My Dog Ate Yarn! 2 Top Worries + What To Do Next!
Having a dog in your life is like having a constant ray of sunshine. Okay maybe that’s too melodramatic, but I do think getting a dog was one of the best decisions I made.
Whether it’s when your good girl excitedly wags her tail as you walk through the door or when she lays at your feet, your dog surely puts a smile on your face.
But, being the curious animals that they are, dogs sometimes do some peculiar thing that can get them into trouble too.
It’s not unheard of for dogs to eat things that you’d think would be obviously inedible.
As a responsible dog parent, you need to be aware of what craziness your dog gets into and know how to quickly respond to the situation.
So, what about when a dog eats yarn? My dog ate yarn now what? The quick and easy answer is that you need to keep an eye on your dog to make sure she doesn’t suffer from anything such as a GI block, but with luck, your good girl will pass the yarn without problems.
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What Could Happen If Your Dog Eats Yarn?
You might find yourself in a bit of a panic if you discover your canine buddy has gotten hold of some yarn.
And for good reason, there are (mainly) two potentially deadly consequences – intestinal blockage and choking.
Intestinal Blockage
If your dog swallows some yarn, it could cause an intestinal blockage.
This can require surgical intervention, which will be painful for your dog and anxiety-inducing for you.
You need to recognize the warning signs early on and seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible.
Signs Of Intestinal Blockage In Dogs Include:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Abdominal bloating
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Visible discomfort or pain
These symptoms can vary in severity and duration.
If you notice any of these signs in your dog, especially after consuming a foreign object like yarn, seek immediate veterinary attention.
Choking
When a dog’s airway becomes obstructed by yarn, it can lead to choking hazards.
Symptoms may include coughing, gagging, or even the loss of the ability to get adequate oxygen.
How to Tell if Your Dog Ate Yarn?
Being aware of specific signs will help you determine if your dog has gotten into some yarn.
Here are a few indicators to keep an eye out for:
- Yarn fragments in your dog’s mouth: If you see pieces of yarn in her mouth or she is trying to spit them out, it’s quite apparent that she got hold of some yarn.
- Torn or missing yarn: If you had a ball of yarn lying around and suddenly, it’s torn apart, or you can’t find it, the chances are high that your doggy friend has consumed some.
- Vomiting or passing parts of the yarn: If your dog starts vomiting, or you notice bits of yarn in her stool, it’s a clear indication that she has ingested some.
Here’s What To Do Next If Your Dog Eats Yarn
It can be quite stressful when your dog gets into something she shouldn’t have.
If you suspect your dog has eaten yarn, here is a quick guide to help you manage the situation calmly and effectively.
- Don’t panic or be angry at yourself or your dog. Accidents happen, and it’s important to remember that there will be time for training your good girl after this issue is resolved.
- Assess the situation. If possible, retrieve the remaining yarn from your dog. Be sure to only do so if it is safe for both of you. (Do not remove yarn from your dog’s hind end.)
- Call your vet for guidance. As soon as you realize your dog has consumed some yarn, give your veterinary clinic a call. Getting personalized, professional advice before taking any further steps is very important.
- Monitor your dog for any signs of distress. Keep a close eye on her for at least 48 hours and look for symptoms such as labored breathing, vomiting, discomfort, and other unusual behaviors.
Should I Induce Vomiting, Encourage Eating Extra Food Or Give Extra Water?
Do not induce vomiting, encourage eating, or offer extra water without consulting your vet.
Each situation is unique, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to handling a dog that has eaten yarn.
Your vet will need to know relevant details like your dog’s size, how much yarn she consumed, and any other pertinent information to advise you on the best course of action.
Can Ingesting Yarn Kill Dogs?
Unfortunately, if a dog eats yarn, it can be deadly.
As I mentioned earlier, your good girl could suffer from a life-threatening gastrointestinal blockage.
Can Dogs Pass Yarn?
Depending on the size of your dog, the amount and length of the yarn consumed, and a bit of luck, your dog may pass it.
But, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t remain vigilant and watch for signs that your dog is suffering.
Keep in mind that the shorter the pieces of yarn, the higher the likelihood of a safe passage.
IMPORTANT: If you notice yarn hanging from your dog’s rear end, do not attempt to pull or remove it yourself. This could cause further complications or injury.
