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My dog ate tampons and threw up. Should I worry about a blockage?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 120 lbs

My dog like to get into my bathroom trash. She ate a couple of (used) tampons but I have no idea how much. She has been eating, drinking, and (lack of a better word) pooping normal. This morning she decided to throw up in my room eat some of it only to throw it up again but right before she threw up she pooped. The throw up contains undigested dog food and a tampon. What should I do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 8th, 2018

Hello there! Tampons absorb fluid, so when ingested, they can swell in the intestines and cause a blockage that requires surgery. This could affect any size dog, but as Hershey is a large breed, she has a better chance of being able to pass the tampon without needing surgery. This is good news! The signs of her having an intestinal obstruction that requires medical or surgical attention would be: Not interested in food, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargic, being reclusive (like laying in a corner by herself) I am not alarmed that she has vomited once, but keep an eye on her. If she starts to show other signs that I mentioned, take her into her vet. They will recommend x-rays to check for a blockage in the intestinal tract and bloodwork to check for infections and anemia that can result from a blockage. Then they will either recommend medical intervention, which may include fluids, antibiotics, a high fiber diet, and enemas, or surgical intervention, which may include cutting the intestine to remove the tampon or having to remove a piece of intestine if there is tissue damage. Again, this is worst case scenario. As she is still eating well, defecating normally, and behaving normally, I think home monitoring is absolutely fine for now considering she is such a large dog. Next time she vomits, try to remove it from her before she can eat it again- I realize this is easier said than done. :) I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 6th, 2016

    She is a large dog, so there is a possibility that it will pass through her intestine and get out in the feces, you need to wait and monitor her for vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and lack of appetite. If any of those signs persist for more than 2 days- take Chip to the vet in order to have an x-ray done.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 28th, 2017

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Max! If he just ate it I would call your Vet or an emergency room to have him seen. They can safely induce vomiting. Sadly I have removed tampons from dogs that have been stuck in the stomach and intestines. Some dogs could pass them. If you decide to not take Max anywhere as soon as he starts vomiting and not eating he needs to be seen right away. He will likely need surgery if that happens. Good luck!

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 26th, 2019

    The main concern with a tampon is the possibility of it causing an intestinal obstruction. monitor her closely, keep an eye on symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy and lack of appetite, if these symptoms occur and persist for more than 48 hours - take her to the vet to have an xray done.

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