A small bit of paper towel usually passes, but a lot can block the intestines. Call your vet if your dog ate much or vomits.
Small amount
A small piece usually passes.
Large amount
Large amounts can cause an intestinal blockage.
Signs of trouble
Vomiting, no appetite, lethargy, belly pain and no stool.
What to do
- Do not induce vomiting without vet advice.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control line at (888) 426-4435.
Risk
Higher in small dogs.
Prevention
Keep the trash secured.
Risk by amount
A small piece of paper towel usually passes through a dog’s digestive tract without trouble. Paper towels are not toxic but do not break down easily and can clump. Large amounts can cause a blockage, especially in small dogs. Blockages are among the most common emergencies for dogs eating non-food items.
- Signs of trouble include repeated vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, straining to defecate or diarrhea, and they typically show within 24 to 72 hours.
- Used paper towels with grease, cleaners, chemicals or food such as onions or grapes can be dangerous.
- Pica is a condition where dogs eat non-food items, and may link to boredom, anxiety or diet issues.
What to do
Call a vet for guidance, mention the size of the dog and the amount eaten. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to. Offer water, watch stools and monitor. Vets may use X-rays or ultrasound and surgery for obstruction. Prevent by keeping trash lids closed and giving chew toys and exercise.
Risk by amount
Paper towels are not toxic, but swallowed in large amounts they can cause intestinal blockage, especially in small dogs. A small piece usually passes in stool.
What to do
Watch for vomiting, no stool, lethargy or belly pain, and call a vet. Inked or scented towels may add risk.
Risk of paper towel
Paper towels are made of cellulose and can swell and clump in the stomach or intestine. A small piece often passes in stool without trouble, but a large amount can cause a blockage. Towels with chemicals, grease, cleaning products or cooking oils add risks. Dogs eating towels can also get vomiting or diarrhea.
What to do
Watch for vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, straining or no stool for 24 hours. These signs may mean an obstruction needing urgent veterinary care, which can involve X rays, ultrasound and surgery. Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control line at (888) 426-4435. Keep trash covered and towels out of reach, as some dogs repeatedly chew paper.
Based on data from the ASPCA and the American Veterinary Medical Association
