What Should I Do If My Bernese Mountain Dog Ate Pieces of Underwear?

If your Bernese Mountain Dog has ingested pieces of underwear, it’s crucial to act quickly and seek veterinary attention. Underwear can pose a serious health risk to your canine companion, potentially causing internal blockages that can lead to life-threatening complications.

Risks of Underwear Ingestion

Bernese Mountain Dogs, like many other breeds, are curious and may be tempted to chew on or swallow non-food items, including underwear. This can have severe consequences for your dog’s health.

1. Internal Blockages: Underwear can become lodged in your dog’s digestive system, causing a dangerous blockage that can prevent the passage of food and waste. This can lead to vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and even life-threatening complications.

   
   

2. Symptoms to Watch For: If your Bernese Mountain Dog has eaten underwear, be on the lookout for signs of distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or a refusal to eat. These may indicate that the underwear is causing a blockage.

   
   

3. Inducing Vomiting: In some cases, your veterinarian may attempt to induce vomiting to retrieve the swallowed items, but this should only be done under their guidance.

   
   

4. Imaging Tests: Your veterinarian may use X-rays or ultrasound to determine the location of the underwear and assess whether it has moved from the stomach into the intestines.

   
   

5. Surgical Intervention: If the underwear has caused a blockage, especially in the intestines, your veterinarian may need to perform surgery to remove the obstruction and prevent further complications.

   
   

Prevention

To avoid the risks associated with underwear ingestion, it’s essential to take proactive measures to keep your Bernese Mountain Dog safe.

1. Supervision: Keep a close eye on your dog, especially during laundry activities, to prevent them from accessing and consuming underwear or other non-food items.

   
   

2. Training: Teach your Bernese Mountain Dog not to chew on or eat non-food items. Provide appropriate chew toys and engage in regular training and mental stimulation to discourage this behavior.

   
   

3. Secure Laundry: Ensure that all laundry, including dirty and clean underwear, is kept out of your dog’s reach. Consider using baby gates or other barriers to restrict access to areas where laundry is stored or handled.

   
   

Real-Life Incidents

The risks of underwear ingestion in Bernese Mountain Dogs are not just hypothetical. There are numerous real-life incidents that highlight the importance of taking this issue seriously.

1. Emergency Surgery: A Bernese Mountain Dog required emergency surgery after eating socks and underwear, underscoring the need for prompt veterinary attention in such cases.

   
   

2. Costly Consequences: One dog owner reported spending $12,000 on emergency surgeries due to their Bernese Mountain Dog’s underwear ingestion, emphasizing the financial burden that can come with these types of incidents.

   
   

Expert Advice

Veterinary experts emphasize the importance of seeking immediate attention if you suspect your Bernese Mountain Dog has eaten underwear.

1. Seek Immediate Attention: If you believe your Bernese Mountain Dog has consumed underwear, contact your veterinarian right away. Prompt action can be crucial in preventing serious health complications.

   
   

2. Monitor Closely: Keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior and watch for any signs of distress or blockage, such as vomiting, lethargy, or abdominal pain. Notify your veterinarian immediately if you observe any concerning symptoms.

   
   

By understanding the risks, taking preventive measures, and seeking prompt veterinary care, you can help protect your Bernese Mountain Dog from the dangers of underwear ingestion. Remember, your dog’s health and well-being should always be the top priority.

References:

1. Help Dog ate underwear I’m pretty sure… what do I do? – Reddit
2. Why Does My Dog Chew on My Underwear and Socks? – American Kennel Club
3. Expert Answers: What to Do If Your Dog Ate Underwear | JustAnswer
4. Sockage = Blockage : r/bernesemountaindogs – Reddit
5. Expert Advice on Bernese Mountain Dog Health Issues – JustAnswer