Dogs are known for eating all sorts of things that shouldn’t be eaten. This is a condition called pica and it makes dogs obsessed with inedible items.
Veterinarians hear this on a regular basis and most of the time it is not a big deal. Depending on the size of your dog they may be able to pass it or it could become lodged in their digestive system.
Symptoms
Many dog owners will find it repulsive to think that their dogs eat non-food objects such as condoms, but the truth is that this does happen. While it is usually not a problem for larger dogs, smaller dogs can be more at risk. Their small intestines will not always allow these foreign objects to pass through, which can lead to intestinal blockage.
If you notice your dog has eaten a condom, it is important to call the vet immediately. The vet will ask you about your pup’s symptoms and how long ago he or she ate the condom. The vet will then advise you on what to do next.
The vet may suggest inducing vomiting to help your dog release the condom from his or her mouth. They will also probably recommend that you monitor your pup’s behavior and pay attention to his or her bowel movements until the condom has passed.
If the condom has not passed within a few days, then the vet will likely suggest you sedate your dog to try and remove it. If this does not work, then they will probably need to perform surgery on your pup. This is an extremely rare case, but it is still better to be safe than sorry. Besides, who wants to live with the guilt of knowing that their dog ate something they should not have?
Treatment
The good news is that the vast majority of dogs who eat foreign objects will pass them through their digestive tract or in their feces. However, if your dog has eaten a condom with the wrapper still attached there is a risk that it could become lodged in their digestive tract. This is a particularly dangerous scenario for small dogs, such as toy poodles, because it can prevent their bodies from eliminating waste properly and may lead to severe complications, including bowel obstruction.
If this happens, your vet will advise you to induce vomiting in order to dislodge the condom from your dog’s system. He will also monitor your dog’s condition and if necessary may take x-rays of their digestive tract to ensure that the condom has not become lodged.
As a general rule, you should always keep condoms and other non food items, such as tampons, out of your dog’s reach to avoid any incidents like this occurring in the first place. Keeping your pet’s food and litter bins out of their reach is one way of doing this, but you should also consider investing in a dog-proof trash bin or at least a bin with a lockable lid.
Prevention
Some dogs have a built in radar that seeks out any item they see as an appetizing morsel. This includes table scraps and things found discarded in the trash. This behavior is known as pica and it is a condition that can be treated by a veterinarian.
Some dog breeds are more prone to pica than others, but it can affect any breed of dog. The main causes of pica in dogs are malnutrition, a lack of mental stimulation and certain neurological conditions. It is also more common in dogs that are overweight or have had a stroke.
While eating a condom is not ideal for a dog, it is not necessarily a tragedy either. Typically, dogs will pass these foreign objects through their digestive tract and in their bowel movements within a few days. If your dog begins to exhibit signs of intestinal blockage such as vomiting, diarrhea or constipation it is important that you contact your vet immediately.
In some cases, small dogs will be unable to digest the plastic and synthetic materials that are found in condoms. This can lead to a bowel obstruction that could prove fatal for the pet. Your vet may have to induce vomiting in order to release the object from your dog’s intestines. In the worst case scenario, surgery may be needed.
Concluding Thoughts
Dogs have a tendency to sniff and eat things that seem quite disgusting to us, like dirty pair of pants or a used condom. This is partly because of their natural instinct to scavenge and also because they are incredibly smell-sensitive dogs, with their noses taking in everything around them. They have a strong connection to their owners and adore them, which is why they love anything that transmits your scent, including things like used tampons, toothbrushes, or condoms!
As we know, many of these items are dangerous for our dogs as they can contain toxins and bacteria. Also, because of their elasticity and inability to be digested, they can cause a blockage in your pet’s digestive tract which can be a life-threatening situation.
To be on the safe side, you should call your vet straight away and explain what has happened. Give them the details of how many condoms they have eaten, if there is a wrapper too, and when you think they were eating them. Your vet will then advise you on what to do next.
They will probably ask you to induce vomiting or give your dog hydrogen peroxide, but be careful not to stick your fingers into your dog’s mouth as this can damage the oesophagus and throat. They will then monitor your dog and take x-rays or ultrasounds if the symptoms continue, to see if there is a blockage.