Dog ate tape and you don’t know what to do? In this article, we’ll teach you all you need to know about why dogs eat tape, including what to do if your dog ate tape or your dog ate duct tape already. We’ll next go over the two simple commands you’ll need to stop this from happening again, and how to treat the root cause of this behavior.

We’re also going to cover how to handle it if your dog ate painters tape, duct tape, electrical tape, masking tape, medical tape, clear (Scotch) tape, and other situations. Finally, we’ll fill you in on if duct tape is toxic to dogs, if dogs can digest tape, how long it takes to pass, and more. Keep reading!

My Dog Ate Tape, What Do I Do?

If your dog ate tape, it’s important to act quickly. Tape, depending on its type and amount ingested, can cause various health issues in dogs, including gastrointestinal blockage or irritation. Watch your dog’s behavior and call your vet if you notice things like vomiting or problems defecating.

Dog Ate Duct Tape

If your dog ate duct tape, the situation could be even more serious due to the adhesive and the durability of the tape. Duct tape can cause internal blockages or become entangled in the intestines. If you know or suspect your dog ate duct tape, watch for signs of distress, such as vomiting, loss of appetite, or difficulty defecating, and contact your vet right away if you do.

Why Is My Dog Eating Tape?

Your dog is eating tape due to various reasons such as boredom, anxiety, curiosity, or pica, a condition where dogs eat non-food items. Understanding why your dog eats tape is important for addressing this behavior. Preventing their access to tape and providing appropriate chew toys will also help redirect their chewing habits.

Train the “Leave It” Command

Training your dog with the “Leave It” command can help stop your dog eating tape:

1. Start with a less tempting item and hold it in your hand. Say “Leave it” when your dog approaches.
2. Reward them with a treat and praise when they back away or lose interest.
3. Gradually introduce more tempting items, like tape, and reward your dog for obeying the command.
4. Regular practice in different environments reinforces this important command.

Train the “Drop It” Command

The “Drop It” command is also crucial if your dog picks up a piece of tape:

1. Give your dog a toy and, once they grab it, offer a treat while saying “Drop it.”
2. When they release the toy, give them the treat and praise them.
3. Progress to practicing with items like tape under supervision, rewarding your dog each time they comply.
4. Consistent training ensures your dog reliably responds to the command.

In summary, if your dog eats tape, particularly types like duct tape, it’s important to monitor them for signs of gastrointestinal issues and seek veterinary care if needed. These commands will help prevent future incidents, but it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issues (curiosity, anxiety, boredom, etc.) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present.

And until you address those, any positive changes you see will only be temporary.

“Well, how do I make these changes last?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like your dog eating tape and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about things like your dog eating duct tape ever again!

Dog Ate Tape: Specific Types & Amounts

When a dog eats tape, the specific type and amount ingested are crucial factors in determining the risk to their health. Different types of tape can have varying degrees of potential harm, from minor to severe, depending on their adhesive strength, material, and the size of the consumed piece.

Dog Ate Painters Tape

If your dog ate painters tape, the risk might be slightly lower compared to other types, as this tape is generally less adhesive and may be easier to pass. However, there’s still a risk of gastrointestinal blockage, especially if a large amount is eaten. Watch your dog for any signs of digestive problems and contact your veterinarian right away if necessary.

To prevent future incidents, training your dog on commands like “leave it” and “drop it” is a terrific way to start. You can learn both now in the first section.

It’s best to get this taken care of as soon as you can, because doing so will also keep your dog safe during other similar situations. You then aren’t going to have to worry about things like why dogs eat paper or what to do if your dog ate a muffin wrapper, if your dog ate a cupcake wrapper, or if your dog ate a paper plate.

My Dog Ate Duct Tape

If your dog ate duct tape, this is more concerning due to its strong adhesive and durable material, which can cause significant gastrointestinal obstruction. Immediate veterinary attention is advised, especially if your dog shows symptoms like vomiting, difficulty defecating, or abdominal pain.

Your dog eating duct tape can also lead to other complications like irritation to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, so quick veterinary care is very important.

