Category: Ask the Vet

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My Dog Ate a Sock But Is Acting Normal, Should I Worry? (Vet Answer)

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What to Do
What Can Happen If a Dog Eats a Sock
FAQ

Most dogs love to put things in their mouths, especially things that are pungent or interesting, such as a sock. While socks aren’t toxic, they can cause some pretty serious complications in your dog’s body. If your dog happens to eat a sock, first stay calm, then call your veterinarian. They will be able to advise you on the next steps to take which may likely include a veterinary visit. Read on for more.

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What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Sock

Whether you actually witness your dog wolfing down a sock or notice that one is missing from the laundry hamper and your dog has a suspicious grin on, there will likely be a lot of questions streaking through your brain. Fortunately, we can help you answer some of those questions so you can focus on the issue at hand.

1. Stay Calm

This is likely easier said than done, but nothing good ever comes from panic. So, try to keep your emotions on an even keel so that you can do what’s best for your dog with a clear head. Take a few deep breaths while you remove your dog from the situation to prevent them from eating anything else, and give them a quick look over to check for signs of distress, such as difficulty breathing.

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Image Credit: Natallia Miranchuk, Shutterstock

2. Contact Your Vet

If your dog is choking or having difficulty breathing, get them to a vet immediately. If possible, have someone call ahead so that you can focus on driving while the clinic prepares for your arrival.

If your dog simply has a pleased look on their face and seems otherwise fine, still contact your vet. There are many variables at play here, including the size of your dog, the number or size of the socks, and whether or not your dog is showing any signs. Based on these variables, your vet will formulate a game plan, which may include bringing your pup in immediately if removal is necessary or monitoring them at home for passage of the sock the way nature intended.

3. Monitor at Home

If your vet says to get your dog to the clinic immediately, it will likely mean they will induce vomiting or remove the sock via endoscopy or even surgery. This will likely be the option for distressed dogs—either having difficulty breathing or abdominal pain complete with vomiting and possibly constipation. It may also be the option for smaller dogs or those that ate multiple socks in one go.

For dogs that seem to care less about just eating a sock, your vet may recommend watching them at home, but that doesn’t mean you can necessarily sit back and relax. Instead, you need to watch them for any signs of distress. This may mean vomiting, not eating, lethargy, abdominal pain, or constipation. Any of these signs could be an indication that the sock isn’t moving through properly and veterinary attention may be needed.

If your pup continues to feel fine, you’ll want to watch their bowel movements. Within a day or two, you should see the sock in its full form come out with a bowel movement. Things like cotton and other fabrics aren’t digestible, so they won’t be broken down by the digestive tract. If you don’t see the sock within a couple of days, it could be stuck somewhere in the intestines, so you’ll want to contact your vet.

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Image Credit: Pavle Bugarski, Shutterstock.

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What Happens If a Dog Eats a Sock?

Socks seem fairly harmless. They’re soft, small, and aren’t toxic, but they also aren’t meant to be eaten. When consumed, socks won’t be broken down, so they will have to move through the digestive tract as a whole. This becomes a problem because the digestive tract is mainly a series of narrow tubes with many twists and turns for a large item to become lodged.

Choke

The first issue you’ll want to watch out for when your dog eats a sock is choking. This is when something gets lodged in the esophagus, potentially blocking airflow to the lungs. Choking is an emergency, so if your dog is pawing at their mouth, hacking and gagging, or having difficulty breathing, contact your vet immediately. In some cases, your vet will have you perform the Heimlich Maneuver at home.

Intestinal Blockage

The second major issue that can arise from eating a sock is an intestinal blockage. The intestines are a long tube that meanders through the abdomen in a series of twists and turns. Since a sock isn’t broken down in the stomach like your dog’s kibble is, it can become lodged in any of those turns, causing digestion to slow and backup behind it. Dogs with intestinal blockages may show up with vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, and constipation.

Intestinal blockages are considered an emergency, and they may require surgery to fix.

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Frequently Asked Questions

My dog ate a sock but is acting fine, should I be concerned?

Whether or not your dog is showing any issues after swallowing a sock, you should still contact your veterinarian. While they may recommend that you watch your dog at home, they may also recommend bringing them in immediately. Though your dog may be acting fine now, they may not be tomorrow, so you’ll want to make sure your vet is in the loop should treatment be needed.

