How Do I Know If My Dog Ate a Tampon? Signs, Dangers, and What to Do Next

Let’s be honest – our fur babies sometimes get into things they shouldn’t And few things are more panic-inducing than realizing your curious pup might have gobbled up something they definitely shouldn’t have eaten.. like a tampon. If you’re frantically searching for answers right now, take a deep breath – we’ve got you covered.

As a pet parent who’s dealt with my fair share of doggy dietary disasters, I understand the worry. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you identify if your dog has eaten a tampon understand the risks and know exactly what steps to take.

Signs Your Dog Ate a Tampon

Sometimes you catch your dog in the act but other times you’re left wondering if they’ve gotten into the bathroom trash. Here are the telltale signs your dog may have eaten a tampon

Immediate Signs

• Empty wrapper or applicator – Finding torn tampon packaging or an applicator without the tampon is a major red flag
• Trash can tipped over – Especially in the bathroom with tampons or wrappers scattered around
• Chewing or gagging noises – If you hear your dog making unusual sounds while alone in the bathroom
• Guilty behavior – That classic “I did something I shouldn’t have” look dogs get when they know they’re in trouble

Early Symptoms (First 24 Hours)

• Vomiting – One of the first signs of a problem
• Loss of appetite – Suddenly refusing to eat
• Unusual lethargy – Acting tired or uninterested in normal activities
• Frequent licking of lips – Can indicate nausea
• Going into ‘downward dog’ position frequently – A sign of abdominal discomfort
• Difficulty sitting or lying down comfortably – May indicate pain

Symptoms of Blockage (After 24+ Hours)

• Continued vomiting – Especially after drinking water
• Complete refusal to eat
• Straining to poop with little or no stool produced
• Bloated or tender abdomen
• Whining or yelping when abdomen is touched
• Constipation or diarrhea that then stops completely

Dr. Sylvalyn Hammond, a veterinarian at Pawp, notes that “Tampons are unfortunately a common cause of intestinal blockage in dogs. The first signs of blockage are typically vomiting and inappetence. Some dogs will experience diarrhea at first, but typically stool production will cease altogether, as nothing is moving through.”

Why Tampons Are Dangerous for Dogs

You might be wondering why a small cotton product is such a big deal. Well, there are several serious risks associated with tampon ingestion:

1. Choking Hazard

The size and shape of tampons make them a significant choking risk. If your dog is gasping, coughing, or struggling to breathe, they could be choking on the tampon and need immediate help.

2. Intestinal Blockage

This is the most common serious complication. Tampons can:

• Expand in the stomach or intestines (especially unused ones)
• Create a partial or complete blockage
• Prevent food and water from passing through
• Lead to tissue death if left untreated

3. Internal Injuries

Tampons, especially those still in plastic applicators, can cause:

• Tears in the digestive tract
• Internal bleeding
• Perforation of intestines

4. Toxic Shock Risk (Used Tampons)

While rare, used tampons contain bacteria that could potentially cause infection.

What To Do If Your Dog Ate a Tampon

If you suspect or know your dog ate a tampon, time is of the essence. Here’s what you should do:

1. Contact a Vet Immediately

This is not a wait-and-see situation. Call your vet right away or use an online vet service if it’s after hours. At Petadise, we recommend having an emergency vet contact saved in your phone for situations exactly like this.

The vet will likely ask:

• When you think the tampon was consumed
• If it was used or unused
• If the applicator was also eaten
• Your dog’s size and weight
• Any symptoms you’ve observed

2. DO NOT Try to Induce Vomiting Without Veterinary Guidance

While inducing vomiting might seem like a good idea, it can be dangerous to do without professional advice. The vet will tell you if this is appropriate based on:

• How long ago the tampon was swallowed
• Whether the applicator was also consumed
• Your dog’s current symptoms

3. Monitor Your Dog Closely

While waiting to speak with a vet or heading to their office:

• Watch for changes in behavior
• Note any symptoms
• Keep your dog calm and comfortable
• Restrict food temporarily (but not water) unless directed otherwise by your vet

What Will the Vet Do?

