Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My puppy ate a feminine pad. Should I go to the vet or wait?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 5 days old | 3.31 lbs

my puppy found a feminine pad in the bathroom, ripped it, and ate a part of it about 30min ago. (it wasn't used) i don't know whether to take him to the ER, wait until tomorrow, or if there's any home remedies so that he can get everything out once he poops. he is about 9 weeks old and weighs 3lbs.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 5th, 2017

Oh no, that was naughty of Theo! Feminine pads are dangerous in that they are meant to absorb liquid, and thus expand when in contact with fluids. This pad can expand in his stomach due to liquids in it, and then cause a blockage in his GI tract. If he does end up with a blockage in his GI tract, he would need surgery to remove it. It would be best to take him into an ER now where he can be safely induced to vomit with a shot to get the pad out and prevent an blockage from occurring. I would take him in immediately, as vomiting has to be induced within two hours after ingestion. Good luck, I hope everything turns out ok with Theo!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC
Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist
Feminine products can cause intestinal obstructions. I would recommend that you take Theo to the nearest veterinary emergency hospital and have vomiting induced. In the event he doesn't vomit, you could have it removed via an endoscope. The last option is to wait and see but if he develops vomiting, it will most likely result in surgery.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on October 21st, 2017
I would be very concerned that the feminine pads are causing Tank's vomiting. These are absorbent and could easily cause a blockage in his GI tract leading to the vomiting. A blockage of the GI tract is fatal without treatment, so I would take him back into a vet now for a physical exam and x-rays. If these pads are blocking his GI tract, he will need surgery to remove them. Please take him into a vet now.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

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

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy ate a pad and vomited. Does she need a vet if she seems okay?

Yes, if your puppy has been vomiting after eating abnormal material, she should absolutely be seen by a veterinarian. Pads can potentially cause obstruction of her stomach or intestines. She should be evaluated and have radiographs performed to rule out an obstruction of her gastrointestinal tract, ASAP.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog ate a feminine pad and is coughing up foam. Is it an emergency?

I would have Roxy seen by a vet immediately. The problem with feminine napkins is that they can easily cause a blockage of the GI tract, and a blockage could use her to hack and cough. If these napkins are still in her stomach, the vet may be able to removed them with an endoscope. Please bring Roxy into a vet now.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog ate a potty pad and is struggling to vomit. What should I do?

I would take Rosie into a vet immediately. The concern with the potty pad is that it could cause an obstruction, which would then lead to surgery. Surgery to fix that would be thousands. It's best to take her into a vet now, who can safely induce vomiting with a shot. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog ate a pee pad. What should I do if he swallowed part of it?

That's a tough one. Simba is so tiny, so a palm size sheet of plastic could possibly cause an obstruction or could pass through in the stool. Your options are to wait and hope it passes, but take him to the vet if he starts vomiting or having a decreased appetite or energy level for x-rays and possible emergency surgery. OR, you take him to an emergency clinic now that has an endoscope and see if they can remove it (which would still require general anesthesia and may not be successful because the plastic may just fall apart when they try to pull it out). There's not a clear right answer here because their are risks with both options. I'd give him a 50-70% chance of passing it on his own. I wish I could give you a more definite answer, but I hope that helps you decide how you want to proceed.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog ate a pad. Yellow poop & constipated. Vet or home care?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The symptoms of gastrointestinal blockage include vomiting, lack of appetite, abdominal pain, small stools or no stools at all. If Sassy ate the incontinence pad a few days ago and she has not developed signs of anorexia and vomiting, most likely she does not have a blockage. If the only worrying sign at the moment is abnormal stool appearance, you should try bland diet for 2-3 days. However, if Sassy looks unwell or starts to vomit, you should take her to your local vets right away.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy ate a pee pad. Now he's vomiting bile & has diarrhea. Should I worry?

It is very possible, and I would be worried if he's now having vomiting and diarrhea, as that may indicate a partial blockage (where some but not all stool is able to properly pass). If his symptoms continue, or none of the pee pad is passing, I would schedule a vet visit immediately to check for foreign body.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share