How long does it take a sock to pass through a dog’s system?

Most things will move through a dog’s digestive system within 24-48 hours. However, sometimes things like socks may take a little bit longer. So, as long as your dog continues to act normal, monitor their bowel movements until you see the sock. However, if your dog suddenly stops eating, starts vomiting, or isn’t having any bowel movements, see your vet as soon as possible.

How can I keep my dog from eating socks?

When a dog eats a sock, it likely isn’t because they are hungry. Rather it may be because they are bored or seeking attention. Of course, you’ll always want to keep socks out of reach of your dog, but also making sure they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and one-on-one attention will hopefully help prevent your dog from eating socks. Speak to your veterinarian if your dog gravitates towards eating non-food items like socks.

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In Conclusion

While it may seem strange, it’s not uncommon for dogs to eat things like socks. If this is something your canine companion has done, keep a cool head and contact your vet immediately. Eating socks can lead to problems like choking and an intestinal blockage, so veterinary treatment may be necessary to remove it before it can wreak too much havoc. Your vet will either remove the sock by inducing vomiting, endoscopy, or surgery or they may advise you to monitor them at home while they pass it naturally. Even if your dog is acting normal after eating a sock, it’s always best to contact your vet.

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The post My Dog Ate a Sock But Is Acting Normal, Should I Worry? (Vet Answer) appeared first on PangoVet.

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Is Permethrin Safe For Dogs? Facts, Advice & Usage (Vet Answer)

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What is Permethrin?
Usage
How Often to Use It?
Side Effects
FAQ

Nobody likes the idea of dousing their pets in chemicals, but nobody likes the idea of fleas, ticks, and other creepy crawlies living on their canine companions either. This puts pet parents between a rock and a hard place when it comes to balancing external parasites. Fortunately, permethrin, when used correctly, is considered safe for dogs. But that doesn’t mean you should use permethrin without first consulting with your vet. Here we’ll break down how to use permethrin properly and safely to keep external parasites at bay.

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What is Permethrin?

Permethrin is an insecticide that belongs to the pyrethroid family. All this means is that acts similarly to a group of compounds that are naturally found in the chrysanthemum flower. It is a man-made product that is used to kill lice and mites on livestock species, mosquitos in urban areas, and fleas and ticks on companion animals. K9 Advantix and Frontline Shield are two topical permethrin products you may be familiar with.

Along with animals, permethrin can also be used on crops, gardens, buildings, and clothing to kill and repel a number of unwanted nuisances.

Permethrin works by disrupting the nervous system of insects, causing spasms, paralysis, and death. Dogs and humans are safe from the effects of permethrin because they can break it down quickly and harmlessly. Insects, on the other hand, can not, making it extremely toxic to them. It’s important to know that cats also can’t properly metabolize permethrin, so it shouldn’t be used on them.

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Image Credit: Virrage Images, Shutterstock

How is Permethrin Used in Dogs?

You’ll most likely run into permethrin as a topical insecticide that you put on your dog’s skin. These medications are absorbed by the skin, providing a metered dosage of permethrin, and other ingredients, throughout a dog’s body for a limited duration to help protect against fleas, ticks, lice, and mites. Other ingredients may be included that will also handle internal parasites, such as roundworms, but that depends on the product.

Topical products containing permethrin will be dosed based on a dog’s weight range. Giving the recommended dose at the recommended frequency is considered safe for most healthy dogs. If your pup has a health condition, be sure to consult your veterinarian before giving your dog permethrin-containing products or any other parasiticides.

You may also find permethrin as an area spray to treat fleas and ticks in your home. These come in a variety of formulations, so you should use them according to the labeled instructions.

How Often is Permethrin Given to Dogs?

Most topical flea and tick products that contain permethrin are labeled to be given roughly once a month, or every 30 days. If you forget to give your pup their next dose, just give it as soon as you remember then readjust your schedule for the next 30 days. Be aware that a lapse in treatment may put your pup at risk of a flea, tick, or otherwise infestation, but giving the next dose as soon as you remember will likely take care of it.

