Why Do Dogs Eat Underwear and Tampons?
Have you ever caught your pet chewing on your underwear or a tampon?! It’s a strange thing to witness, but it’s not as uncommon as you might think. Understanding why your pet is attracted to these items can help you prevent them from causing harm to their health.
Normal Curiosity
Most chewing habits stem from natural curiosity and exploration. Dogs use their mouths to investigate the world around them; so, if an item smells or looks interesting, a dog will likely use their mouth to test and examine it. This can easily result in puppies and young dogs sampling items that aren’t part of their regular diet.
Scent and Taste Appeal
Since dogs have an impressive sense of smell, certain items may trigger their curiosity more than others. For example, chewing on a pair of underwear or a tampon may be attractive to certain dogs because of the scent or taste that is left behind. Some pups may even start to consider these items as a tasty treat.
Anxiety and Boredom
In some cases, chewing on items like underwear or tampons can be direct result of anxiety or boredom. Dog’s may chew on these items as a way to self-soothe, as a means to keep busy, or as a way to get your attention.
Preventative Steps
Since eating underwear and tampons can have serious health implications for a pet, it’s important to try to prevent this behavior. Here are some steps you can take:
- Keep items out of your pet’s reach. Make sure there’s no chance they can access something like an underwear drawer or a bathroom cabinet.
- Provide more appropriate items. Give your puppy or dog toys and items that are made for dogs. This is a great way for them to expend their energy and explore the world around them safely.
- Know your pet’s triggers. Pay attention to your pet’s behavior and take note of what triggers them to act out.
- Monitor your pet’s activity. Spend more time outdoors, give them plenty of exercise, and provide lots of mental stimulation.
If you suspect your pet has ingested underwear or a tampon, it’s important to get medical attention right away. With the right preventative steps and medical treatment, a pet can overcome this type of curiosity.
What are the health risks associated with dogs eating underwear and tampons?
If a dog eats underwear or tampons, they can experience several health risks. These include intestinal blockages due to the material becoming tangled or stuck in the intestines; digestive upset that can lead to vomiting and diarrhea; and contamination from bacteria, mold, or other substances on the items. Additionally, the padding or core of a tampon can expand when wet, and if swallowed can cause dangerous intestinal blockages. If this occurs, the animal will need to be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately.
What are the dangers of dogs eating underwear and tampons?
The biggest danger of dogs eating underwear and tampons is that they can become a choking hazard or cause an intestinal obstruction. Dogs can also suffer from stomach upsets, vomiting and/or diarrhea. In more serious cases, dogs can suffer from heavy metal poisoning, as some of these items can contain heavy metals such as zinc, lead, and mercury. Additionally, the materials that make up these items can also cause intestinal blockages and the chemicals used to manufacture them are also potentially dangerous. Eating these items can also become a habit, leading to malnutrition and weight loss.