Q:My dog loves to chew and tear up her toys but isnt interested in hard or rubber toys like Kongs. Instead, she loves ripping the stuffing out of her toys, and Im concerned she may be digesting the stuffing. Are there any health risks involved? What type of soft toy could I purchase that would satisfy her need to rip and chew but wont have anything she can digest?
A: This is a common problem. Of most concern is the possibility of stomach or small intestinal blockage. Objects that dogs swallow seem to pass through the digestive tract most of the time, but it is not uncommon for surgery to be required. If the material is in the small intestine for even just a few hours, the blood supply to the area can be compromised and that portion of the intestines has to be removed. I have surgically removed a variety of objects, including rocks, socks, small rubber balls and coins. The procedure is not without risk, though most dogs recover without complication if brought in quickly.
The most common signs of an obstruction are repeated vomiting, lethargy, no appetite and apparent abdominal pain. With any toy or treat, it is essential that you monitor your dogs when they play to be sure they arent swallowing relatively large portions. Give praise for nondestructive play, and as soon as the destruction begins, take the toy away. There are some plush toys for dogs that have other little toys stuffed inside. The game is for the dog to extract the small toys. This may help satisfy your dogs urge to chew and tear. Also try braided rope or hollow “squeaky toys.” If all else fails, consult a dog trainer for help.
Plus what to do when you hear that telltale “riiiiiip” sound ♀️
Your dog is playing around with her favorite plush toy when all of a sudden you hear, “Riiiiiiiiiiip.”
Next thing you know, she’s throwing the stuffing around like that’s the toy. But what happens if she accidentally swallows some in all the excitement of tearing the toy apart?
The Dodo spoke with Dr. Clarissa B. Lyon, a veterinarian at Larklain Mobile Veterinary Services in Pennsylvania, to find out when you should actually panic.
What happens when your dog swallows stuffing
Swallowing some stuffing isn’t always cause for alarm.
“A very small amount of stuffing likely will pass. It may not be as serious as a piece of ribbon or rope or string,” Dr. Lyon told The Dodo.
However, your dog’s prognosis depends on the amount of stuffing swallowed, and the size of your dog.
For example, if a tiny dog ate a large amount of stuffing from a toy, you’re going to want to call your vet, because it’s more likely that could result in an internal blockage.
Of course, sometimes it’s hard to tell how much they ate, so when in doubt, call your vet.
“Our primary concern with stuffing is … a large amount causing obstruction in the intestinal tract,” Dr. Lyon explained.
And if you’re concerned about it being toxic at all, there’s always a risk whenever your dog eats something that’s not food. But odds are if you’re buying toys from a reputable brand, the stuffing probably won’t be harmful in that way.
“Could it be toxic? Perhaps, but our primary concern would be the actual physical obstruction that a significant amount of stuffing might cause,” Dr. Lyon said.
If your dog is experiencing a gastrointestinal obstruction, she might experience symptoms like:
If you notice your pup exhibiting these signs, contact your vet right away. Your dog may need emergency surgery to remove the obstruction.
What to Do?
How you respond depends on the level of threat your dog is facing. Choking poses an immediate threat to your dog’s life and needs to be dealt with first. The issue of removing ingested stuffing from the stomach becomes a secondary worry when your dog is struggling to breathe.
We’re going to talk you through the process step by step, starting with the most pressing issue. Once you resolve one step you can move on to the next.
FAQ
What happens when a dog eats stuffing from a toy?
How long does it take for a dog to pass toy stuffing?