Can Toilet Paper Cause A Blockage In Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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It can even lead to a trip to the emergency room, as

toilet paper can cause blockages in dog’s intestines that require surgery

. Signs of a blocked intestine include weight loss, bloating, pain, or an inability to eat.

How long does it take for a dog to pass paper?

When the object becomes “stuck,” it can cause a lot of discomfort and be very dangerous. When something is ingested by your dog, it usually takes between

10-24 hours

to move through the entire digestive tract.

Can paper cause blockage in dogs?

Paper towels, toilet rolls, and tissues like Kleenex are all made from wood pulp. Dogs cannot digest paper towel. This means that

paper towel and tissues can form a blockage in a dog

. Whether this blockage forms depends on the amount eaten, how small the bits were, and the size of your dog – as well as some luck.

Can cardboard cause bowel obstruction in dogs?

However,

larger quantities of cardboard could cause an obstruction

. The cardboard isn’t broken down by the normal process of digestion, so large pieces could become stuck together and cause a blockage in your dog’s stomach or guts. This blockage will require urgent veterinary attention.

What happens if dog eats toilet paper?

Eating toilet paper

can lead to serious digestive issues

. At the very least, your pup may experience an upset stomach as the toilet paper passes through their system. This could cause vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and lethargy.

What are the symptoms of a blockage in a dog?

  • Vomiting.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Weakness.
  • Nausea.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Straining or unable to poop.

Will a dog pass a paper towel?


A dog that shredded one ply of paper towel may pass the material with ease

, while a dog that shredded an entire roll can experience life-threatening symptoms. The amount of paper towels they ate does impact how serious of a situation this is, but it’s important to take this occurrence seriously no matter what.

How long can a dog live with an intestinal blockage?

Bowel obstruction, when the stomach or intestines are partially or completely blocked, is a common cause of concern in all dogs. Blockages result in several complications. These include food and water not passing through the gastrointestinal tract. Within

3 to 7 days

, your dog can die of an intestinal blockage.

What can I give my dog to help him pass something he ate?


Feed a bulky meal of dry food

to cushion stones or other heavy objects, and help them move on out. Food also turns on the digestive juices, which can help soften wads of rawhide treats, so they pass more readily.

How do you clear a dog’s blockage?

If an object does not pass into the dog’s stool, or if your veterinarian feels the object has been lodged too long, your dog may need

surgery under anesthesia

. That way, vets can open the abdomen or intestine and remove the cause of the blockage.

Why do dogs rip paper?

Many dogs like to tear things up. Shredding paper is great fun for dogs, and they do not see the harm in it, especially as

it provides an outlet for their energy

. Some dogs simply enjoy the sensation of tearing something with their mouths, much like they would tear at their prey if they were hunting in the wild.

Why is my dog eating paper all of a sudden?


If your dog has nutritional deficiencies

, he may crave non-food items, such as paper. The depletion of specific minerals, such as iron, can leave your dog craving paper or paper-like substances. If your dog is lacking iron in the blood, known as anemia, he may seek out this object to consume.

How long does it take for a dog to pass cardboard?

This might happen

an hour or two

after the dog ate the cardboard. Watch over your dog carefully for the next day or two. If the dog only ate a small amount of cardboard then it will most likely pass through the dog’s digestive tract.

Why do dogs eat toilet paper with poop?

Dogs May Eat Toilet Paper

Because They’re Hungry

!

This article on Vetary notes that your dog might be eating (not just tearing) items like tissues due to simple hunger or malnutrition (this can be the cause for poop-eating as well).

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.