The vet’s approach will depend on when the tampon was consumed and your dog’s symptoms:

If Recently Consumed (Within 2 Hours)

• Induced vomiting – The vet may give medication to make your dog throw up the tampon
• Physical examination – To check for signs of distress or blockage
• X-rays – To locate the tampon if vomiting doesn’t produce it

If Consumed Hours or Days Ago

• X-rays or ultrasound – To locate the tampon in the digestive tract
• Blood tests – To check for signs of infection or organ issues
• IV fluids – To keep your dog hydrated
• Monitoring – In some cases, they’ll monitor to see if the tampon passes naturally
• Surgery – If there’s a blockage that won’t resolve on its own

Will the Tampon Pass on Its Own?

This is the million-dollar question. The honest answer is: sometimes, but you should never count on it.

Small dogs are at much higher risk for blockage than large dogs. A Great Dane might pass a tampon without issue, while a Chihuahua would likely need intervention.

Factors that affect whether a tampon will pass include:

• Your dog’s size
• Whether the tampon was used or unused (unused ones expand more)
• If the tampon has created a blockage
• How long it’s been since ingestion
• Whether the plastic or cardboard applicator was also consumed

Even if you think your dog might pass the tampon naturally, veterinary consultation is essential. The risks of waiting are simply too high.

Preventing Future Tampon Incidents

Once you’ve handled the current crisis, let’s make sure it doesn’t happen again:

Secure Your Bathroom

• Keep bathroom doors closed when not in use
• Use childproof door handles if your dog is clever with doors
• Store feminine products in closed cabinets or drawers

Upgrade Your Trash Cans

• Invest in pet-proof trash cans with secure lids
• Consider a bathroom trash can with a foot pedal and tight-fitting lid
• Empty bathroom trash frequently, especially during menstruation

Double-Bag Used Products

• Place used tampons in small plastic bags before putting them in the trash
• Tie the bags securely to contain odors that might attract your dog
• Some pet parents use dedicated diaper disposal systems for feminine products

Training

• Work on “leave it” and “drop it” commands
• Consider bitter apple spray on trash cans if your dog is particularly persistent

Our Experience at Petadise

At Petadise, we’ve helped many panicked pet parents through tampon-eating incidents. In almost every case, quick veterinary intervention led to a positive outcome. The worst outcomes we’ve seen were with pet parents who waited too long, hoping the problem would resolve itself.

One of our regular clients, Sarah, had a scare when her Beagle mix Lucy got into the bathroom trash and consumed a tampon. Sarah noticed right away because Lucy had the wrapper in her mouth and the trash was scattered across the floor. She immediately called our emergency line, and we advised her to bring Lucy in right away.

Because Sarah acted quickly, we were able to induce vomiting and retrieve the tampon before it caused any damage. Lucy was back to her playful self by the next day. Had Sarah waited, Lucy might have needed surgery.

FAQ About Dogs and Tampons

Q: Is a used tampon more dangerous than an unused one?
A: Both are dangerous, but in different ways. Unused tampons can expand more in the digestive tract, potentially causing bigger blockages. Used tampons contain bacteria but may be less likely to expand significantly.

Q: How long does it take for symptoms of a blockage to appear?
A: Vomiting and loss of appetite can start within hours of ingestion. More severe signs of blockage typically develop within 24-72 hours.

Q: How much will treatment cost?
A: Cost varies widely depending on required treatment:

• Examination and induced vomiting: $100-$300
• X-rays and monitoring: $200-$500
• Emergency surgery: $1,500-$5,000+

This is why we always recommend pet insurance!

Q: What if my dog ate the plastic applicator too?
A: Plastic applicators increase the risk of internal cuts and tears. This makes veterinary intervention even more urgent.

Q: My dog has eaten weird things before and been fine. Should I still worry?
A: Absolutely. Each foreign object poses different risks, and tampons are particularly problematic because they expand and can cause blockages.

Bottom Line: Don’t Wait!

If you suspect your dog has eaten a tampon, please don’t delay seeking veterinary care. What might seem like a minor issue can quickly become life-threatening if a blockage develops.

At Petadise, we’ve seen too many cases where waiting made the difference between a simple procedure and major surgery. Your quick action could save your dog’s life and prevent unnecessary suffering.

Have you ever dealt with your dog eating something they shouldn’t? Share your experience in the comments below – your story might help another pet parent recognize the signs and take action quickly!

Stay pawsome,
The Petadise Team