Dogs will always amaze you with the kind of things they decide to put in their mouths. For instance, you found out that your dog ate condoms, either used or wrapped. Your fifth sense is telling you that it will cause some side effects to your dog but how do you call and explain to your vet? It should be simple, there is nothing to be embarrassed about, your vet must have heard of many more bizarre instances. So why do dogs eat condoms?
Dogs eat condoms when they are exploring, they are fond of your smell, they are naturally scavengers, a health condition known as pica, and also out of boredom.
Why Do Dogs Eat Condoms?
To Explore
Your dog has a good sense of smell and will sniff you out before allowing you to enter the house. When a dog smells a strong odor, his natural reaction is to investigate it.
Your dog may chew on stuff that isn’t food due to his strong explorer instinct to try new things. Your puppy chews a condom as a result of his curiosity.
They are fond of your smell
A dog is said to be a man’s best friend, according to an old proverb. Your devoted companion will accompany you to the moon and back. Your dog will sniff at your soiled clothes to find comfort in your scent while you are away. It’s no surprise that your dog ate a condom because your fluids carry your scent more effectively than anything else.
They Are Naturally Scavengers
Even a leashed dog will occasionally drag the handler into a trash bin, hedge, or hole to forage for something. Wild dogs, likewise, hunt for fresh fruit and vegetables yet frequently consume the decaying meat of deceased animals. Because it smells like rotting biological tissue, your dog may be enticed to eat a condom.
Pica
The difference between instinct and health problems is blurry, and pica falls into that last category. Dogs with this illness have an unhealthy obsession with non-edible objects. Pica-affected dogs will devour anything, including tampons and dirty diapers.
One condom may not be cause for concern, but if your dog has a habit of ingesting strange materials, it’s time to see a veterinarian. Pica can be caused by environmental factors, psychological factors, or dietary factors in your dog.
Boredom
If dogs are left by themselves for extended periods or are understimulated, they may become anxious or bored. This can result in depression and they can also eat things they shouldn’t entertain themselves like condoms if they are within their reach.
Read Also: How Many Hours Should a Dog Be in a Crate
My Dog Ate Condom, What will happen?
Blockage
A condom can readily obstruct small dogs, but it can also cause partial blockage in large dogs. In the case opf large dogs, you can massage them to poop if they have partial blockage.
Symptoms may appear immediately after intake or hours later as the condom travels through the GI tract.
Symptoms of blockage are vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Latex Allergy
Condoms may cause allergies in dogs, albeit this is a rare occurrence. The majority of condoms are constructed of latex, which is also used in a variety of other items.
Because latex can come from natural rubber or synthetic rubber, which has an oil basis consisting of numerous compounds which can cause latex allergy.
Both forms of rubber can cause an allergic reaction in dogs, and it will likely worsen with time, so if you anticipate an allergic reaction, take your dog to the veterinary right away.
Unused And In a Wrapper
Condoms may cause allergies in dogs, albeit this is a rare occurrence. The majority of condoms are made of latex, which is also used in a variety of other items.
Because latex can come from natural rubber or synthetic rubber, which has an oil basis consisting of numerous compounds which can cause latex allergy.
Both forms of rubber can cause an allergic reaction in dogs, and it will likely worsen with time, so if you predict an allergic reaction, take your dog to the veterinary right away.
My Dog Ate A Box Of Condoms, What Do I Do?
If your dog has gone further and swallowed a whole pack of condoms, the risk is ten times higher. You can try to induce vomiting, but even if you succeed, there’s no guarantee that everything will be expelled. A visit to the veterinarian’s office is most likely in order. The doctor can use x-rays to make sure the condom(s) isn’t causing any problems.
Conclusion
Dogs eat condoms due to many reasons like exploring or due to health conditions. If your dog is small in size, eating condoms can cause a greater effect than it can have on a big dog. Remember to consult your vet and give the right information for better treatment. The last thing you should do is call your vet and tell him your dog ate balloons instead of condoms.
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