My Dog Ate a Bandaid: What to Do?

Often, dogs go around sniffing and putting non-edible stuff in their mouth. Due to this reason, dog owners have to be on the constant lookout for what goes into their dogs’ mouths. After all, several weird stories all over the internet talk about how dogs swallow many funny substances.

Now, if you have bandaids at home, there are chances that your dog may have eaten one. So, this becomes a matter of concern for any dog owner as a bandaid can pretty much cause harm to your dog. But, worry not as we’ve come up with everything you need to know and do if your dog ate a bandaid. So, read on.

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What Can You Do if Your Dog Swallowed a Bandaid?

There are a few steps that can relieve you of any tension when your dog swallows a bandaid. But keep in mind that you should also call up a veterinarian to clear any doubts along with following these steps. 

1. Command With Your Language

If your dog has just eaten a bandaid, then you should command them to drop it. Now, training your dog helps a lot in this step. Some excellent commands that you can use include:

  • Simple commands like “drop it now” work a charm if you train well.
  • Other words like “stop right there!” can get your dog’s attention too
  • Don’t do that” is another excellent command to make your dog drop the bandaid.

Whatever be your choice, try to think of powerful statements with a stern voice to train your dog in case of such emergencies.

2. Determine the Number of Bandaids Eaten

If you did see the dog eat the bandaid just then, you probably know the number they ate. Otherwise, you could check your pack and count the number missing if you remember.

But, if nothing works out, and you are unsure of the number of bandaids swallowed, then it is time to consult a vet immediately.

When it comes to the size of bandaids, smaller ones do not pose much threat. People generally store the type of plaster that we put on cuts or bruises. If your dog took one such bandaid, then not much harm is possible. However, if a large number of bandaids went inside, your dog would definitely need urgent help!

Types of bandaids also play a vital role in determining if your dog needs professional help or not. The most common ones include:

  • Bandaids for cuts and bruises: They are smaller ones with limited adhesive and should not be a problem and mostly pass through stool.
  • Bandages for arm slings: They are bigger and have more adhesive. Thus, it becomes a cause for worry as it is hard to make it come out through the stool.

3. Vomiting helps

Looking at a pile of gooey vomit will make people cringe at first sight. Nevertheless, if the sticky tape gets stuck on your dog’s throat, it becomes too uncomfortable for them. So, sometimes, vomiting is the safest option to get the piece of bandaid out.

Here’s what you need to do:

  • If the dog seems to be choking or trying to gag, give some time for the bandaid to come out. Here, you can assist by providing some water.
  • If there are no breathing issues, it might pass through the stool. Wait for the dog to attend to the morning chores, and you might find it there!

Note that you should never try to be heroic and put your hands down your furry friend’s throat, as that can worsen the consequences.

4. Check The Symptoms Properly

Keep in mind that there might not be immediate symptoms, but they may start developing later on. In such cases, keep a close eye on your dog’s activities and behavior to understand the abnormalities.

Try to look out for symptoms like:

  • Loss in appetite
  • Pain in abdomen
  • Tired and disinterested for long
  • Constant diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Repeated choking or gagging
  • Lack of stools

One or more of these symptoms mean something is wrong. This means that it is time to pay a visit to your dog’s vet immediately!

5. Contact Your Vet if Nothing Works

Sometimes, situations get out of hand, and the solutions mentioned above may not help. Hence, it is time to contact your veterinarian when you see any symptoms and don’t know how to handle your dog.

Also, no matter the size, type, or count of bandaids swallowed, do not hesitate or try to handle the situation on your own if you are clueless. Additionally, once you reach the vet, get your dog examined completely to clear out your doubts. You may also try to vent out your concerns to help the vet make informed decisions.

Are Bandaids Toxic to Dogs?

The main part that causes discomfort or illness to dogs from bandaids is the adhesive. While the gum comes from many substances, allergies in dogs due to gum are unusual. So, you can simply try to wait sometime to see whether your dog is allergic or not.

If your dog is allergic, the reactions come up quickly within minutes of eating. Some of the common symptoms of an allergic reaction in dogs include:

  • Rashes
  • Constant itching sensation
  • Hives

Thus, toxicity from bandaids does not cause life-threatening issues in dogs as per most cases!

Can a Dog Digest a Bandaid?

No, a dog cannot digest a bandaid. But, the good news is that the bandaid can pass through your dog’s digestive system and come out in the form of stools.

