Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

My dog ate a used tampon. What should I do if she's acting normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | unspayed | 65 lbs

My 2 year old golden retriever ate 2 used tampons what should I do? It had to be 6 to 9 hours ago while I was at work she's acting fine playing, running, acting excited. She doesn't seem to be in any pain.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 27th, 2018

Hello! Tampons can be tricky. Their absorbency can allow them to fill up inside the small intestines and cause blockages that may be only fixable with surgery . Sometimes, they will pass without problems. Luckily, Amara is a larger breed dog, so she may have a better chance of being able to pass these without needing surgery. For peace of mind, you could take Amara in for an x-ray now to see if there are any early signs of intestinal blockages. If you choose to monitor at home before taking her in, keep a very close eye on her for the next few days. If she starts to vomit, not want her food, become lethargic, or have diarrhea, it could be a sign of an intestinal obstruction. If you notice these signs, take her into a vet to be seen as soon as possible. They will recommend x-rays of her abdomen to evaluate her intestines and bloodwork to ensure there is no ongoing infection or other underlying disease. I hope you find this helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored