Dog Ate a Dryer Sheet [Dangers Revealed]

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

What would happen if your dog ate a dryer sheet?

If your dog eats a dryer sheet, it can cause digestive upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. The chemicals in dryer sheets are not safe for dogs to ingest, so it’s important to contact a vet if this happens. In severe cases, it can lead to blockages or toxicity.

In this blog post, I wanna shed some light on this common yet puzzling issue, uncover the hidden risks, and arm you with the knowledge you need to keep your pup safe and sound. 

Why Did My Dog Eat A Dryer Sheet?

Ever wondered why your dog would eat a dryer sheet? It might not be shocking news for us pet owners since dogs probably take a bite at everything, but still…

You look away for a moment, and suddenly, your dog is nibbling on something as odd as a dryer sheet. It can be quite puzzling, right?

First off, don’t worry too much. Dogs are known for their peculiar taste in snacks. 

While a dryer sheet might not be on your menu, it can pique your pup’s interest for a few reasons:

1. Scents galore: Dryer sheets often smell really good because they have nice scents from the laundry stuff we use. 
2. Texture temptation: Dogs like to explore the world with their mouths, a bit like babies who put things in their mouths to see what they’re like.
3. Residual detergent: Sometimes, dryer sheets still have a tiny bit of laundry soap or softener on them. This can give the sheet a hint of taste that your dog finds intriguing.

So, your dog’s curiosity, sensitive nose, and the interesting texture and taste of the dryer sheet can explain why they’d give it a nibble.

What Will Happen If My Dog Eats A Dryer Sheet?

Don’t panic! Dogs are known for their curious taste in things. 

Eating a dryer sheet isn’t the end of the world, but it’s not exactly a gourmet meal either. 

Here’s what could happen:

• Stomach Upset: Eating a dryer sheet can cause vomiting or diarrhea.
• Chemical Concerns: Some of the chemicals in dryer sheets can burn the mouth, throat, or stomach.
• Obstruction: This is a fancy word for “blockage“. A dryer sheet could get stuck in your dog’s intestines, which is pretty serious business.

Is A Dryer Sheet Toxic To Dogs? Danger Of Dryer Sheets For Dogs

Yes, dryer sheets can be toxic to dogs.

They contain various chemicals that make clothes soft and static-free, but these can be harmful if ingested. Some of these include:

• Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats): They help reduce static but can be irritating and even toxic to pets.
• Fragrances: The exact composition of these can vary, but ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal upset in dogs.
• Other compounds: Benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, and others that contribute to the sheet’s performance or scent can be problematic for dogs.

What Are The Symptoms Of Toxic Poisoning If My Dog Ate A Dryer Sheet?

I know you might be worried about your doggo because of a sneaky dryer-sheet snack. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to watch for:

• Throwing up: This means your dog’s trying to get rid of what’s bothering its stomach.
• Runny poop: If your dog’s poop is watery, that’s another sign their tummy’s upset.
• Lots of drooling: If your dog’s dribbling more saliva than usual, something might be irritating its mouth.
• Red or sore mouth: If your dog lets you peek inside, look for red or sore spots.
• Obstruction Signs: If they’re uncomfortable, like whining or their tummy looking bigger.
• Super tired: If your usually playful pup suddenly wants to nap all day, that’s not a good sign.
• Not hungry: If they’re saying “no thanks” to their food, something’s up.
• Coughing or acting like something’s stuck: It could be a piece of the dryer sheet.
• Shaking or acting really weird: This means you should call the vet ASAP!

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Dryer Sheets?

Oh no! When our furry friends get their paws on something they shouldn’t, like a dryer sheet, our hearts can skip a beat.

Let me walk you through the 5 steps to handle this situation.

1. Stay Calm
2. Remove Any Leftover Pieces
3. Check for Symptoms
4. Call the Vet – ASAP!
5. Watch Your Dog

Dogs are curious creatures, always exploring with their mouths, much like toddlers.

So always be aware of what’s within their reach and what might be tempting to taste. 

And, most importantly, know that you’re not alone.

Many pet parents have faced the same situation. With prompt action and a watchful eye, your dog should be just fine!

Will A Dog Poop Out A Dryer Sheet?

Yes, it’s possible, but it’s not guaranteed or without risks. 

When a dog eats something it shouldn’t, the item might pass through its digestive system and eventually get pooped out.

But it’s not always that simple. 

The dryer sheet might pass more easily for a Labrador compared to if you have a little Chihuahua.

The size of the dog and the size of the item ingested play a significant role.

The journey of a dryer sheet through the digestive tract isn’t a walk in the park.

It can get twisted or folded, creating blockages in the intestines.

This is what vets call an “intestinal obstruction“, and it’s a serious concern.

What about those chemicals? Even if your dog poops out the dryer sheet, the chemicals in the sheet might still upset their stomach.

They could experience symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea.

How Long Will It Take a Dog to Pass a Dryer Sheet?

If your dog swallows a dryer sheet, the journey through its digestive system can vary. 

Typically, small, soft objects like dryer sheets should pass within a day or two. 

Keep a close eye on your pup. If they start acting strangely, like vomiting or having tummy troubles, that’s the signal to reach out to your vet right away.

What Are the Treatment Options if Your Dog Eats Dryer Sheets?

You know how life with dogs is always an adventure, and sometimes, they surprise us by chomping down on unexpected things – like dryer sheets!

Let me share with you what treatment options are available to keep your dog safe and happy.

• Watch Closely: If your dog nibbles on a dryer sheet, start by watching them carefully. Look for any unusual signs like strange vomiting, diarrhea, or appetite changes. 
• Talk to the Vet: If you see worrying symptoms or think your dog ate a lot of dryer sheets, contact your vet. 
• X-rays or Ultrasound: Sometimes, the vet may suggest tests like X-rays or ultrasound to see if the dryer sheet caused problems in your dog’s tummy.
• Surgery if Needed: In severe cases, if the dryer sheet causes blockages or serious issues, the vet might recommend surgery to fix the problem.
• Easing Symptoms: For less serious situations, your vet may provide treatments to help your dog feel better. These treatments can address symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea while your dog’s body deals with the dryer sheet.

How to Prevent Your Dog From Eating Dryer Sheets?

Make sure your dog can’t get into the laundry room where you keep your laundry stuff.

You can use baby gates or simply close the door to keep them out.

Keep dryer sheets and laundry products in places your dog can’t reach. High shelves and closed cabinets work great.

Dogs can be pretty good at getting to stuff, so be sure it’s truly out of their reach.

When you’re doing laundry, don’t let your dog get near the dryer or the used dryer sheets. It’s a time when they might get curious, so keep an extra close watch.

I also highly recommend you teach your dog the “leave it” command.

You have no idea how useful it can be when you see your dog messing around with something nasty!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In Conclusion: Dog Ate Dryer Sheet

I feel that as dog owners, we’re bound to encounter a canine mishap at least once in our lifetime, but that key is being able to react correctly, and I hope that I have helped you out in this post.

Continue to be vigilant and work on training your dog to be disciplined, and you’re less likely to have to deal with such incidents again!