As pet parents, it can be very tempting to buy our dogs stuffed animal toys. Why not? They’re so cute and adorable! And dogs seem to love the toys! Some dogs even have a favorite that they keep with them all the time. It’s so cute!
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But what happens when a dog eats some of the toy’s plush fabric? Is the plush harmful to your dog?
What is Plush?
Plush is a type of fabric that is cut in such a way that the fabric develops a pile, which is similar to velvet. It’s a very soft fabric, which feels so luxurious. Do you have a plush housecoat? Then you know what what we mean, it’s a very soft, comfortable fabric.
Plush dog toys use this same type of fabric, but it’s made from synthetic fibers. Polyester is one of the most commonly used in dog toys.
What happens if your dog eats plush?
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Plush & Dogs
It’s ironic, but the very fabric of plush dog toys can cause some serious medical issues if eaten. There are dogs who love to chew up anything and everything, including their plush toys. And some dogs will even eat the plush fabric!
If a dog happens to eat a small portion of fabric, say a very small part of a teddy bear’s ear, there’s a good chance the fabric will pass right through without any problem. However, if the dog eats a large portion of the fabric, things may go wrong.
For one thing, the fabric can cause the dog to choke. Another issue is that the large piece of plush can become lodged in the dog’s intestines, where it may create an intestinal obstruction.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms Your Dog Has Eaten Plush
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten plush fabric:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain & swelling
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, call your vet immediately. This could be a life-threatening emergency.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Plush
If your dog is choking, see if you can remove the fabric safely. But don’t try to reach it from his throat. This could push the plush down farther. If your dog is choking take him to the vet ASAP.
If the dog’s not choking, then look to see how much of the fabric you’re dog’s eaten. If it’s a small piece, chances are he will be OK. The fabric will pass on through and come out in your fur baby’s poop.
If your canine companion has eaten a large part of the fabric, then it’s time to call the vet right away. Your dog should be checked to see if the plush has created a blockage. In some cases, dogs may require surgery to remove the plush if it’s caused an intestinal blockage.
In most cases, your dog will have a full recovery if he receives prompt medical treatment. And in the future, it may be best to avoid buying plush dog toys, as cute as they are.
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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