What To Do If Dog Eats Pee Pad? Simple Guide

Dogs are curious animals by nature and will explore their environment with their noses, mouths, and paws. This includes smelling and tasting anything and everything that they come across. Pee pads can be a tempting target for dogs, as the scent of urine is strong. Here we will discuss what to do if dog eats pee pad. We will give you some tips on how to deter your dog from eating pee pads and what to do if they eat one.

Things To Do If A Dog Eats A Pee Pad:

If your dog ate a pee pad, you may be wondering what to do. Here are a few things you can do:

Call Your Veterinarian:

Your veterinarian will be able to tell you whether or not eating a pee pad is harmful to your dog and will provide appropriate instruction and care if necessary.

Try To Induce Vomiting:

If the dog ate the pee pad within the last two hours, you can try to induce vomiting. This will help to remove the absorbent material from the dog’s digestive system before it has a chance to be broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream.

Give The Dog Plenty Of Water:

Make sure the dog has plenty of fresh water to drink. This will help to flush the absorbent material out of the dog’s system.

Watch For Signs Of Gastrointestinal Distress:

Signs of gastrointestinal distress include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. If you notice any of these signs, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

Give The Dog A High-Fiber Diet:

A high-fiber diet will help to move the absorbent material through the dog’s system and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal distress.

Monitor Your Dog for Any Signs 0f Illness:

Symptoms of illness after ingesting a pee pad can include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive licking or salivation, weakness, and lethargy. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Clean Up The Mess:

Inspect the area where the pee pad was eaten for pieces of the pad that may have been ingested by your dog. If you find any pieces, dispose of them immediately.

Discourage Your Dog From Eating Pee Pads:

If your dog likes to eat pee pads, try to discourage this behavior by providing alternative toys and chewable for your dog to gnaw on instead.

Keep An Eye On What Goes Into The Trash:

If you use pee pads and dispose of them in the trash, make sure to keep the lid to the trash can closed so that your dog cannot get into it and eat the pads.

Be Prepared For Accidents:

If you are using pee pads with your dog, be prepared for accidents by having extra pads on hand in case one is eaten.

Talk To Your Veterinarian About Other Options:

If you are concerned about your dog eating pee pads, talk to your veterinarian about other options, such as dog food or supplements that may help discourage this behavior.

How Can We Determine if A Dog Eats A Pee Pad?

There are a few ways to determine if a dog eats a pee pad:

Check The Dog’s Feces for Evidence Of The Pee Pad:

Look for small, black pellets that are cylindrical in shape and about 1/4 inch long. These pellets are formed when the dog’s digestive system breaks down the absorbent material in the pee pad.

Place A Piece Of Fresh Meat:

Place a piece of fresh meat (or another favored food) on top of the pee pad. If the dog eats the food, it means he ate the pee pad as well.

By Pouring Apple Cider Vinegar:

Pour a little bit of apple cider vinegar on top of the pee pad. If the dog licks or eats the vinegar, it means he ate the pee pad.

By Using Food Coloring:

Add a few drops of food coloring to the center of the pee pad. If the dog licks or eats the food coloring, it means he ate the pee pad.

By Checking For Chew Marks:

Look for chew marks on the edges of the pee pad. If you find any, it means the dog has eaten the pee pad.

What Are The Disadvantages if A Dog Eats A Pee Pad?

A few disadvantages of a dog eating a pee pad are as follows:

• A dog eating a pee pad can lead to intestinal blockage. Pee pads are usually made out of absorbent materials like polyacrylate, which can cause gastrointestinal obstruction if ingested by a dog.
• Eating pee pads can also cause dogs to develop severe cases of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that often results in vomiting and diarrhea. It is a very serious condition that can be life-threatening if not treated properly.
• Dogs that eat pee pads may also experience constipation or diarrhea due to the absorption of the pad’s materials into their digestive system.
• Ingesting pee pads can also lead to weight gain in dogs since the pads are high in calories.
• Finally, eating pee pads can increase a dog’s risk of developing bladder or urinary tract infections. The bacteria from the urine on the pad can easily enter the dog’s system and cause an infection.

Conclusion:

If your dog has eaten a pee pad, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Depending on how much of the pad was ingested, the vet may induce vomiting or give your pup activated charcoal to help absorb any toxins. In most cases, if there are no other complications, your dog will make a full recovery. Pee pads can be dangerous for dogs and should be kept out of their reach.