
The last point is important. Many people would try to pull the string out, thinking they were helping their dog. But just the opposite is true. Because you don’t know if the string is stuck or not, then you could cause major intestinal damage.
A bowel obstruction is a very dangerous medical emergency. If you notice any of these symptoms, please call your vet right away.
The vet may be able to induce vomiting through the use of medications. This would be the best way to get the floss out. However, in many cases, the vet may need to do surgery to remove the dental floss.
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Ask a Vet Live NowPrevent Your Dog from Eating Dental Floss
If your dog seems to have a penchant for your floss, then you’ll want to put it where he can’t reach it. It may also be a good idea to take your dog to the vet for an exam. Some dogs make it a habit to eat things they shouldn’t. This could be caused by a behavioral issue.
One more note, it’s not a good idea to leave dental floss in the bathroom waste basket. This way, he’ll have access to the floss without too much trouble. You could opt for a special waste basket that’s dog-proof. You’ll both be better off if your fur baby can’t access the floss!
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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