My dog ate a ketchup packet. Should I worry? What are the next steps?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Ketchup is not harmful to your pet. She will be perfectly ok! : )

  

  23Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  The concern about Bella eating this is not the ketchup but the package itself. There is a chance the package could get caught in her GI system and cause a blockage. If she ate it within the past two hours, you can take her into your vet to induce vomiting. If it's been longer than two hours, you will have to monitor her for signs of obstruction including vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, and lethargy. If you see any of those signs, take her into your vet immediately. Monitor her feces to see if the packet has passed, and if you see no sign of it in 72 hours, you should take her into your vet as it may be stuck. You can try feeding her a diet of 75% rice and 25% boiled white meat chicken (no bones) for the next two to three days. The rice will hopefully move the packet out. Once the packet has passed, she can go back on her normal diet.

  

  18Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

  Veterinarian

  If she ate the packet as well, then it does have a small chance of causing an obstruction. You can feed her 1/2 slice of bread twice a day, and watch out for vomiting and lack of appetite. If you see any of these then it is best to get her checked by your vet for further treatment. However it can pass on its own within the next few days if everything works out.

  

  17Pet Parents found this answer helpful