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My dog ate a used tampon. Will he pass it or get toxic shock?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 4 years and 6 months old | 55 lbs

55 lb dog ate used tampon - My 4 year old red heeler/bull terrier mix ate a used tampon yesterday. Didn’t realize until I saw that the trash in the guest bathroom was empty this morning. He’s eating fine and going outside with no issues, nothing seems to be wrong. Will he pass it on his own or is it too early to tell? Husband is saying that toxic shock syndrome can kill him if he’s eaten a used tampon though. Waiting for the vet to open to take him in. Any advice?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on July 3rd, 2018

Good morning! I have had several patients consume used tampons over the years. He may be large enough to pass it. However, I have had several smaller patients who did obstruct and need surgery. If I were in your situation I would recommend having him seen by a veterinarian and see if they can induce vomiting. If it is still in his stomach and he is able to vomit it up then the problem is solved. I would take a loaf of bread with you to your appointment to help fill his stomach before vomiting which could help it come out. If it has already passed out of the stomach into the intestinal tract then waiting for any signs of vomiting or diarrhea is important. I think the likelihood of TSS is extremely slim and I would worry more about obstruction then anything else. Best of luck and I hope he vomits it up! Thank you for using Pet Coach.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. It is too late to have Max try and vomit up the tampon so the only thing to do now is really to wait and see if he develops symptoms. You can feed him bulky fiber meals of canned pumpkin, bread and dog food high in fiber to see if that helps pass the tampon. If he begins to vomit, becomes inappetant, has abdominal pain, etc. then I would get him seen by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostics and treatment recommendations can be made. Toxic shock syndrome is so rare that I would not worry about this at this time. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on July 2nd, 2019

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may actually become an issue especially if Zeke is small or medium size. I recommend you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment as soon as possible. They may proceed with endoscopy to try to get it out and in rare cases depending on when this happened, they could try to induce vomiting. Watch him closely for signs of gastrointestinal obstruction such as vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain. Hoping for the best. Have a good night!

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