My Dog Swallowed My Underwear: Our Vet Explains What to Do
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Dogs are notorious for getting themselves into mischief. We have all experienced Fido chewing on something they aren’t supposed to or have pulled trash from their mouth. So, what happens if your dog eats underwear? First, it is important to not panic; however, you should seek veterinary care. Continue reading to learn more about this possible emergency situation.
What to Do If …
My Dog Just Ate My Underwear
In the event that you just witnessed your dog ingest your underwear or another cloth object, you should contact your veterinarian. Depending on your dog and the amount ingested, your veterinarian may recommend a medication that induces vomiting. This allows for the object to be retrieved before it exits the stomach.
If inducing vomiting is not recommended for your pet for any reason, another option may be retrieval through endoscopy, which is the passing of a scope down the esophagus into the stomach to remove the object.
It will also be helpful to know if the underwear or cloth item was shredded prior to ingestion or if it was swallowed whole.
My Dog Ingested Underwear More Than 6 Hours Ago
If you realize your dog has ingested underwear and some time has passed since the ingestion, you should still call your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will give some specific recommendations based on your situation; there may be a chance the underwear is still in the stomach. A physical exam of your pet will include checking their vital signs and feeling for any abdominal pain. As fabric, such as underwear, does not show up well on x-rays it can be hard to localize where in your dog’s digestive tract it is sitting. However, if the underwear has caused an intestinal obstruction, signs such as a build-up of gas can be seen on x-rays.
If your pet is not showing clinical signs often noted with intestinal obstruction, close monitoring may be recommended. Alternatively, supportive care may be initiated including fluid therapy to help maintain hydration and to facilitate transit of the object, in this case, underwear, through the intestines. Your pet may also need pain relief and anti-nausea medication.
The Risks
The biggest possible concern with the ingestion of underwear or fabric is the potential for gastrointestinal blockage. When an indigestible object is eaten, it has the potential to lodge in the gastrointestinal tract. When this occurs, patients may become anorexic and experience vomiting and lethargy, and it may become increasingly painful. The intestines usually become inflamed and may sometimes even perforate or die off (necrose) due to the blockage; if this happens sepsis and death is a real possibility.
Foreign objects need to be surgically removed when they are causing an obstruction. This surgery is invasive, and complications are possible. In other situations, retrieval may be possible through endoscopy if the foreign object is still located within the stomach.
Some foreign objects may be able to pass on their own; however, that is dependent on several factors, including the foreign object, patient size, concurrent conditions, veterinary intervention and a bit of luck.
Surgical Removal of a Foreign Body
In the event that your veterinarian recommends surgical removal of the underwear, blood work will usually be done prior to the procedure to get a full picture of the patient’s health. During the procedure, the gastrointestinal tract will be thoroughly evaluated for signs of obstruction, bowel compromise, and signs of perforation. In some cases, portions of the intestines may have to be removed if they have become severely damaged. The foreign object will be freed from the gastrointestinal tract through an incision.
Following the procedure to remove the foreign object, your pet will likely stay in the veterinary hospital for care for 12–48 hours or more after the procedure for continued care, depending on your dog’s recovery. It will be important to follow closely the post-operative instructions that your veterinarian will provide you with. Your pet will need to be kept inactive to allow the abdominal incision time to appropriately heal and will need close monitoring, especially in relation to their appetite and bowel motions.
Why Is My Dog Eating My Clothes?
Dogs are attracted to clothes carrying certain scents; don’t forget dogs love sniffing each other’s bottoms while we find this habit totally repulsive! Other dogs are heavy chewers and may just be looking for something to gnaw on. In some situations, your dog may have a medical condition referred to as pica that causes them to seek out nonfood items for consumption.
Prevention
If you know your dog has an affinity towards fabric or undergarments, it is important to set your dog up for success. This includes ensuring clothing is appropriately put away after use and physically blocking access to the desirable items.
Additionally, it is important to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated. A bored dog is more likely to get into mischief. Find a stimulating activity to do with your dog or find a toy that can hold your pup’s attention to minimize boredom.
In Conclusion
If your pet has decided to make a meal out of your underwear or other fabric, it is recommended that you contact your veterinarian. Depending on several factors, your veterinarian will formulate a plan for monitoring and retrieving the foreign object. In some cases, ingestion of underwear may lead to a gastrointestinal obstruction, which can be a surgical emergency. It is critical to set your companion up for success by physically removing their access to inappropriate items they find tempting.
Featured Image Credit: sophiecat, Shutterstock
