My Dog Ate Pillow Stuffing

Have you caught your dog eating the stuffing out of one of their toys? Is it dangerous, you might be asking? Can dogs eat polyester stuffing? What if they are coughing, vomiting, or having diarrhea? Does that mean stuffing is toxic for dogs? Let’s dive deeper into the questions and explore the dangers of stuffing, what to do if your dog eats it, and alternatives to stuffing.

Polyester Stuffing Can Be Dangerous for Dogs

Depending on how much stuffing a dog eats, he may suffer some major medical problems. If a dog eats only a small piece of stuffing, chances are he will be OK. You’ll need to monitor your canine companion for any signs the stuffing’s making him sick. Symptoms you may notice include:

If you know for sure your fur baby only ate a very small piece stuffing, just watch him for a day or two. If the stuffing comes out in his vomit or poo, then he’ll be OK. However, if the vomiting and diarrhea don’t stop within 24 hours, then be sure to call the vet right away.

Did your dog eat a larger amount of stuffing? Then this could be a problem. The reason is that larger amounts of stuffing can cause an intestinal blockage, which can be a life-threatening medical emergency. The symptoms of an intestinal blockage can include:

  • Weakness
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dehydration
  • Abdominal pain and/or bloating
  • Hunching
  • Whining (due to feeling anxious and possibly from pain)
  • If you notice any one or more these symptoms, then be sure to call the vet right away. Your dog’s life may depend on it. The sooner you call the vet, the better because this could be a medical emergency.

    What to do if dog eats stuffing?

    If your dog ingests a foreign object, you should take her to the vet. If your normal vet is unavailable, call a 24-hour emergency animal clinic and describe the situation.

    Eating things such as fuzz or stuffing can cause significant health issues for pets, especially if they become clogged in the intestinal tract, which could require surgery to remove it. If toys are nearing the end of their lives, keep them away when you cannot monitor your pet’s play time.

    The best alternative to stuffed toys

    These Frisco Forest Friends are the perfect soft toy, without the hazardous stuffing! They do have dog squeakers though, so supervision is still required.

    There are a couple of options for anyone looking for stuffing-free dog toys. The most popular option is squeaky toys. We cover the safety of squeaky toys here.

    Subpar squeaky toys are a choking hazard, but trusted brands make several durable, high-quality options. They also come in various sizes, catering to every size breed.

    The biggest problem with squeaky toys, a problem to which we can attest, is that they make an extraordinary amount of noise, especially in the paws of a particularly enthusiastic pup.

    The KONG SqueakStix is one of our all-time favorites. It is durable enough to withstand even aggressive chewers, and will continue to squeak if punctured.

    There is nothing innovative about the classic rubber ball, but it is a classic for a reason. A durable, good-quality rubber ball designed for dogs will give your pup hours and hours of entertainment, with a very limited threat of accidentally swallowing it.

    Our top pick is the Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball. The reviews speak for themselves.

    FAQ

    What happens if my dog ate pillow stuffing?

    Stuffing can act as a gastrointestinal foreign body that results in obstruction of the bowels. If vomiting is persistent, this is a strong indication that there may be either a partial or complete obstruction preventing food and water from moving forward in the GI tract.

    Can dogs digest pillow stuffing?

    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.

    Will my dog poop out stuffing?

    If you suspect that your dog has eaten stuffing, the best thing to do is visit your vet immediately. They will be able to tell you what the best treatment is and assess whether your dog might pass the stuffing.