My Dog Swallowed Underwear: Vet Explained Risks, Signs & Next Steps

A few years after I graduated from vet school, I was presented with an uncomfortable Labrador who was struggling with some constipation. Upon performing a rectal exam, I found and removed the source of the problem: a red, lace thong. At least, I’m pretty sure it was red; it wasn’t exactly in the best condition!

Depending on the size of the dog and the size of the underwear, swallowed undergarments could cause no problems, constipation, or even a life-threatening obstruction. If your dog has managed to partake of some panties, taste some tighty-whities, or feast on French knickers, you should phone your vet immediately for advice. There’s a good chance that there’ll be no need to panic, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

What Happens if My Dog Swallows Underwear?

If you have a large, well-hydrated dog, there is a good chance that swallowed underwear will gradually make its way through the digestive system. Sometimes, items like this (that are not able to be broken down by stomach acids) may stay in the stomach for a day or two and will likely take a few more days to make their way through the intestines. But if it’s been more than 4 to 5 days since your dog swallowed them, it’s time to contact your vet.

If your dog isn’t so lucky, it’s possible that the underwear could cause an obstruction in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

Signs of an Esophageal Obstruction

• Regurgitation (food/water expelled without abdominal effort)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Exaggerated swallowing
• Drooling
• Gagging/coughing

Signs of a Gastric (Stomach) or Intestinal Obstruction

• Inappetence
• Abdominal discomfort or pain
• Rigid abdomen
• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Passing no or very small amounts of feces
• Panting
• Dehydration (tacky gums, prolonged skin tent)

If the underwear moves into the large colon, you may see signs of constipation, like squatting repeatedly and straining to defecate.

Will My Dog Need Surgery?

If your dog develops an obstruction, surgery is one of the more likely outcomes. Your vet will perform imaging, usually X-rays, to get an idea of where the obstruction is and how to treat it. Sometimes, administering intravenous fluids and lubricating medications may be enough to get the problematic piece of fabric to pass through the colon, but if there is no hope of the article making its way to the exit, surgery will be needed to retrieve it.

Left untreated, the obstruction may lead to intestinal perforation and potentially deadly peritonitis.

Should I Make My Dog Vomit?

If you have just witnessed your dog swallow underwear (or any other non-food item) you need to first get in touch with your vet. The next steps may depend on the size of your dog and the size of the underwear, plus the age and health of your dog.

You should never attempt to make your dog vomit at home unless specifically instructed to by your vet.

What Else Should I Watch Out For?

The most important thing to be keeping an eye on is whether your dog is eating, drinking, and going to the toilet normally. If your dog seems off-color or uncomfortable in any way, do not hesitate to get your dog examined. If you are waiting for your dog to pass a soft item like underwear, hydration is key. The longer it stays in the intestines, the drier it will become, making its passage even more difficult. By making sure your dog is drinking plenty of water, you can help things along.

Should I Feed My Dog?

Do not give your dog anything to eat until you have spoken to your vet.

If the plan is to monitor your dog at home, feeding small amounts of food little and often can help keep their digestive tract moving, which may help to speed up the passage of the swallowed item. This also gives us an indication of whether your dog is still wanting to eat or if they are having difficulty digesting food.

Conclusion

If your dog has swallowed your, or anyone else’s, underwear, don’t panic. Dogs that are large enough to ingest underwear are often large enough to have them pass all the way through their digestive tract, but you should get in touch with your vet for specific advice and instructions. They may recommend that you bring your dog in to make them vomit, to give them fluids and medication, or to monitor them closely.

Although some swallowed underwear may seem like a bit of a comical situation, it could become a serious problem, so don’t hesitate to speak with your vet for advice.

Featured Image Credit: Tamer A Soliman, Shutterstock