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Dog ate a sanitary pad. Should I induce vomiting or watch for signs?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labradoodle | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 7 months old | 50 lbs

I mistakenly left a used pad in the only uncovered trash can in our house and of course, Phoebe found it. I can only see scraps of the wrapper so she definitely ate the entire thing. Is it safe to just watch her bowel movements or should I give her a small amount of peroxide to help her throw it up? She's been acting fine since it happened.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 26th, 2017

Oh no, that was naughty of Phoebe to eat the pad! I do not recommend inducing her to vomit at home with peroxide (H2O2). The reason is that H2O2 can and does cause severe esophagitis and gastritis, often worse than the initial problem, so it's always preferred to advise emergency care. Also, we have no way of knowing whether the dog is debilitated and has a greater chance of aspirating. The best thing to do is have her seen by an ER vet now to safely induce vomiting with a shot to get the pad out of her to prevent an obstruction. Otherwise, you can watch her for signs of obstruction with include vomiting, anorexia, lethargy, diarrhea, and/or constipation. If you see any of those signs, she will need to see a vet immediately.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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