So, How Long Will It Take For a Dog To Pass The Tampon?
If your dog ate a tampon, you may be wondering how long it will take for them to pass it. Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this question as it can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of your dog and the size of the tampon.
In general, it can take up to 72 hours for a dog to pass a tampon. However, this is not always the case.
If the tampon is small and your dog is a large breed, they may be able to pass it within a day or two. On the other hand, if the tampon is large and your dog is a small breed, it may take longer for them to pass it.
It’s important to note that not all dogs will pass a tampon on their own. If the tampon is causing a blockage in their intestines, they may require medical intervention to remove it. This is especially true if your dog is showing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
If you suspect that your dog has eaten a tampon, it’s important to monitor them closely for any signs of distress. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any symptoms or if your dog is unable to pass the tampon within 72 hours.
What to Do If Your Dog Ate a Tampon
If you suspect that your dog has eaten a tampon, it is essential to take immediate action. Here are some steps you can take to help your dog:
What to Do Immediately
- Contact your veterinarian: Call your vet immediately and explain the situation. They will give you advice on the next steps to take. If your vet is not available, you can contact an emergency animal hospital.
- Do not induce vomiting: Do not try to make your dog vomit unless instructed by a vet. Inducing vomiting can cause more harm than good in some cases.
- Monitor your dog: Keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior and symptoms. If you notice any signs of distress, contact your vet immediately.
- Keep the tampon: If possible, keep the tampon that your dog ate. Your vet may need to examine it to determine if surgery is necessary.
Monitoring Your Dog
If your dog has eaten a tampon, it is essential to monitor them closely for any signs of distress. Here are some things to look out for:
- Vomiting: If your dog starts vomiting, it could be a sign of a blockage or other complications. Contact your vet immediately.
- Lethargy: If your dog seems lethargic or weak, it could be a sign of an obstruction. Contact your vet immediately.
- Loss of appetite: If your dog stops eating or drinking, it could be a sign of a blockage. Contact your vet immediately.
- Difficulty defecating: If your dog has trouble defecating or has not passed the tampon within a few days, contact your vet immediately.
Remember, every dog is different, and symptoms may vary depending on the size of the dog, the size of the tampon, and other factors. If you are unsure whether your dog is experiencing complications from eating a tampon, contact your vet immediately.
In most cases, dogs will pass the tampon within a few days without any complications. However, if your dog is experiencing symptoms, surgery may be necessary to remove the tampon.
Should You Call The Vet (+ What Will Happen if You Do)
If your dog ate a tampon, you might be wondering whether you should call a vet. The answer is yes, you should call a vet as soon as possible. Even if your dog seems fine, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Here’s what will happen if you do call the vet.
Inducing Vomiting
One of the first things a vet might do is induce vomiting. This is done to try and get the tampon out of your dog’s system before it can cause any harm.
However, inducing vomiting is not always the best course of action, and it depends on how long it has been since your dog ate the tampon. If it has been more than two hours, inducing vomiting might not be effective.
X-Ray Examination
If inducing vomiting is not an option, the vet might perform an x-ray examination to see where the tampon is located in your dog’s digestive system.
This will help the vet determine the best course of action. If the tampon is in your dog’s stomach, the vet might be able to remove it with an endoscope. If the tampon has already passed into your dog’s intestines, surgery might be necessary.
Surgical Treatment
If the tampon is stuck in your dog’s intestines, surgery might be necessary to remove it. This is a more invasive procedure, but it is sometimes the only option.
The vet will make an incision in your dog’s abdomen and remove the tampon. After surgery, your dog will need to be monitored closely to ensure that they are recovering properly.