Sometimes, after you and your pup have spent time outdoors, a baby wipe is the most likely option for preventing big messes in your home. Unfortunately, “dog ate baby wipe” is a common search phrase, as dogs like to snack on things they shouldn’t.
“My dog ate a baby wipe. What should I do?” Well, chances are, your dog will be just fine. This, of course, depends on the material and any chemicals that comprise your baby wipe, and on the size of your dog. In most cases, the wipe will pass 24 to 72 hours after your dog ingests it. But if not, you’ll want to keep reading our guide.
Here’s what to do if your dog ate a baby wipe.
What to do after your dog ate a baby wipe?
- See if you can remove the baby wipe from the back of their throat. Often times dogs keep objects in the back of their mouth or throat to prevent their owner from taking it. See if you can remove the baby wipe from your dogs mouth safely.
- Check for signs of distressed breathing (i.e. choking). In severe cases you may have to perform the Heimlich Manuever. Be prepared ahead of time to give your dog CPR.
- In severe cases where you think that the baby wipe might be a hazardous material for your dog, you should immediately induce vomiting. Typically, induced vomiting is done via hydrogen peroxide. In correct quantities, hydrogen peroxide is safe for your dog. For more information on hydrogen peroxide, read our article “Is Hydrogen Peroxide safe for dogs?”
Are baby wipes toxic to dogs?
Baby wipes are not significantly harmful to dogs when used for external cleaning or wiping. However, baby wipes can be harmful when consumed by dogs. Baby wipes are created in such a way that their pH level matches that of humans which is different from dogs. In general, baby wipes contain toxins that are not suitable to be ingested by your dog such as fragrances, moisturizing ingredients, and propylene glycol.
When using a baby wipe on the exterior of your dog, make sure that the moisture from the baby wipe completely dries on your dog. One of the most common issues with using baby wipes on a dog is that the dog licks and eats the moisture from the baby wipe which contains toxic chemicals like propylene glycol. This manufactured chemical is harmful for dogs and is likely to cause an upset stomach.
In general, when purchasing a baby wipe you intend to use on your dog, you should buy one with the fewest amount of ingredients as possible, and the product should be fragrance free. The best baby wipes for dogs are typically the ones that made for sensitive skin since these baby wipes often contain the least amount of ingredients. In addition, it is best if you can find baby wipes for dogs that do not contain propylene glycol since this chemical isn’t recommended for dogs.
Can dogs eat baby wipes?
Dogs should never be allowed to eat baby wipes even if you think they make a great distraction toy. If your dog eats a baby wipe they can encounter gastrointestinal blockage and be digesting the toxins from the baby wipe. In severe cases, gastrointestinal blockage requires x-rays and surgery to remove from your dogs system. As an owner, it’s important to keep your baby wipes out of reach from your dog and discard them properly after use in a sealed trash can.
Can I use baby wipes on my dog?
In general, baby wipes are safe for exterior use on your dog. Baby wipes can be used on your dog to wipe their nose, mouth, paws, and legs. They are an economical way to keep your dog from bringing mud and dirt inside the house. However, baby wipes should not ever be eaten by your dog. “Dog ate baby wipe” searches can be largely avoided with the use of a facecloth and some fresh water.
Conclusion
In general, if your dog ate a baby wipe it should pass through their stool in approximately 24-48 hours. If you have a small dog, I would monitor for signs of choking or gastrointestinal blockage as it may be difficult for the baby wipe to digest through their intestinal track.
If you have a dog and regularly purchase baby wipes, make sure to get baby wipes that are fragrance free and don’t contain propylene glycol. In the event that your dog ate baby wipe material, natural options are superior to the chemical-laden counterparts.
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Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.