Rescuing Rover: How to Handle a Dog Who Chews on Pee Pads

Our furry companions may bring us endless love and joy, but sometimes they can also cause a bit of distress. If you’re a dog owner, chances are you’ve experienced the anxiety of coming home to find your pup has gotten into something they shouldn’t have. And one of the common mishaps that can occur is a dog eating a pee pad. While this situation can seem alarming, don’t panic just yet. With the right knowledge and quick action, you can prevent any potential harm to your furry friend and handle this situation with ease. In this article, we’ll discuss what steps to take if your dog eats a pee pad, so you can be fully prepared for any unexpected incidents.

Understanding Pee Pads and Why Dogs Eat Them

Pee pads, also known as puppy training pads, are absorbent sheets made of various materials that are specifically designed to be used by dogs for urination. They provide a convenient and hygienic way for your dog to eliminate indoors, especially while they are still in the process of potty training. However, as convenient as they may be, pee pads also present a tempting chewing material for dogs. It is not uncommon for dogs to chew on or even eat pee pads.

There are several reasons why dogs may eat pee pads:

1. Boredom: Dogs may resort to chewing on pee pads out of boredom or frustration. This is particularly common in high-energy breeds or those that do not receive enough physical or mental stimulation.

2. Teething: Puppies that are teething often feel discomfort and pain in their mouths, which leads them to look for things to chew on for relief. Pee pads can serve as a soothing option for them.

3. Curiosity: Some dogs simply chew on pee pads because they are curious about new objects and textures.

4. Separation anxiety: Dogs who experience separation anxiety when left alone may resort to destroying things around the house, including pee pads.

While eating small amounts of pee pad may not seem like a big deal, it can actually lead to serious health issues if not addressed promptly.

The Dangers of Ingesting Pee Pads

When a dog eats a pee pad, there are several potential dangers that can arise:

1. Obstruction in the digestive system: The biggest risk associated with eating a pee pad is that it can cause an obstruction in your dog’s digestive system. Pee pads are usually made of materials that do not easily break down when ingested, such as plastic or fibers from cotton or paper. These materials can block your dog’s intestinal tract and lead to serious health complications.

2. Choking hazard: If a dog eats a large piece of a pee pad, it can get stuck in their throat or windpipe, causing them to choke.

3. Chemical poisoning: Some pee pads are scented with chemicals to attract dogs to use them. These chemicals can be harmful if ingested by your dog. Ingesting a scented pee pad can cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Aside from these health risks, eating pee pads can also be costly for pet owners as it may lead to emergency veterinary visits and potential surgery.

What To Do If Your Dog Has Eaten A Pee Pad

If you discover that your dog has eaten a pee pad, it is important to act quickly and take the following steps:

1. Look for any signs of distress: The first thing you should do is check for any signs of distress in your dog. These could include difficulty breathing, discomfort in the abdominal area, excessive drooling, or gagging. If your dog is showing any signs of distress, seek immediate veterinary assistance.

2. Check if the pee pad was ingested whole: If you are confident that your dog only ate a small amount of the pee pad and it has not caused any blockage or choking hazard, monitor their behavior closely for the next 24-48 hours. However, if you suspect that they have ingested a large piece of the pee pad or are showing any signs of illness or discomfort, take them to the vet.

3. Induce vomiting: If you catch your dog soon after they have eaten the pee pad, you may be able to induce vomiting to get rid of it before it causes any harm. Do not try this at home without consulting with your veterinarian first as there are certain situations where inducing vomiting can do more harm than good.

4. Contact your veterinarian: Regardless of the severity of the situation, it is always best to consult with your vet when your dog eats something they shouldn’t. They can provide you with specific instructions on what to do based on your dog’s size, breed, and the amount of pee pad ingested.

In some cases, your vet may recommend bringing your dog in for an examination or prescribing medication to help pass the pee pad out safely. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the obstruction.

Preventing Your Dog from Eating Pee Pads

Of course, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to help prevent your dog from eating pee pads:

1. Provide appropriate chew toys: Make sure your dog has plenty of safe and appropriate chew toys to keep them busy and satisfy their urge to chew.

2. Supervise: Keep a close eye on your dog when they are around pee pads. If you notice them chewing on or showing interest in the pee pad, redirect their attention elsewhere.

3. Properly dispose of used pee pads: Make sure to properly dispose of all used pee pads immediately after use. Dogs are more likely to chew on used ones as they may still retain their smell.

4. Puppy proof: If you have a new puppy in the

Causes of dogs eating pee pads

There are a few possible reasons why your dog might be eating pee pads. One of the most common reasons is that they are attracted to the smell or taste of urine on the pad. Dogs have a strong sense of smell and can easily detect even small amounts of urine on the pad. This can be especially true for male dogs, who may be drawn to the scent as a way to mark their territory.

Another possible cause is boredom or anxiety. Dogs who are left alone for long periods of time without toys or other forms of mental stimulation may turn to tearing up and eating pee pads as a way to relieve their boredom.

