Most dogs will find something to chew on, but some items, such as baby wipes, must be kept out of their reach. Baby wipes have many purposes around the house, so even people without babies have them. After bringing their dog inside, some people use baby wipes to clean it, but there is always the risk that the dog may grab the wipe for itself before you can prevent them. Because of the toxins in wipes, it’s crucial to know what to do if your dog eats one.
You must keep a close eye on your dog if it has consumed a baby wipe. Ingestion of a baby wipe can induce gastrointestinal distress in dogs, particularly in smaller dogs and dogs with stomach problems. Most of the time, your dog will be fine, but you should still exercise precautions.
There are several aspects to consider if your dog ate a baby wipe. Though your dog may pass, it’s best to be cautious and not rely on that.
What Are Baby Wipes?
Wet wipes made specifically for infants’ delicate skin are known as baby wipes. The wipes are usually composed of soft, non-woven, flexible cloth.
It differs from product to product what kind of solution is used to moisten the wipes. Examples of products designed for those with sensitive skin include:
- Water
- Mild detergents
- Moisturizing agents
- Fragrance (though many are non-scented)
- Preservatives
Baby Wipes & Dogs
The correct response is that using baby wipes on your dog may make him sick. Because the wipes include substances that might irritate the digestive tract, using them could result in a potentially life-threatening medical condition known as a bowel blockage. The wipes themselves could also become trapped in the intestines. If treatment is not done, a bowel blockage can be fatal if left untreated.
The magnitude of the potential issue is going to be proportional to the size of the dog as well as the number of wipes that it has consumed. Another problem is whether the dog ate the packaging. It is also conceivable that the wipe solution will irritate the dog’s digestive tract if it is used on the dog.
Dog Growls When Tired (Why And What To Do)
What Will Happen to a Dog That Eats a Baby Wipe?
The majority of the time, when a dog eats a baby wipe, the wipe will pass through its digestive tract and be excreted in the dog’s feces. Baby wipes typically include moisturizers, cleansers, and scented oils, all of which can potentially upset a dog’s stomach and cause diarrhea. When ingested in its whole, a baby wipe has the potential to obstruct a dog’s digestive tract.
- Vomit or Diarrhea
The ingestion of a baby wipe might induce vomiting and diarrhea in your dog. Baby wipes don’t include hazardous ingredients because they’re meant for children. Each includes a unique combination of cleanser, moisturizer, and potentially scented oils.
They also have a particular pH balance, which is ideal for use on human skin but does not necessarily mix well with a dog’s stomach. This is one of the reasons why they are so beneficial for human skin.
- Pass-Through
If your average-sized dog has consumed only one wipe, it will probably pass through the digestive tract without causing too much trouble. This occurs 24-48 hours after use. Although this is merely an average, things might happen a great deal earlier or later.
If it were not chewed up before being swallowed, it would most likely be expelled in its entirety.
- Blockage
A dog that has consumed a baby wipe runs the danger of having its digestive tract get blocked. This means the baby wipe isn’t broken down and lodged in the dog’s digestive tract.
If your dog has eaten many wipes, there is a greater possibility that they may become clumped together and cause either an obstruction in the digestive tract or choking.
Are Baby Wipes Toxic to Dogs?
When used for cleaning or washing a dog’s exterior, baby wipes do not pose a substantial health risk to canines. However, dogs eating baby wipes might become sick from the ingredients. The pH level of baby wipes matches that of people, not dogs. In general, baby wipes have components like scents, moisturizing compounds, and propylene glycol that are not safe for your dog to swallow. This makes it unsafe for your dog to use baby wipes.
While using a baby wipe on your dog’s exterior, ensure the wipe is dry. Dogs often chew and ingest the baby wipe moisture, including dangerous compounds like propylene glycol. This substance is toxic to dogs and can induce stomach distress.
You should get a baby wipe with a few substances as possible and no fragrance for your dog. The finest baby wipes for canines are made for delicate skin since they include fewer substances. Also, it’s ideal to choose baby wipes for dogs that don’t contain propylene glycol.
What to Do if Your Dog Has Swallowed a Baby Wipe?
When used externally, the wipes will not adversely affect your dog. If your dog were to consume a baby wipe, though, this may put his health in danger. If your dog swallows a baby wipe, the following procedures are needed to be carried out:
- Check your dog’s throat – Dogs typically conceal items at the back of their mouths or throats to stop their owners from removing them. Open your dog’s mouth carefully and look inside to see if you can discover anything. If you can see the wipe, you should attempt to remove it from your hand in a safe manner.
- Check for signs of troubled breathing – Keep an eye out for any signs that your dog has trouble breathing. If you discover that your dog is choking, you should quickly experiment on the dog. Be careful to keep yourself well-prepared in advance of the event. In addition to that, don’t forget to contact a vet.
- Induce vomiting – If the situation is difficult, you should quickly induce vomiting in your dog by giving him hydrogen peroxide. Ensure that you have a three percent solution of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide in excessive concentrations might be harmful to your dog’s health.
The suggested dosage of hydrogen peroxide for dogs is one teaspoon per five pounds of body weight. Three teaspoons is the maximum dose for a dog weighing more than 45 pounds.
Can Dogs Eat Baby Wipes?
Dogs shouldn’t eat baby wipes, even if you feel they make a good distraction. If your dog consumes a baby wipe, he or she may have a gastrointestinal obstruction and absorb the baby wipe’s chemicals. As a pet owner, you must keep baby wipes out of your dog’s reach and dispose of them appropriately after usage by placing them in a trash can with a lid.
Do Dogs Get Sad When You Yell at Them?
Can I Use Baby Wipes on My Dog?
Generally, baby wipes are appropriate for your dog’s exterior. You can use baby wipes instead of traditional wipes to clean your dog’s nose, mouth, paws, and legs. They are a cheap solution to protect your dog from tracking muck inside the home. However, your dog should never ingest baby wipes under any circumstances.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) at Nation Taiwan University,Master of Science (M.S.) in Biomedical Engineering at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology