It’s easy to overlook a piece of dental floss that has gone missing from your bathroom trash. Many pet parents who carefully dispose of chicken bones, lock away household chemicals, and keep chocolate out of reach don’t consider floss a safety hazard. After all, shouldn’t something so small and non-toxic pass easily if swallowed?
The truth is, dental floss and other string-like objects are deceptively dangerous. If you suspect your dog has swallowed floss, acting quickly can prevent life-threatening internal injuries.
Why Dental Floss is Dangerous for Dogs and CatsSwallowed dental floss is considered a linear foreign body — a long, thin object that doesn’t break down in the digestive tract. Unlike solid items that might pass or cause a simple GI blockage, linear objects pose a unique and serious threat.
One of the biggest dangers is something called tethering. This occurs when one end of a string gets anchored to a point in the digestive tract (commonly around the base of the tongue or in the stomach) while the rest of the floss continues to move through the intestines. This creates tension, which can cause the intestines to bunch or tangle around the floss, leading to a loss of blood flow to portions of the GI tract, tears, or perforations.
If left untreated, intestinal blockages, ruptures, and peritonitis (a life-threatening intestinal infection) are imminent.
Dental floss poses a particular risk because it’s often easily accessible in uncovered bathroom trash bins, and some dogs may be attracted to the flavor. However, floss isn’t the only string-like object that can land you at the emergency vet. Other culprits include:
If you have a pet who is prone to chewing, keep in mind that they can accidentally swallow anything they are mouthing, and be especially mindful of anything string-like that has come into contact with food or body fluids.
If you witness your pet swallow floss or string, get in touch with your veterinarian right away. Symptoms can develop over hours or days as the floss moves through their body, so even pets that seem perfectly fine may be in danger.
If you didn’t witness the ingestion, however, here are signs that your dog or cat may have swallowed a linear foreign body:
It may seem unnecessary to rush a perfectly happy dog to the vet, but a quick intervention can prevent life-threatening intestinal damage and give you better options for treatment.
Never induce vomiting unless advised to do so by your vet, and never pull on a string you find hanging from your pet’s mouth or rectum. If the linear foreign body is anchored, pulling can cause serious internal injuries.
Small changes to your home can prevent a lot of anxiety, expense, and tragedy.
Open bathroom waste baskets are usually the perfect height for curious pets to explore. Swap them for lidded trash cans and keep dental floss, tampons, and other risky objects safely out of reach.
Pets who swallow sewing thread can also ingest attached needles, so be very mindful of how you store crafting supplies. Never leave projects unattended, and keep thread, yarn, and ribbon in a sealed container or drawer when not in use.
Frayed ropes and broken string-like cat teaser toys can quickly turn into swallowing hazards. Discard and replace toys when you notice signs of wear.
Fibers from rugs, carpets, furniture, and clothing can pose a risk to dogs who like to chew. Trim loose strings as soon as you notice them and dispose of them in a covered trash can.
At Falls Village Veterinary Hospital, a Raleigh, NC veterinarian, dogs, cats & their families deserve the best. In fact, we specialize in delivering warm, compassionate care that reminds our clients and patients how unique and important they truly are. We provide complete veterinary care including dentistry, laser therapy, surgery, and more. Call us today!
