Do you use duct tape around the house? If so, you’re not alone. Duct tape is a great invention that works for many jobs. Did you know they even use duct tape on the space station to make repairs? It’s true!
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.
What is Duct Tape?
As the name suggestion, duct tape is a strong, flexible sticky tape that’s great for all types of uses. It’s made of a cotton mesh, has a polyethylene coating, and uses a pressure-sensitive adhesive to create a strong bond with many types of surfaces.
Because it’s so strong, duct tape can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications—and even in space! It’s used for everything from home repairs to survivalist applications.
Duct tape is handy to have around, but what happens if a dog eats duct tape?
Duct Tape Can be Dangerous for Dogs
Duct tape can be dangerous for dogs in many ways. For one thing, it can be a choking hazard. This is because it can be stuck to the back of the mouth or in the throat if eaten. If the dog’s airway’s blocked, he could stop breathing.
Another problem is that the tape, if ingested, can cause an intestinal blockage. The dog’s stomach acid is not strong enough to destroy the tape, which can lead to the duct tape passing into the intestines. There, duct tape can cause a very serious medical condition called an intestinal blockage.
And if the tape does happen to pass through the intestines OK, it can still become lodged and twisted in the digestive tract.
If your dog has eaten duct tape and he’s choking, open his mouth to see if you can safely remove the tape. If not, then head directly to the vet’s office. This is a medical emergency.
And if your dog has completely swallowed duct tape, then you should call the vet immediately. Even if your fur baby seems to be OK, it’s good to have the vet’s guidance on this situation.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of an Intestinal Blockage
- You may notice these symptoms if your dog develops an intestinal blockage:
- Stomach pain/bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, then call the vet immediately. This is a life-threatening medical emergency.
As you can see, duct tape is a great invention; however, it’s not great for dogs. So, it’s a good idea to keep it out of your dog’s reach at all times.
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.
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.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now
