“My dog ate absorbent meat pad!” You must be worried if your dog has done this. You should know that it is one of the most common queries over the internet.
You must be searching over Google whether it’s normal, and most importantly, are meat pads poisonous for dogs? And what should you do in this scary situation?
Don’t worry because you’re not the first pet parent to go through this. This article will fill you with every bit of information you need to handle this troublesome situation. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
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What is Absorbent Meat Pads?
We all usually buy meat from the grocery store. When you do it, you must have seen that it is typically packed with an absorbent meat pad. This absorbent pad prevents spilling juices from your meat into your grocery bag. It also absorbs bacteria, so you won’t end up contaminating your fridge and kitchen countertops.
These pads might seem gross to humans, but they’re very tempting for dogs. Why won’t they be? These pads are soaked with mean juices, and their smell can attract dogs even when they’re playing outdoors.
Dogs are too quick, and within their first attempt, they can grab the absorbent pad from the kitchen countertop, and that too without you noticing it. In this way, they may end up eating the entire absorbent pad.So, if you’re worried that your dog has eaten an absorbent pad, don’t panic.
This article will help you know how dangerous absorbent pads can be for your dogs and what you should do in such a situation.
Are Meat Absorbent Pads Dangerous For Your Dogs?
If your furry friend has eaten an absorbent meat pad, you must be panicking and thinking, “Oh my God! My dog has eaten an absorbent meat pad! What should I do? Will it be okay? Should I take it to the vet?
Firstly, we want you to stop panicking because absorbent meat pads are not toxic. However, the pad can still cause a problem for your dog, if it’s a pup or a small dog. Usually, the pad may pass right through your dog’s system within a day without causing any problem.
However, the pad can get stuck in the intestine in small breed dogs and pups and create a blockage. This medical emergency is known as intestinal blockage and can be a potential threat to your dog.
An intestinal blockage may result because the pads are very absorbent. The pads expand as they soak up the dog’s digestive tract liquid, leading to a blockage.
Symptoms of an Intestinal Blockage in Dogs. You may observe these symptoms if your dog has developed an intestinal blockage:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Lack of appetite
- Painful, swollen stomach
- Lethargy
If your canine friend is showing any of these symptoms, call the vet immediately. It is a life-threatening medical emergency. Your dog needs help now.
What To Do If In Case My Dog Eats An Absorbent Meat Pad?
If your dog has eaten an absorbent pad, monitor him closely for the next 24 hours.
Look out for the symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, etc. Usually, mid-sized and larger dog breeds possess more minor threats than small breed dogs.
Mid-sized to large-sized dogs could pass absorbent pads on their own by vomiting or pooping. However, if they show any symptoms, call your vet immediately.
Moreover, how the dog has eaten the absorbent meat pad and what amount matters. If your dog tore the pad up and then ate it, the gel inside it will pass down easily without causing any blockage.
However, if the dog has eaten the absorbent pad without any tear, the pad may obstruct the digestive system.
So, if the pad doesn’t pass down on its own, take your dog to the vet immediately. Your vet may give a hydrogen peroxide dose to induce vomiting.
It might sound like a simple and more accessible procedure, but you shouldn’t do it yourself. It would be best if you do it in the presence of professionals as a higher dose of hydrogen peroxide is toxic for your dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions on Dog Ate an Absorbent Meat Pad
FAQ 1: Are meat pads toxic?
The absorbent meat pads are made from absorptive materials – cellulose or silica gel, then covered with non-toxic plastic wrapping. So, nothing in a meat pad is toxic, but it can still cause a problem if swallowed by a dog.
FAQ 2: How to tell if my dog has a blockage?
Your dog might be having intestinal blockage if it is showing any of these symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Straining or unable to poop
It would be best to be very careful with your dog as intestinal blockage symptoms could be easy to brush off as merely an upset stomach unless you witness your dog eating absorbent pads.
FAQ 3: How much time does it take to determine whether your dog has an obstruction?
The symptoms of intestinal blockage usually occur within 24 hours after eating complex objects like an absorbent pad or popsicle stick. The time frame may vary depending on the place where the item lodges.
FAQ 4: Can bowel obstruction get clear on its own?
If your dog’s bowel is partially blocked, your vet may tell you to wait for some time until the bowel clears on its own. He may also prescribe a medicine to ease the bowel passage. However, if there is a complete blockage, your dog may require to stay in the hospital and undergo surgery.
FAQ 5: What can you give your dog to help them pass an object?
You can feed a bulky meal of dry food to pass down non-eatable products from your dog’s system.