Moreover, small pieces of bandaids are soft and do not create trouble for dogs when swallowed. Also, the non-digested ones come out in the form of vomit too. You should only feel concerned if your dog starts showing any side effects that are mentioned above.

It’s a different matter if your dog ate an entire box of band-aids than if he ate just one. That is an entirely different kettle of fish if your dog ate a larger and longer piece of vet wrap or adhesive bandage that had been put somewhere on their own body!

How Can You Prevent Your Dog From Eating a Bandaid Again?

Prevention is always better than cure. Now, you must have heard this statement, and it works wonders with dogs too! So, try to follow the below-mentioned steps to prevent your dog from eating a bandaid:

1. Stash Away Bandaids From Their Sight

First of all, lock away cabinets filled with bandaids and medicines and never leave them open for quick reach from your furry pals. Additionally, it is best to keep them at a height where your dog cannot reach or put its head inside.

If you are getting new bandaids, stash them away in appropriate places rather than just leaving them on furniture.

2. Dispose of Used Ones Properly

More than unused bandaids, used ones are threatening to a dog’s well-being! So, you can simply follow the simple rules of throwing them away in dog-proof dustbins. In addition to that, train your dog to stay out of dustbins in any case.

3. Feed Your Dog Well

Sometimes, hunger makes dogs behave wild! So, if you are not around to give them food regularly, they may wander around searching everywhere. This leads to eating unwanted items as your dog just wants to feel stuffed.

According to your Burns Pet, consult your vet and give sufficient food at correct intervals. It is because dogs are least interested when their tummy is full!

4. Train Your Dog to Listen to Commands

Training in fetching and playing is not enough. Apart from that, you should form code words for emergencies and practice them with your dog. For example, seeing your dog chew on non-edible items should be the first cue to train your dog in this aspect. After all, simple commands with a stern voice help a long way in preventing such mishaps.

Can My Dog Get Sick if it Eats a Used Bandaid?

Used bandaids can have blood and other fluids like puss in them. When swallowed, they can cause many complications if the infectious content in the bandaid is higher. So, you have to again be on the lookout for the symptoms mentioned above.

Otherwise, you are lucky when the dog passes the used bandaid through stools or vomit. Even when the bandaid comes out, have a checkup with your vet to rule out any complications developing in the future!

How Long Does it Take For a Dog to Pass a Bandaid?

Not all dogs’ digestive tract works all the time properly. Even when fed with regular food, they might develop delays in passing stools!

So, if a dog eats a bandaid mistakenly, it should pass out within 24 hours. However, it may take longer, and in a few cases, a week is a worst-case duration you may have to wait.

Along with that, keep looking for the development of any dangerous symptoms. Note that you have to take them to a vet if:

  • Your dog squats regularly but does not pass stool
  • Bleeding occurs while they poop
  • Stool color is disturbing

Overall, it is best to take preventive measures when you want your dog to be safe from such weird accidents. However, in case they put themselves in such a position again, act swiftly to give the best care to your dog, and don’t panic!

Can a Dog Eat Bandaid?

No! Dogs can not eat bandaid. Bandaids are used to cover and cure wounds, as well as to prevent (post-operative) swelling and temporarily treat fractures. Splints are used to refer or allow patients with fractures to recuperate in order to avoid further tissue damage, to treat fractures in well-defined circumstances, or to provide support in a number of situations.

It is pointless to switch materials once one has gained experience with them, as it may take some time to gain experience. Using bandaids appears to be simple, but if it is not tight enough, the animal will shed the bandage, and if it is too tight, major issues may occur.

Dog bandaids are very difficult to keep on than any other bandages because a dog’s fur and body structure make it tough to keep a bandaid on. Also, because dogs aren’t very good at keeping bandaids clean, it’s important to put the bandaids on in such a way that they can be quickly changed. This creates a conundrum: how to appropriately cover a wound so that it heals without slipping off or getting chewed.

Disclaimer: This blog should not be considered as being professional pet medical advice. The content published on this blog is for informational purposes only. Please always consult with a licensed and local veterinarian for medical advice.

About Shaun Clarke

Shaun is passionate about pets and animals, especially dogs, cats, and rabbits. He owns a dog and a couple of cats too. He loves visiting wildlife sanctuaries and shares a strong bond with animals. When he is not writing, he loves to do a barbecue in the backyard with his family and friends.

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