There are times when a dog injures himself or he has surgery, which requires some part of his body to be wrapped in a bandage. Some dogs like to worry at the vet wrap bandage, shredding pieces of it if they can! Then there are dogs so unhappy with the vet wrap that they use every means to get the wrap off. This may even mean eating the wrap!
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Has your dog eaten a vet wrap? Are you worried the vet wrap will make your dog sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it’s scary when your dog eats something he shouldn’t.
In this article, we’ll take a look at vet wrap and whether or not it can make your dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Vet Wrap?
Vet wrap is a type of adhesive bandage or medical tape. It may be used along with some gauze, depending on the type of injury or wound a dog may have. Vet wrap is amazingly strong and adhesive; even so, many dogs have no trouble chewing the wrapping off!
What’s more, humans sometimes use vet wrap for their own injuries. It’s sometimes used by people in sports for various types of injuries. Every day people may even use it for sprained ankles and more.
But what happens if a dog eats vet wrap?
Vet Wrap & Dogs
As you probably already know, vet wrap is not the best thing for a dog to eat. Unfortunately, the material can lead to a severe medical condition called an intestinal blockage.
If your dog has eaten a small bit of the vet wrap, he should be OK. Just watch to see if the wrap comes out in your dog’s poop. As long as your canine companion is acting normally and eating/drinking/pooping, then he will be OK.
On the other hand, if your dog’s eaten a large amount of vet wrap, he may become sick. It depends on the size of the dog. Smaller dogs who eat a large amount of vet wrap have a higher chance of developing an intestinal blockage than larger dogs. However, larger dogs could also develop this condition.
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Ask a Vet Live NowWhat Symptoms Could My Dog Show with Intestinal Obstruction?
Intestinal obstruction in dogs is a serious condition. It’s possible the vet wrap could block a dog’s stomach and intestines (partially or completely). Blockages can keep food and water from passing through the dog’s digestive system and decrease blood flow. This can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary care.
Something like vet wrap or gauze can easily become lodged in the twists and turns of the dog’s intestines. They can also get stuck in the esophagus or the stomach.
Symptoms of intestinal obstructions in dogs can include the following:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain & bloating
The pain of this condition can cause some dogs to become more aggressive if their abdomen is touched. You may also notice your dog is more tired or lethargic than usual. He may also cry and find it hard to get comfortable.
Treatment of Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs
Treatment for intestinal blockage can be either non-surgical or surgical. It all depends on where the vet wrap is stuck and whether it might pass through on its own. In some cases, the vet may be able to remove the wrap with an endoscopic procedure. If that’s not possible, they may need to perform surgery to remove the vet wrap.
If your dog has surgery for intestinal obstruction, he will need to be hospitalized for a few days. Once your dog has recovered enough, the vet will allow him to return home. It’s important to remember your fur baby is still recovering from major surgery. The vet will give you instructions on your dog’s care, including directions for any prescription medications he may need. Be sure to follow your vet’s instructions carefully.
Call Your Vet Immediately
So, if your dog has eaten a large amount of vet wrap, then it’s best to call the vet right away. Don’t wait for symptoms to start. The vet may be able to remove the vet wrap from your dog’s stomach before it passes through the rest of the digestive tract. Doing this will ensure your fur baby can avoid an intestinal blockage, which is painful and can end in death.
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.
Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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