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My dog swallowed floss. What symptoms should I watch for and for how long?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What is the timeframe that I need to monitor my dog after ingesting floss?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 1st, 2019

Hello. It is difficult to say if & when the floss may pass. In general, things transit the gut of dogs in about 18 hours, but floss can potentially get hung up somewhere. If this just happened, you vet may be able to retrieve the floss with an endoscope. If it has been many hours, I would feed your dog 2 pieces of bread slathered with Vaseline. Feed him a piece at a time. This will bulk up & lubricate any ingesta hopefully moving the floss along. In total, just monitor him over the next 3-5 days for any signs of inappetence, bloating, vomiting or belly pain. Hope all is well in the end & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on May 29th, 2019
A piece of floss may pass without problem. I would keep an eye on Bandit for now. If you see vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or anorexia, then I would be worried and have him seen by a vet. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on May 12th, 2020
Hi there. With a relatively small piece of dental floss like this, there's a good chance it will pass through mixed in her food without causing any problems. You can go ahead and feed her regular dinner now, or give something bulky like a slice of bread torn up into pieces, to help surround the floss and help it to pass.

The biggest concern is that it could become tangled on something and get stuck in the stomach or intestines - this is relatively unlikely in a 20 lb dog with a small piece of floss or string, but still possible. Because of this, I would monitor her for the next 2-3 days for any signs of a problem. Signs of a possible blockage would include repeated episodes of vomiting, not eating, acting painful or lethargic, and/or not having regular bowel movements.

If you see any of these problems, then I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam and x-rays. But as long as she's acting normal, you shouldn't need to worry. :)
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Arya. Honestly, a piece of floss this size shouldn't be a problem in a dog this big. I would think it should pass without complication. But if you notice any nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea I would advise contacting your vet ASAP. Your vet can get a detailed history and then perform a physical exam. They can then advise any other tests which could include blood tests and x-rays if needed. I would advise feeding Arya some canned pumpkin (one tablespoon every 12 hours with her food to increase fiber and hopefully help pass the piece of floss. I would do this for the next 3-5 days and continue to assess her behavior, etc. Good luck with Arya.

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