While designed to boost safety during sex, condoms are unsuitable for ingestion! But what if my dog accessed this condom, whether or not used, and ate it? If you are wondering why a dog would want to eat a condom, you’d need to remember that most condoms are flavored and scented, readily attracting dogs.
Is it safe for dogs to eat condoms? The following insights will help you understand why a dog can eat a condom and how it affects them.
Is It Safe For Dogs To Eat Condoms?
Condoms can be substantially dangerous for your dog. Yet, the extent of this danger will vary with the dog’s size, breed, and health status. Large dogs, like English Mastiff and Boerboel, will comfortably pass the condom via their stool. On the other hand, small breeds, like Corgis, will struggle and might choke on the condom.
Condoms pose multiple dangers when ingested by your dog. For instance, this condom could get stuck in the gastrointestinal tract, causing a blockage. Gastrointestinal obstruction causes tears and ruptures in the digestive system. It also minimizes the dog’s ability to ingest food or water resulting in dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and abdominal pain.
In most cases, the ingested condom is passed alongside fecal matter, leaving the dog with no health complications.
Why Dogs Eat Condoms
It is common for dogs to eat condoms. From health conditions to curiosity, your dog will eat condoms for various reasons, including the following.
Scavenging And Curiosity
Dogs are natural foragers, meaning they hunt and feed on prey or carrion when necessary. Their natural curiosity will push them to try different items in their mouths, including condoms. Scented condoms will likely attract them more.
Pica
Pica is a common condition where dogs crave and eat non-food items. These items range from plastic, metal, and garbage, including condoms.
Anxiety And Depression
Emotional health issues, including anxiety, loneliness, and depression, can force dogs to eat non-food items. You can avoid this problem by ensuring the dog is not lonely or bored.
Other psychological and health issues could also make the dog eat condoms. They include incorrect nutrition, poor diet, need for attention, and boredom.
Symptoms Of Condom Ingestion
Your dog shall exhibit various clinical symptoms upon ingesting the condom. These signs shall include the following:
- Nausea and constant vomiting
- Constipation and diarrhea
- Reduced food and water intake
- Dehydration
- Weakness and lethargy
Most of these clinical symptoms stem from the gastrointestinal tract irritation the condom causes.
Symptoms of condom ingestion worsen in small breeds like toy poodles and mini doodles. These pets will likely experience excruciating abdominal pain thanks to gastrointestinal blockage. In addition, dogs cannot process these foreign materials naturally.
Some allergies, including latex, could also be triggered after ingesting the condom. They trigger these symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rashes on the skin
- Breathing difficulties
- Abdominal pain
- Pawing and licking
- Incessant coughing
While treating these allergies is straightforward, some medications could trigger different side effects, including diabetes, liver failure, and diarrhea.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats A Condom?
Prevention is the best way to protect your dog against the effects of condom ingestion. Ensure you carefully dispose of used condoms, preferably in garbage bins with dog-proof lids. In addition, ensure that unused condoms are stored in lockable storage spaces or cabinets.
Your action depends on how soon you notice the problem. For instance, suppose you see your dog chewing a condom. Then, you can straight up stop it from swallowing it. A timely reaction helps avert multiple complications, including additional vet expenses.
Try the Heimlich maneuver if the dog just swallowed the condom. This process requires hugging the dog around its stomach, gently providing a few thrusts to its abdominal region. When done correctly, it could help the dog spit the condom.
However, if the dog ate the condom hours ago, you’ll indulge a vet for an injection or hydrogen peroxide to help the pup vomit it out.
How Long Does It Take For The Dog To Poop Out The Condom?
You do not need to induce vomiting if your dog ingested the condom hours ago. However, you must monitor the pet closely for clinical symptoms, allowing you to take remedial steps on time.
There is no specific period within which the dog should poop out the ingested condom. However, you must consult a vet if this does not happen within 72 hours.
Yet, you do not need to wait for the period to elapse before taking the necessary actions. Once you notice extreme clinical symptoms, including constipation, sluggishness, diarrhea, inappetence, and pain when pooping, visit a professional.
Final Thoughts
Your dog will be fine. Yet, protecting it from non-food items, including condoms, which could significantly affect its health, is invaluable.
You’ll need instant medical help if your dog consumes this material. However, prevention is the best way to eliminate the problems associated with condom ingestion.