Dog ate tampon – symptoms, what to do and prevention

Can you tell if a dog ate tampon? If you are suspecting the same but are not certain, learn what the symptoms are, what to do about it and if it will survive.

Dog Ate Tampon

Dogs tend to be attracted to bodily discharge. It is therefore not a wonder to hear owners complain that their dog ate tampon. In most cases, these happen to be used tampons that have been trashed. The whole situation may seem gross but happens quite often. This being the case, what do you do when your dog eats a tampon and will he be safe? We explore these below.

My Dog Ate A Tampon

At times dogs will eat multiple used tampons. Other times they will indulge in single unused tampons. What is the best cause of action and how can you help your dog? Below we explore various aspects involved if your dog ate tampon.

Why Do Dogs Eat Tampons

Right from birth, dogs develop powerful senses of taste and smell. As a result, the tongue and nose become experimental tools. They therefore gain deep knowledge of their surroundings by tasting, licking and sniffing. A new smell can be easily tracked and to experience it, the dog will ingest its source.

Additionally, since they are efficient scavengers, any odor associated with decay is likely to attract them. As a result, the smell of any bodily fluids will get them to the source causing them to test it once it enters their nostrils.

According to dogster.com, the reason why dogs eat nonfood items is because they are omnivorous. This means they could devour anything without reservation. Additionally, behavioral issues, nutritional deficits and malnutrition, anxiety, lack of exercise, stress and boredom could see a dog consuming tampons and other non-food items.

Dog Ate Tampon Symptoms

If a dog ate tampon, the symptoms exhibited will vary depending on where it is located. Where it has proceeded down the digestive tract, some of the signs may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Difficulty in defecating.

Dangers of a Dog Eating Tampon

A dog eating tampon and any other items meant for personal use such as diapers and maxi pads are a significant threat to your pet’s health.

Video: Dog eats tampons....and the aftermath

Where the tampon had a string attached, it could get lodged in parts of the digestive system and get trapped. As it moves down the tract, it could tear off the esophagus, colon or small intestines.

Since tampons are made up of highly absorbent material for efficiency in maintaining personal hygiene, the same quality could wreak havoc once inside the dog’s body.

Once the tampon absorbs liquid from the digestive tract, it increasingly occupies a larger surface area. In case it gets lodged in the small intestines, the tampon robs the dog off a lot of fluids and also causes intestinal blockage. As a result, the digestive process becomes partially inhibited from completion.

My Dog Ate a Tampon Will he be Ok?

Once your dog has engaged in this gross delicacy, the most immediate question is likely to be “My dog at a tampon, will he be okay?” The first thing you should do is gain composure. Avoid panicking and do the following:

1. Where you are certain that your dog has eaten a tampon, monitor his excrement for the next 24-48 hours. During this time, it is possible for the dog to pass the tampon on its own.
2. In case you start noticing any of the signs of obstruction discussed and where the tampon is not passed after 48 hours, consult your veterinarian.
3. The vet may have to conduct ultrasounds and X-rays to locate the exact point at which the tampon is lodged.

CAUTION: Never wait for too long without seeking professional help. Long term obstruction by a tampon could cause tearing of the intestinal walls, internal bleeding, inflammation and severe dehydration. Seek help as soon as you can.

Video: Girl Eating Her Tampon (The Tampon Video) Reaction

Dog Ate Tampon Now Vomiting

Drooling and vomiting are signs of sickness in a dog. In case your dog ate a tampon and is now vomiting, that is a clear indication that they are unwell. The vomiting could be as a result of obstruction in the digestive system.

Video: Dog digests tampon

In case your dog ate tampons and vomits them out, there should be no cause for alarm. Just keep observing them for any additional symptoms. However, if the tampon is not vomited out, this should be a tell tale sign that immediate help is needed. Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

My Dog Ate a Tampon What Do I Do – Treatment When Dog Eats Tampon

Tampons are designed to swell when they absorb liquids. They are also made up of material that is indigestible. It is therefore important that the dog gets necessary attention to avoid health complications. When a dog eats a tampon, there are various treatment options available depending on location of the tampon and time passed since it was ingested. Immediately a tampon is ingested, consult your veterinarian. They will guide you into any of the following treatments.

1.      Induce Vomiting

Where it has been less than two hours since your dog ate tampon, you could induce vomiting. This can be achieved through various means. It is however recommended that you use three percent hydrogen peroxide to make a dog vomit safely.

Simply use an eye dropper or syringe to give a dosage of a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide for every 10 pounds of dog weight. Wait for at least 15 minutes and see if your dog vomits. If it does not, repeat dosage for up to three times. If nothing happens after the third dose leave it at that.

2.      Observe Your Dog

Where vomiting does not work, you should watch your dog to see if they will pass the tampon in their feces. This is mostly possible in large dog breeds. In case the tampon in question was unused, you can help prevent the plastic casing from scrapping the walls of intestinal walls. To achieve this, feed your dog about one slice of high fiber bread. This will wrap around the tampon thus protecting the lining of the digestive system.

It is advisable to observe the dog for up to 48 hours to see if they are going to pass it. Once this time lapses, the vet’s intervention will be necessary since further delay in removal may cause abdominal obstruction. This could have negative long term implications.

Medical Procedures for a dog that has Eaten a Tampon

Where your veterinarian deems it right, they will conduct Xrays to locate the exact placement of the tampon. Where the location is suitable, a fiber optic endoscope may be used to remove the tampon.

In cases where some damage has been done to the digestive tract or where the tampon is located deep in the digestive system, a surgery may be recommended. Once conducted and the tampon removed, your dog will be given medication to manage the pain. A follow up may also be scheduled.

Preventing Dog from Ingesting Tampons

If your dog eats tampons frequently, it is important to put into place measures that will stop it from engaging in this kind of bloody and dirty snacking. Dogs can sense the smell of a used tampon easily. It it therefore important to secure the tampons in small trash bags before disposing them in the bin.

To make it even harder for your pooch to reach them, invest in a high quality bin whose lid can secure the content. To keep your dog off unused tampons, keep them away in areas the dog cannot reach.

Sources and References

• Dogster.com: Why Do Dogs Eat Hazardous Things, and What Can We Do About It?
• Petmd.com: Foreign Objects Stuck in the Throat in Dogs
• Petmd.com:  Why Tampons are Not a Dog’s Best Friend
• Pethelpful.com: Symptoms of Intestinal Blockage
• Justanswer.com: What Do I Do if My Dog Just Ate Tampons?

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