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My Dog Ate My Contacts

Dogs are curious creatures that often like to explore their environment with their mouths. While this can lead to plenty of fun and games, it can also result in some dangerous situations, particularly when dogs ingest foreign objects like contact lenses. 

Ingesting contact lenses can cause a range of health problems for dogs, from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to serious obstructions that require surgical intervention. In this context, it’s essential for dog owners to be aware of the risks of their furry friends eating contact lenses and take necessary precautions to prevent such incidents from happening. 

This article aims to provide helpful information on what to do if your dog has eaten contact lenses, how to prevent it from happening in the first place, and how to provide proper care for your dog during their recovery period.

What do I do if my dog ate contact lenses?

If your dog ate contact lenses, you should take them to a veterinarian immediately. Swallowed contact lenses can cause gastrointestinal issues and other complications, and your veterinarian can advise you on the best course of treatment. Do not induce vomiting or give your dog any home remedies without first consulting with a veterinarian.

Are contact lenses toxic to dogs?

Contact lenses themselves are not necessarily toxic to dogs, but ingesting them can cause various issues such as gastrointestinal problems, obstruction in the digestive tract, and potential injury to the digestive tract. 

Contact lenses are typically made of soft or rigid plastic materials that can be difficult for dogs to digest, so it’s important to seek veterinary attention immediately if you suspect your dog has swallowed a contact lens. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best course of treatment based on your dog’s individual situation.

Should I induce vomiting if my dog ate contact lenses?

No, you should not induce vomiting in your dog if they have swallowed contact lenses or any other foreign object without first consulting with a veterinarian. Inducing vomiting may cause the object to become lodged in your dog’s throat or cause further damage to their digestive tract. 

Your veterinarian can advise you on the best course of action based on your dog’s individual situation. It’s important to seek veterinary attention immediately if you suspect your dog has swallowed a contact lens or any other foreign object.

Can dogs pass contact lenses?

It is possible for dogs to pass contact lenses, but it depends on various factors such as the size and shape of the contact lenses, as well as the size of the dog. If the contact lenses are small enough, they may pass through the dog’s digestive system without causing any issues. 

However, contact lenses are typically made of soft or rigid plastic materials that can be difficult for dogs to digest, so it’s important to seek veterinary attention immediately if you suspect your dog has swallowed a contact lens. 

Your veterinarian can advise you on the best course of action based on your dog’s individual situation.

Proper care for dogs that have eaten contact lenses

If your dog has eaten contact lenses, it’s important to seek veterinary attention immediately. Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and may recommend diagnostic tests such as X-rays or ultrasound to assess the location and potential impact of the swallowed contact lenses.

Treatment will depend on the individual situation and may include monitoring your dog for any signs of gastrointestinal problems, administering medications to help the contact lenses pass more easily, or in some cases, performing surgery to remove the contact lenses if they are causing an obstruction in the digestive tract.

During the recovery period, it’s important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully and monitor your dog for any signs of discomfort or other issues. You may need to modify your dog’s diet or activity level, provide medications or other supportive care, and schedule follow-up appointments with your veterinarian as needed.

To prevent your dog from eating contact lenses or other foreign objects in the future, make sure to store your contacts and other personal care items in a safe, secure location that is out of your dog’s reach, and supervise your dog closely to prevent them from accessing items that may be harmful or dangerous.

How do I keep my dog from eating my contacts?

To prevent your dog from eating your contacts, you should make sure to store them safely and securely out of your dog’s reach. Consider keeping your contacts in a closed drawer or cabinet, or in a sealed container that your dog cannot open. 

It’s also important to dispose of your used contacts properly and promptly, as dogs may be attracted to the scent of contact lenses or other personal care items. If you wear glasses, make sure to store them in a safe place as well, as dogs may also be attracted to the scent of the oils and skin cells on your glasses. 

You can train your dog to avoid certain areas of the house or to leave certain items alone through positive reinforcement training or by using deterrents such as bitter sprays or motion-activated alarms.

What other household items are dangerous for dogs?

There are many household items that can be dangerous for dogs if ingested, including:

  1. Human medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and antidepressants.
  2. Chocolate, caffeine, and other foods that contain theobromine, which can be toxic to dogs in large amounts.
  3. Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in many sugar-free gums, candies, and other products, which can cause rapid insulin release and lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in dogs.
  4. Cleaning products and other household chemicals, which can cause chemical burns, irritation, and other health problems if ingested or inhaled.
  5. Certain plants, such as lilies, daffodils, and azaleas, which can be toxic to dogs if ingested.
  6. Rodenticides and insecticides, which can be harmful or fatal to dogs if ingested or inhaled.

It’s important to keep all potentially harmful items out of your dog’s reach and to seek veterinary attention immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested anything toxic or harmful.

Final Thoughts

If your dog has eaten contact lenses or any other foreign object, it’s important to seek veterinary attention immediately. Ingesting contact lenses can cause various health problems for dogs, such as gastrointestinal issues, blockages, and other complications. 

To prevent your dog from eating contact lenses or other harmful household items, it’s important to store them safely and securely out of your dog’s reach, and supervise your dog closely to prevent them from accessing items that may be harmful or dangerous. 

By following these guidelines and seeking prompt veterinary care when needed, you can help keep your dog safe and healthy.

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