Do I Need to See the Vet or Go to the Emergency Animal Hospital?
You’re going to want to call your vet if your dog has developed any serious symptoms since he or she ate part of a sponge. Call them if your dog is constipated or has diarrhea as well.
If your dog is still experiencing normal bowel movements and doesn’t seem to have any significant abdominal pain, then there’s a good chance that they haven’t been impacted too much by any sponge they might have eaten. Sponges themselves usually aren’t toxic to dogs, especially if they’re natural ones.
On the other hand, you’ll want to get on the line with a vet’s office or an emergency animal hospital if you have any reason to believe your dog consumed something else along with the sponge. The small sponges used in cosmetic compacts are often considered among the worst as far as this goes because they might pick up some of the additives and pigments used in cosmetics.
My Dog Ate a Sponge: What Do I Do Now?
While dog owners attempt to keep an eye on their dog at most times, sometimes dogs will just sneak into things that they’re not supposed to. If your dog has taken a bite of a sponge, there are some important questions to ask before you begin to worry about their overall health. To help you care for your dog in the best way possible, here we share some next steps to consider if your dog has eaten a sponge. If you know your dog has eaten only a small piece of a sponge, chances are your dog will be just fine.
Especially if your dog is on the larger side, they should be able to pass the piece of the sponge through their digestive system effectively. Ensure they have enough water at all times which can help move the piece of sponge along in their system and prevent constipation. Monitor their health and confirm that their stools are normal and your dog is not experiencing any additional symptoms. Another thing that can help your dog pass stools is by feeding them bulky foods with a lot of fiber to move things along.
Keep in mind that even if your dog is able to pass the sponge through their system, they may still experience some discomfort. They may experience an upset stomach or other abdominal pains as they digest the sponge. Make sure they are well hydrated and cared for as they move on from their unfortunate taste test. Another thing you’ll want to consider is how your dog consumed the sponge.
If they ate up the sponge whole, there’s a greater chance of it getting stuck in their throat or esophagus, and then into their stomach and digestive system. However, if they chewed up the sponge into tiny bits before consuming it, those tiny pieces have a better chance of making it through the digestive system without causing significant damage. If your dog has consumed a larger piece of sponge, or if your dog is on the smaller side, it may be worth it to give your veterinarian a call.
If sponges inflate too much along the digestive tract, they may become excessively bloated, constipated, and overall miserable. Eventually, this could lead to the sponge needing to be surgically removed. In addition to connecting with your veterinarian, it’s also important to monitor their health for any signs of negative side effects from poor digestion or a blockage in their system. These symptoms include things like constipation, lethargy, and even vomiting. They may also experience diarrhea as they deal with their digestive concerns.
Sponges & Dogs
Sponges are usually not toxic in themselves. So, if your dog has eaten a very small portion of a sponge, chances are he will be OK. Those small pieces of sponge will usually come out in your dog’s poop in 24 to 48 hours.
However, sponges can pose some health risks to dogs. For instance, if a dog eats a large portion of a sponge, the sponge bits could gather together in the dogs digestive system and create an obstruction. This can be a life-threatening condition if not treated.
Another problem is that the sponge may contain cleaning chemicals that are toxic to dogs. If the sponge was not rinsed prior to the dog eating it, your dog could ingest enough of a toxic substance to become very ill.
In addition, sponges can harbor dirt, bacteria, and more that can make a dog pretty sick.
Help My Dog Ate A Sponge? | DogVela
Dogs are curious about everything in their environment. And sometimes, that curiosity may lead a dog to eat something like a sponge! Yuck! But what happens if a dog eats a sponge? Can the sponge make a dog sick?
Has your dog eaten a sponge? Are you worried the sponge will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about sponges and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!