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Dogs love to play with just about anything that’s on hand. From shoes to yarn, your dog will find a way to play with it! Some dogs may even go after wool! Why, there’s no telling. Maybe it’s the texture or the smell of wool that attracts the dog. But sometimes a dog can get carried away and even eat what he’s playing with, including wool! But what happens if a dog eats wool?
Has your dog eaten wool? Are you worried that the wool will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about wool and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Wool?
Wool is a fiber made from sheep’s (or other animals’) hair. This animal fiber is natural and contains proteins and lipids. Once the wool is shaved off the animal, it is then cleaned and manufactured into various products, including yarn used to make clothing and fibers that can be made into carpets and other textiles.
In addition, wool is sometimes used to make dog toys. These are very popular products for dogs.
While wool is safe for most uses, what happens if a dog eats wool?
Wool & Dogs
The good news is that wool is not toxic to dogs. However, eating wool could cause some serious health issues. One of the main problems is that any form of wool (such as felt, fabrics, and yarn) could cause an intestinal blockage in a dog. This is a very dangerous condition that can lead to death if not treated promptly.
While wool is not toxic, even a small amount could cause some digestive issues in dogs. This could include diarrhea and vomiting. It’s possible that a small amount of wool could cause these symptoms but pass through the dog’s system without causing additional problems. However, it depends on whether the wool is in string form, how much wool is eaten, and the size of the dog.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Wool Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten wool:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Abdominal pain & swelling
- Restlessness
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Treatment of Wool Ingestion in Dogs
Treatment will depend on the vet’s diagnosis. If the vet determines your dog has an intestinal blockage, it may be necessary to perform surgery on your canine companion. The vet will remove the wool and repair any damage it may have caused.
The vet will also treat other symptoms as they arise. In many cases, your fur baby may need an IV for fluids and to administer medications. And depending on your dog’s condition, he may need to be hospitalized until he’s in stable condition.
The prognosis is best for dogs that receive prompt treatment after eating wool. So, if your dog likes to eat anything made of wool, it’s best to keep such items out of his reach, including wool dog toys. You’ll both be happier for it!
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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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