My dog ate a napkin. What should I do, and when is it serious?

The napkin that Lucy ate should pass without problem, but do not giving her any more peroxide. If you are really worried, you can take her into an ER vet clinic now to get a shot to induce vomiting, but it's also fine to keep an eye on her.

A small amount will likely cause nothing worse than minor stomach upset. This can typically be managed at home with a short fast followed by a bland diet fed in small, frequent amounts until symptoms resolve. Large amounts of toilet paper may cause a gastric or intestinal obstruction. Monitor for lethargy, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, loss of appetite or abdominal pain. These are symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Dixie. Chances are this paper towel will dissolve in her stomach acid, and I would just keep an eye on her for now. If you see vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or a loss of appetite, then you will need to take her into a vet right away. I hope this helps!

More than likely, Max will be fine. The paper towel should pass through him, and I would monitor his poop to see if it comes out. There is a chance the grease from the fried chicken could cause some problems, such as pancreatitis or GI upset. If Max begins vomiting, especially undigested food, that is a symptom of pancreatitis, and he will need to be taken into a vet right away. I would monitor him for vomiting, not eating, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting water, and not drinking water. If you see any of those signs, take him into your vet immediately.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If Kalua is still acting sick, straining to pass stool, vomitting or not eating you may need to take him to the vet. A paper towel by itself probably wouldn't cause an obstruction but if there was grease on it or he ate something else he could have gastritis, pancreatitis or an obstruction. If he is acting more normal today, feed a bland diet such as chicken and rice for a couple of days (Plain, no fat, skin, bones or seasoning). But if he continues to vomit or not eat, has diarrhea or constipation he should be seen by his vet. I hope he feels better soon.

It can take a few days for a foreign object to fully move through the gastrointestinal tract. I've also seen a dog or two that has had a foreign object that can stay in the stomach for a long time (months) and that causes intermittent problems - this would be pretty unusual for something like a sanitary napkin however. I'd say if you get to three days with no problems you're probably in the clear. It sounds like you know what signs to watch for already but if she does vomit, if her appetite is decreased or if you see diarrhea you should head to your vet.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You should monitor her for signs of vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, lack of appetite. As long as she is bright, has normal energy level, has good appetite and is passing normal stools, she should be fine. However, if you notice any of the worrying symptoms, you should get her checked by your local vets in the morning.