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Image Credit: Dmitriev Mikhail, Shutterstock

Permethrin Potential Side Effects

When used at the recommended dosage and frequency in healthy dogs, side effects are rare, but you may see:

  • Redness, itching, or greasiness at the application site
  • Vomiting or diarrhea if ingested
  • Incoordination, twitching, or behavioral changes

Since permethrin has a rather yucky taste, it’s unlikely that a dog will ingest enough to become a problem, but overdoses can occur. In these cases, your dog may experience neurological signs of incoordination, muscle tremors, or lethargy. Contact your vet if your dog is displaying any unusual signs after using a permethrin-containing product.

Cats can be extremely sensitive to permethrin. If a product is unintentionally used on a cat, it can cause severe neurological issues, and even death. Don’t use permethrin products on cats and don’t allow your cat to be around your dog until the product is absorbed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What bugs does permethrin keep away?

Permethrin works well to kill and repel fleas, ticks, mosquitos, lice, mites, and flies. It can be used as a topical medication for dogs or as an area spray for homes, buildings, and outdoor areas. It can also be used as a spray on livestock.

Is permethrin safe after it dries?

At the proper dose, permethrin is safe to use in dogs, but it can be dangerous to use on a cat. However, once the product is dry, it is typically safe for a cat to be around it. In other words, once your room spray is dry or your dog’s topical is absorbed, it’s considered safe for your cat. If you have any questions, ask your vet.

What should I do if my dog or cat experiences any side effects after using permethrin?

If you notice any of the above signs after using a permethrin product, contact your vet or pet poison hotline immediately and follow their recommendations.  Consult your veterinarian for the appropriate dosage for your dog before use.

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Image Credit: Chutima Chaochaiya, Shutterstock

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In Conclusion

Permethrin is considered safe to use in dogs at the appropriate dose and frequency. It can work wonders against fleas, ticks, mites, and lice when used as a topical and may even help repel mosquitos and flies. Just be sure to consult your veterinarian if your dog has any health issues and to ensure you are using a proper dose. Never use permethrin products on cats.

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Featured Image Credit: luchschenF, Shutterstock

The post Is Permethrin Safe For Dogs? Facts, Advice & Usage (Vet Answer) appeared first on PangoVet.

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My Dog Ate A Condom: Our Vet Explains What To Do Next

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Why Do Dogs Eat Condoms
What Can Happen Next
When To Be Worried
If Your Dog Seems Fine
When To Call The Vet
FAQ

Dogs seem to be renowned for chewing, eating, and swallowing things they shouldn’t, which can be made so much worse when the item they’ve managed to ingest is something slightly embarrassing. If your dog has eaten a condom, it’s understandable that you would prefer to do some online reconnaissance before calling your vet for advice, and this is where we can give you some good news.

If your dog has eaten a condom, they will probably be fine, but there are some exceptions and circumstances you need to be aware of before you can completely relax and get back to what you were doing.

The main factors we need to consider are the size of your dog, if they have any health conditions, allergies, or pertinent surgical history, and whether or not the item in question was still in the packet.

Let’s dive in.

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Why Do Dogs Eat Condoms (and other things)?

Most of the time, our dogs will pick up, chew, or swallow non-food items out of curiosity, playfulness, and sometimes, hunger. This is particularly true if those items happened to be flavored.

There are nutrient deficiencies, behavioral issues, or compulsions that cause some dogs to habitually eat things that they shouldn’t, so if you often find yourself typing the words “My Dog Just Ate A…” into Google, it’s probably worth a conversation with a vet.

Someone once said that nothing moves faster than a dog that’s been asked “what is that in your mouth?”, and that sounds pretty accurate! In fact, some items are probably swallowed by dogs trying to avoid trouble or prevent having their new ‘toy’ taken away. The reasons why a dog might eat are condom are likely to be:

  • the rubbery texture
  • the flavor of the condom (if applicable)
  • the scent/taste of a used condom

That last one might be a bit hard to swallow, but dogs don’t think of bodily fluids in the same way we do. Something that might seem cringeworthy, embarrassing, or disgusting to us, may purely be interesting and appealing to your dog. Although not exactly a nutritious snack, human ejaculate contains a reasonable amount of protein, vitamin C, zinc, B12, fat, and fructose, so your dog may simply view the contents of a discarded prophylactic as similar to a dollop of spilled egg white. It certainly doesn’t make them deviants!

two packs of condoms
Image Credit: Anqa, Pixabay

My Dog Ate A Condom: What Can Happen Next?