Why Would A Dog Eat Yarn? A Closer Look
If you’ve seen your dog eat yarn, you’ve probably wondered why!
Here are a few of the most likely reasons behind your pup’s yarn-eating habit.
Curiosity
Dogs are curious. They love to sniff, investigate, and sometimes taste new things.
Your lovable canine pal might have simply stumbled on a ball of yarn, and let her curiosity get the better of her.
The texture, the smell, or the color of the yarn all could’ve been what piqued her curiosity.
Mistaken Identity
Sometimes dogs make mistakes.
Your pooch might have thought that the yarn was a fun new toy or a tasty treat.
Be sure to keep an eye on the items lying around your home and minimize any confusion by storing yarn and other toy look-a-likes safely out of her reach.
Pica: A Compulsive Eating Disorder
Pica is an eating disorder in which dogs consume non-food items compulsively.
It can result from things such as boredom, anxiety, or even an underlying medical condition.
If you’ve noticed that your canine companion has been consistently munching on yarn (or any other non-food items), talk with your vet to rule out any potential health issues and discuss appropriate measures for managing her behavior.
Boredom
Dogs are social animals.
They’re used to a life of activity and stimulation, whether it’s playing fetch, going for walks, or simply cuddling with their favorite people.
But when left alone for extended periods without any outlets for their energy, dogs can become bored and turn to destructive behaviors like chewing on furniture or eating non-food items like yarn.
Helpful Tips To Prevent Your Dog From Eating Yarn
Here are some effective strategies you can implement to discourage your furry friend from gnawing on yarn and other things you don’t want her to eat too!
Teach Your Dog Basic Commands
If she doesn’t already, your dog needs to know and understand basic commands.
Essentials like ‘no’, ‘sit’, ‘stay’, and ‘leave it’ come in handy every day.
If your good girl understands these commands, saying ‘leave it!’ with a clear, assertive tone should be enough to deter her interest in yarn. If you catch her in the act, that is!
Consistently reinforce these commands to establish a strong foundation of obedience.
Remember to practice patience and reward your dog when she follows your commands.
Keep Yarn Out Of Reach
The easiest way to keep your dog away from yarn is to store it in a secure location, such as a high shelf or drawer.
Obviously, you don’t want your dog to dictate how you live your life, but if your pooch is still learning commands this might be your best bet for now.
Your dog is less likely to find and chew on yarn if she isn’t ever around it.
Keep your knitting or crocheting projects stored away when you’re not working on them.
Offer Suitable Alternatives
Some dogs love to chew on things, so provide your pooch with appropriate chew toys.
These can satisfy her need to gnaw without the risk of ingesting yarn.
You may need to try out a variety of chew toys to find her favorite one, but once you do, keep it readily available and use praise to encourage her to chew on the toy instead of anything else.
Provide Adequate Exercise And Mental Stimulation
A well-exercised and mentally stimulated dog will be less likely to seek out inappropriate items like yarn to entertain herself.
Regular walks, social interaction, and mental enrichment, such as puzzle toys or training sessions, can help keep her mind and energy focused on suitable activities.
Final Thoughts: My Dog Ate Yarn!
If your dog consumes yarn, understanding the potential dangers and knowing what to do is important.
Canine ingestion of yarn can lead to potentially severe health issues, ranging from slight discomfort to dangerous gastrointestinal blockages, depending on various factors like the dog’s size, the length and quantity of yarn consumed, and sheer luck.
If you suspect your dog has eaten yarn, call your vet immediately.
Do not induce vomiting, encourage eating, or offer extra water without consulting a vet first. Each situation is unique and may call for a different approach.
Always keep a close watch for any signs of distress.
Note, if you see yarn protruding from your dog’s rear end, do not attempt to remove it yourself as it could lead to further complications.
Dogs may be inclined to eat yarn due to boredom, pica, or simply because it’s accessible and they find it interesting.
Keeping yarn and similar materials out of your dog’s reach, providing suitable alternatives like chew toys, and making sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation are great ways to get your dog to quit eating your yarn.
Don’t forget to train and use basic commands like ‘leave it’ as well.
If you suspect your dog has ingested yarn, seeking immediate veterinary advice is crucial.