It’s common for dogs to eat things they shouldn’t, and paper towels are one such item. Paper towels may seem harmless, but they can cause problems if your dog swallows large pieces. The good news is that in most cases, eating paper towels results in minor issues like an upset stomach. However, there are some risks to be aware of.
Will paper towels hurt my dog?
In general, swallowing small bits of paper towel is not harmful to dogs. Paper towels are designed to be safe for human consumption, meaning they do not contain toxic chemicals. However, problems can occur if a dog consumes a large quantity of paper towels or large shredded pieces. Some potential risks include:
- Blockages or obstructions in the digestive tract
- Dehydration from reduced water absorption
- Vomiting or diarrhea from irritation of the stomach and intestines
- Difficulty passing stools if pieces get lodged in the colon
Puppies, small dogs, and dogs who eat quickly without chewing are most at risk for these issues. Swallowing large shards of paper towel may require emergency surgery to remove blockages.
Signs your dog ate paper towels
Watch for the following signs that indicate your dog may have ingested paper towels:
- Pieces of paper towel in vomit or stool
- Gagging, drooling, or attempts to vomit
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Straining to pass stool
- Bloated or distended abdomen
You may also witness your dog eating paper towels. Take note if large amounts were consumed. Any symptoms should prompt a call to your veterinarian.
What to do if your dog ate paper towels
Follow these steps if you believe your dog swallowed paper towels:
- Prevent further consumption. Pick up any remaining paper towels and keep them out of reach.
- Check for signs of blockage. Look for gagging, vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, stomach pain, or bloating.
- Contact your vet. They can advise you based on symptoms and amount ingested.
- Monitor stool. Watch for paper towel pieces, diarrhea, or constipation.
- Avoid foods that may cause obstruction. Skip bones, rawhides, or treats that expand in the stomach.
- Return to the vet if symptoms persist. Ongoing issues may indicate a blockage requiring surgery.
Inducing vomiting is not recommended, as this can worsen an obstruction. Your vet may request x-rays to check for blockages or perforations before prescribing treatment.
Home treatment for minor ingestion
For minor ingestion with no symptoms, your vet may recommend:
- Feeding the dog a small meal to move things through the GI tract
- Increasing water intake to help pass paper towels
- Adding canned pumpkin to stool to soothe the colon
- Monitoring for normal bowel movements
Avoid giving medications like Pepto-Bismol without your vet’s guidance, as these can make obstructions worse.
Emergency treatment for blockages
If a blockage is confirmed through x-rays or symptoms, emergency surgery may be required. This involves anesthetizing the dog and making an incision into the stomach or intestines to remove the obstruction.
IV fluids, antibiotics, and pain medication are given before, during, and after surgery. Your dog may need to stay at the vet for a couple days of post-operative monitoring and care. Prompt surgery is important to prevent fatal complications.
How to prevent dogs from eating paper towels
Here are some tips to keep your dog from consuming paper towels:
- Keep paper towels out of reach. Use child locks on cabinets.
- Never leave paper towels unattended, especially with puppies.
- Roll up remaining towels and store out of reach.
- Use a covered trash can that your dog can’t get into.
- Pick up shredded paper towels immediately after use.
- Train your dog using positive reinforcement techniques.
- Redirect chewing to appropriate toys.
- Exercise your dog regularly to prevent boredom chewing.
With vigilance and training, you can help prevent concerning paper towel consumption. Be aware of any environment changes that increase access, like having guests or children in the home.
Long-term prognosis after eating paper towels
The long-term outlook is excellent for dogs who pass paper towels without complications or undergo successful surgical removal. They typically make a full recovery and return to normal health and activity levels.
Prompt treatment is key. The prognosis declines if a severe blockage goes unaddressed, leading to:
- Infection
- Peritonitis
- Sepsis
- Intestinal rupture
- Organ failure
- Death
Following any incident, continue monitoring stool and watching for recurring symptoms. Multiple bowel obstructions increase future risk. Work on prevention to avoid repeat occurrences.
Costs for dogs who ate paper towels
Costs for paper towel ingestion depend on the required treatment:
| Treatment | Average Cost |
| None for minor ingestion | $0 |
| Veterinary exam | $50 – $100 |
| Abdominal x-rays | $100 – $250 |
| Emergency surgery | $1,500 – $5,000+ |
| Hospitalization | $500 – $1,000 per day |
Prices vary based on location, clinic fees, and complexity. Health insurance can offset costs for those with coverage. Discuss payment options with your vet if needed.
Key takeaways
- Swallowing small amounts of paper towel is generally harmless for dogs.
- Seek emergency vet care if large quantities were consumed or blockage symptoms appear.
- Inducing vomiting at home is not recommended.
- X-rays can diagnose blockages prior to pursuing surgery.
- Quick removal of obstructions is vital to prevent complications.
- Dogs usually fully recover following successful treatment.
- Prevention methods can help avoid repeat ingestion incidents.
Conclusion
Eating paper towels is fairly common in dogs but can cause problems. Minor ingestion may only lead to gastrointestinal upset. However, swallowing substantial amounts raises the risk of obstructions requiring surgery. Notify your vet at the first signs of vomiting, lethargy, appetite issues, or other symptoms. Prompt treatment greatly improves the likelihood of a full recovery and prevents lasting harm. With vigilance and training, you can curb this risky behavior in your dog.