In the majority of cases, your dog will be fine and no harm will be done. However, there are a few potential issues that could arise:

  • Intestinal obstruction: any item that is not readily digested has the potential to cause a blockage. This can occur at different locations, but most commonly at the pyloric sphincter (where stomach contents enters the small intestine), along the small intestine, or the ileocecal junction (where the small intestine enters the large intestine).
  • If your dog has previously had intestinal surgery (perhaps from eating something else that caused an obstruction) they may have adhesions or narrowed areas of the intestines, which can make them more likely to suffer from blockages in those areas.
  • Although rare, your dog could be allergic to the materials in the condom, the lubricant, or (if applicable) the flavoring and dyes. They are unlikely to cause a full anaphylactic reaction, but they could result in reactions like hives and itchy skin, gastrointestinal inflammation, or irritation of the mouth and gums.

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My Dog Ate A Condom: When Should I Be Worried?

This is where size, number, and packaging are important.

If your dog is of medium size or larger (ie. larger than around 25 lbs), the chances are high that a condom – even one still in the packet – will make it through the digestive tract without issue. However, there is a chance that the plastic wrapper may cause some irritation and inflammation to the intestinal walls as it passes through. The gut lining is actually pretty tough, so a condom wrapper is unlikely to cause any damage beyond that.

A condom in or outside the wrapper could potentially cause a blockage, and the risk of this is higher for smaller dogs, or if more than one condom has been eaten.

close up of condom packs
Image Credit: Hans, Pixabay

If Your Dog Seems Fine

If your dog seems comfortable and happy, you may wish to monitor them at home. Offer them small meals every 3-4 hours to ensure that they are eating and swallowing normally. This will also encourage the problematic prophylactic to move through the digestive tract. Make sure your dog is drinking plenty of water or eating moist food.

It may take at least 48 hours for the condom to pass, so continue to monitor your dog during this time.

When To Call The Vet

It is never too early to call your vet for advice or speak to a vet online. If you are worried about anything your dog has eaten, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

If you are monitoring your dog at home, here are some red flags that mean you need to overcome embarrassment and contact your vet immediately:

  • if your dog has eaten multiple condoms
  • if your dog appears to be uncomfortable, bloated, or in pain
  • if your dog will not eat or drink
  • if your dog is lethargic
  • if your dog is vomiting, salivating, or unable to keep food or water down
  • if your dog is struggling to pass feces
  • if your dog shows any signs of allergic reaction – hives, itchy skin/ears/feet, rubbing at the face and mouth, swelling around the face and mouth
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Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can My Dog Get An Infection/STD From Eating A Condom?

Fortunately, dogs are not susceptible to any human strains of sexually transmitted diseases. This includes HIV, herpesvirus, and gonorrhea.

Should I Make My Dog Throw Up?

No. Unless specifically directed to do so by a veterinarian, do not make your dog throw up. Depending on the method used and the item/material/toxin ingested, inducing vomiting can make things worse, so never attempt to do this without first contacting your vet.

What About Colorful or Glow-in-the-Dark Condoms?

Because the dyes and chemicals used in some of the more ‘fun’ condom varieties are designed to be used on and in human bodies, they are generally based on safe substances. However, even some humans are allergic to certain dyes, chemicals, and latex, so it is still important to closely monitor your dog for any adverse reactions.

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Final Thoughts

If your dog is in the bad books for eating a condom, the good news is that they will most likely be just fine. However, you will need to keep a close eye on them for the next couple of days to be sure.

If they have eaten more than 1 or 2, you need to contact your vet, and if they are making a habit out of eating your condoms, or any other non-food items, you should make an appointment so your vet can get to the bottom of this problematic behavior.

Dogs that go bin-diving for used condoms are not doing anything weird or sexual; they will simply be curious about the taste and smell, so make sure you discard your used prophylactic in a bin with a lid!

Watch out for signs of allergy, obstruction, or gastrointestinal distress, but hopefully, this little misadventure will go down as just an embarrassing story rather than an emergency trip to the vet.

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Featured Image Credit: Elena Verba, Shutterstock

The post My Dog Ate A Condom: Our Vet Explains What To Do Next appeared first on PangoVet.