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My dog ate gauze after surgery. When should I worry about blockage?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Goldendoodle | Male | neutered | 1 year old | 33 lbs

my dog is healing from a leg surgery and ate some gauze and plastic tape even with the e-collar on at all times. This occurred about 12-15 hours ago. This morning i went to check on him and he had vomited a whole 2x2 gauze pad up and also passed some when he had a bowel movement this morning. However his stool was slightly runny. He has been eating (lost some interest in dog food), drinking, pooping and acting normal. Should I just keep an eye on him to make sure he's gotten rid of it all?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 29th, 2017

How naughty of Charlie to do that. It sounds like he may have vomited it all up, which would be the best case scenario here. Since he is still passing stool and eating well, it is ok to monitor him for the next 24 hrs to see how things pan out. Try offering him a bland diet of boiled plain chicken and rice or cottage cheese for the next few days, then slowly introduce his regular kibble back. If he continues to vomit, becomes lethargic, or has a loss of appetite then I would be concerned about a possible blockages and recommend he be seen. I hope everything works out well for your pet Charlie. Best wishes and take care.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Eryn Taormina, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 23rd, 2019

    Hi there! Im so sorry to hear about Charlie's troubles.
    It sounds like Charlie is likely in the clear, but I often have clients just keep a close eye for 7 days to be safe.
    Based on how the gastrointestinal tract moves 3 days and seeing the material pass is a very good sign. It shows things are moving along.
    Things can always get stuck in different places though, depending on how big or long they are. I would just keep an eye on Charlie for a full week like I said, and if he has any diarrhea or vomiting, won't eat, or doesn't seem to feel well, I'd have him checked right away!
    I hope you find this answer helpful. Best of luck!

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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