There was a reported case of a dog who ate baby diapers, lots of them, the case was reported quite late, and after several efforts to save the life of the dog, it was an unfortunate loss and that is the reason why I have chosen this topic today, to create awareness on matters like this and prevent further occurrence.
Having a dog and a baby in the same house can be both a rewarding and challenging experience at the same time. While your child would have a best friend in the form of a pet on one hand, it may be difficult for you to completely keep an eye on your pet not consuming used diapers.
Whether it is a disposable or a cloth diaper, it can block the digestive tract of your dog, the bad thing is, symptoms may not even show up immediately especially if you do not pay attention to his or her poop.
Dogs are good at riffling through trash, and one thing that can be found in the trash is diapers.
Diapers contain absorbent materials that expand upon contact with liquid. When a dog swallows a diaper, it absorbs water, stomach acid, and other fluids that are present in the digestive tract therefore making the dog become severely dehydrated or encounter intestinal problems.
Each layer of disposable diapers are made up of fluid-absorbent material held between a waterproof layer on the outer surface and a soft inner layer. Each of these layers is highly ingestible and could cause complications when consumed, but there is a super-absorbent filling in itself that has a few more risks associated.
When ingested, the material can expand to many times its original size therefore forming a gel that could create a tight blockage in the intestine. Some intestinal blockages can only be treated with surgery, so getting your pet to the vet as soon as you notice is the best thing to do.
Imagine if it is a diaper with poop makes it even worse because normally, dogs can get sick from eating baby poop. Health issues may arise with the bacteria in the baby's stool, diaper rash creams, or ointments that were used.
Every diaper-eating incident requires urgent medical attention, even if cloth diapers do not have an absorbent filling, they may cause blockages and abrasions in your dog's throat and intestines.
To prevent issues related to diaper emergencies when consumed by pets, practice these things;
Make sure that you keep unused diapers out of the reach of your dog by storing them in a high place, or a drawer.
Use a dog-proof trash can for used diapers, and try to bag diapers before disposing of them, this would greatly reduce the smell so your dog would not want to after it.
After your dog has consumed your diaper, do not allow your cheerful demeanor to deceive you, it is better to visit a pet regardless because your dog could go downhill very fast, so you want to show up at the vet before your dog goes down.
Apart from diapers, other baby items may cause serious problems in your dog;
Teething gels like Orajel, can be used to help soothe a baby's pain and fight infection, but on the other hand, gels can be dangerous in your pets once they get ingested.
Many of these gels contain an oral anesthetic called benzocaine, which could lead to several problems like; depression, difficulty breathing, and vomiting in dogs.
Baby formula can look like a tasty substance to a dog, it creates a case of GI upset and possible GI obstruction if the container was consumed alongside. Usually, problems only persist when it is consumed in large amounts.
Rash ointment may appear more like a chew toy than medicine to your dog. If your dog chews a rash ointment, it could create several life-threatening issues.
Unfortunately, the dog that is the case study was brought in late and nothing could be done to save his life. Pet owners who have babies have to monitor their pets closely to avoid such re-occurrence.
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