A dog’s curiosity can lead to a lot of absurd behaviors. Dogs can swallow a variety of strange objects, but their obsession with bloody tampons is particularly puzzling. Things are made worse by the fact that your dog companions may risk their lives by eating tampons.
What to Expect at the Vet When Your Dog Has Injested a Tampon
Depending on his condition, your dog will receive a different type of treatment.
Your dog’s vitals will likely be checked and a basic examination will be done by your veterinarian first. Additionally, he or she will question you regarding the timing of the incident and your dog’s behavior.
The veterinarian will then likely try to find the tampon (and anything else he might have eaten from the trashcan) after that. Typically, this will start with a quick look inside your dog’s mouth to see if the tampon string is stuck there. If so, it might be easier to remove.
Your veterinarian may use an endoscope, which is essentially a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera at the end, to look down your dog’s throat if the tampon isn’t visible in your pet’s mouth. If this is unsuccessful, your veterinarian may order an X-ray to try to find the tampon. Technically, tampons don’t appear on X-rays, so your veterinarian will instead look for trapped food or gas, which will show where the tampon is.
If your veterinarian determines that the tampon was only recently consumed and hasn’t traveled very far through the digestive system, he or she may administer an emetic, a medication that causes vomiting (don’t try this at home without first consulting your veterinarian).
If it works, your dog should vomit up the tampon and bounce back fairly quickly. However, surgery might be necessary if the tampon has lodged further down the digestive tract.
First Thing’s First: Is My Dog in Danger From Eating a Tampon?
You should get in touch with your veterinarian as soon as you realize your dog has eaten a tampon and keep an eye on your pet (if you happen to see him doing it, do everything you can to coax him into dropping it).
He is a carnivore, so the blood won’t hurt him, but the actual tampon, which is made of cotton fibers and string, can choke him or obstruct his digestive tract.
These obstructions may stop food, liquids, and gas from passing through your dog’s digestive system. Depending on where the obstruction is, this may not only be excruciatingly painful, but it may also prevent blood from reaching certain areas of your dog’s esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
This may result in necrosis (tissue death), which has a wide range of potential negative effects. In a worst-case scenario, obstructions can lead to death.
Symptoms from blockages can manifest up to four days later, so be cautious for a few days after the incident.
Dogs can consume both used and fresh tampons, though the former appears to be more typical. While some owners might find that repulsive, there is one benefit if your dog consumes a used (as opposed to an unused) tampon: Used tampons are less likely to result in an intestinal obstruction than new tampons are.
This is because an unused tampon will swell more when it comes into contact with your dog’s saliva and stomach acid, whereas a used tampon will cause the cotton to distend.
Be aware that not all dogs who eat tampons get sick or need medical attention. Some people won’t have any issues passing it; just hope he does it privately rather than at the dog park. But regrettably, many dogs will experience issues as a result of consuming a tampon.
The following variables will all have an impact on the relative danger posed:
Hopefully, your dog will pass the tampon through his body, leaving you to deal with some odd-looking poop instead.
Because your dog won’t be the first to consume a used tampon, you shouldn’t be alarmed. However, you should keep an eye out for a few signs that could mean trouble.
Some of the most troubling symptoms include:
Any of these signs may point to a blockage in your dog’s digestive system or an intestine that has become tangled in the tampon’s string. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian right away (even if you’ve already done so) and follow their instructions.
What To Do When Your Dog Eats A Tampon
The best course of action is to call your veterinarian if your dog accidentally ingests a tampon.
If you are unsure of the precise duration, your veterinarian will probably inquire about your dog’s size, when they consumed the tampon, or how long they were left alone.
These inquiries are crucial for determining their course of action because the answers will affect how they will be treated.
We always advise speaking with your vet, whether you do so in person or just by phone, for guidance.
It’s extremely dangerous to wait for any indication of an obstruction because you run the risk of missing the window for complete recovery.
FAQ
Will my dog be OK if he ate a tampon?
Some dogs won’t have any problems passing an ingested tampon, but others might choke, get dangerous intestinal blockages, or get severe (possibly fatal) lacerations from the attached string. If you notice that he’s consumed a tampon, you should call your veterinarian right away.
How long will it take my dog to pass a tampon?
The tampon may be successfully passed through the gut and exit at the other end (after about two to five days) in some very fortunate dogs, but there is always a chance of complications arising.