In some cases, underlying health issues could also cause a dog to eat pee pads. For example, if a dog has a condition called pica, which is characterized by the compulsive consumption of non-food items, they may chew and eat pee pads.

It’s important to determine the underlying cause in order to effectively address this behavior.

The dangers of dogs eating pee pads

While it may seem harmless for your dog to eat pee pads, it can actually pose several risks to their health. The first concern is that they may choke on small pieces of the pad, which can lead to an obstruction in their digestive system. This can be especially dangerous if the pad contains plastic or other materials that cannot be easily digested.

Additionally, if your dog frequently consumes large amounts of pee pad material, it can affect their ability to digest food properly, leading to potential digestive issues such as constipation or intestinal blockages.

Ingesting foreign objects like pee pads can also increase the risk of bacterial infections in your dog’s intestinal tract, which can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems.

Furthermore, if your dog has been chewing on a used pad with urine and feces on it, they may also be at risk for ingesting harmful bacteria and pathogens that can make them sick.

What to do if your dog eats a pee pad

If you catch your dog in the act of eating a pee pad, the first step is to remove the remaining pieces from their mouth and make sure they are not choking or struggling to breathe.

Next, you’ll want to monitor your dog closely for any signs of an obstruction or discomfort. If your dog is exhibiting symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately. These could be signs that your dog has ingested a piece of the pad that is causing an obstruction in their digestive system.

Additionally, if you know for certain that your dog has eaten a large amount of pad material or if they are exhibiting signs of illness, it’s best to contact your veterinarian for further guidance.

Prevention methods

Prevention is key when it comes to addressing unwanted behaviors like eating pee pads. Here are some tips to help prevent your dog from indulging in this behavior:

– Make sure your dog has access to plenty of chew toys and other forms of mental stimulation when they are left alone.
– Crate training can also be helpful in preventing destructive behaviors when you’re away from home.
– Supervise your dog closely while they are using pee pads and immediately clean up any used pads.
– Consider using alternatives to traditional pee pads, such as reusable silicone or artificial grass options.
– Address any underlying health issues with the guidance of a veterinarian.
– Use positive reinforcement techniques when training your dog not to chew on or eat pee pads.

In conclusion, if you notice that your dog is eating pee pads, it’s important to determine the underlying cause and take steps to address it. This behavior can pose various risks to your dog’s health and should not be ignored.

By understanding the potential causes and dangers of dogs eating pee pads, you can take proactive measures to prevent this behavior from happening. With proper training, supervision, and addressing any underlying health issues, you can help your dog break this habit and ensure their safety and well-being. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice and guidance.

Q: What should I do if my dog eats a pee pad?
A: The first step is to remain calm. Monitor your dog for any symptoms of distress, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Keep the packaging of the pee pads and contact a veterinarian immediately for further advice.

Q: Will my dog be okay if they ate a small piece of the pee pad?
A: It depends on the size of the piece and the material used in the pee pad. If it was a small piece and made of non-toxic materials, your dog will likely pass it without any issues. However, if your dog shows any signs of discomfort, seek professional help.

Q: Is it safe for my dog to eat a pee pad made of plastic?
A: No, it is not safe for dogs to ingest plastic material as it can cause blockage in their digestive system. If your dog has consumed a plastic pee pad, seek immediate veterinary attention.

Q: How can I prevent my dog from eating pee pads in the future?
A: Make sure to dispose of used pee pads promptly in a secure trash can that your dog cannot access. You can also consider using an alternative potty training method such as crate training or using indoor grass patches.

Q: Can I induce vomiting in my dog if they have eaten a pee pad?
A: Only induce vomiting under the guidance of a veterinarian. In some cases, inducing vomiting may cause more harm than good. It is best to seek professional advice before taking any action.

Q: My dog has eaten multiple pee pads, what should I do?
A: Contact your veterinarian immediately and follow their instructions. Ingesting multiple pee pads can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening for your dog, so prompt action is crucial.

In conclusion, finding out that your dog has eaten a pee pad can be a cause for concern for any pet owner. However, it is important to remain calm and take immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of your dog.

The first step is to closely monitor your pet for any signs of discomfort or illness. Keep an eye out for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite or unusual behavior. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, it is best to consult a veterinarian immediately.

Next, check the ingredients of the specific pee pad that your dog has consumed. Some products may contain chemicals or toxins that can be harmful to your dog’s health. If this is the case, contact your veterinarian for advice on how to proceed.

If the pee pad does not contain any dangerous substances, it will likely pass through your dog’s system without causing harm. However, it is still important to keep a close eye on your pet’s behavior and watch for any potential complications.

It is also essential to address the underlying cause of why your dog consumed the pee pad in the first place. If they are exhibiting destructive behavior or experiencing separation anxiety, it may be necessary to consult a professional trainer or behaviorist for guidance on how to correct these issues.

In addition, taking