Dog Ate Electrical Tape

If your dog ate electrical tape, be aware of its potential to cause intestinal blockage. Electrical tape is not only adhesive but also quite resilient, which can pose a greater risk if ingested. Watch your dog closely for any unusual behavior or signs of gastrointestinal distress. Contact your vet immediately if you notice things like vomiting or problems defecating.

Additionally, the adhesive on electrical tape can be toxic to dogs, so it’s important to also watch for symptoms related to that such as drooling, lack of coordination, or seizures.

Dog Ate Masking Tape

If your dog ate masking tape, while generally less adhesive, it can still cause digestive issues, particularly if consumed in large quantities. Keep an eye on your dog for any symptoms of an obstruction, such as vomiting or changes in bowel movements. The adhesive on masking tape can also cause mild stomach upset, so observing for signs of discomfort is important.

Dog Ate Medical Tape

If your dog ate medical tape, the concern is similar to other adhesive tapes. While medical tape is designed to be gentle on skin, it can still cause internal complications if eaten by your dog. Watch for any indications of gastrointestinal discomfort and seek veterinary care if needed.

Medical tape may also contain substances that are irritating to their stomach, so be sure to also look out for signs like excessive drooling or a refusal to eat.

My Dog Ate a Piece of Tape

If your dog ate a piece of tape only, and it’s a small piece, they may pass it without issue. However, it’s important to monitor them closely for any signs of a blockage, as even small pieces can cause problems in smaller dogs or if combined with other ingested materials.

A piece of tape can also get stuck on its way through the digestive tract, potentially leading to partial blockages, which can be harder to detect but still dangerous.

My Dog Ate Clear Tape (Scotch Tape)

If your dog ate clear tape (Scotch tape), the risk of blockage is present, though it may be less severe than with more adhesive or larger types of tape. As with other kinds, observe for signs of gastrointestinal blockage or irritation and contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Clear tape can also stick to the walls of the stomach or intestines, leading to irritation and possible complications like ulcers or perforations.

In summary, if your dog ate tape of any type, the specific kind and amount are important factors in determining the exact risk, though none are safe. While some tapes might pass through their system, others can cause serious health issues.

Close monitoring for any adverse symptoms following the ingestion of tape is important, and seeking veterinary advice is recommended, especially for more adhesive or larger amounts of tape. Keeping all types of tape securely stored and out of your dog’s reach is the best preventive measure.

Is Duct Tape Toxic to Dogs?

Duct tape is toxic to dogs due to the adhesives and other components typically found in a roll. While the duct tape itself is not toxic to dogs, it is also unsafe because of the risk of obstructing their gastrointestinal tract. Keep duct tape stored where your dog can’t get to it.

Can Dogs Digest Tape?

Dogs cannot digest tape, including duct tape. The material used in these tapes is not breakable by a dog’s digestive system. This means that when ingested, tape can lead to gastrointestinal blockages, which are serious and potentially life-threatening conditions. The adhesive on duct tape can also cause irritation to the stomach and intestines.

The “drop it” command is excellent for these situations as it gives you one last chance to get your dog to release something (such as a piece of tape) before swallowing. It’s very simple to learn, and you can do so now by going back to the first section.

Can Dogs Pass Duct Tape?

The possibility of a dog passing duct tape depends on the amount ingested and the size of the dog. Small pieces might pass through a large dog’s digestive system with minimal issues. However, duct tape is particularly concerning due to its adhesive nature and durability, increasing the risk of causing an obstruction, particularly in small dogs or when larger pieces are consumed.

Dog Ate Tape: How Long to Pass?

If a dog eats tape, including duct tape, the time it takes to pass, if it does at all, can vary. Small pieces might move through the digestive tract in a few days, but there’s always the risk that the tape will get stuck, especially if it’s adhesive or a large piece.

Continuous monitoring for signs of gastrointestinal distress is crucial, and veterinary attention is needed if any concerning symptoms, such as vomiting, constipation, or abdominal pain, develop.

In summary, while duct tape is not inherently toxic, it poses significant health risks if ingested by dogs. Dogs cannot digest tape, and it can cause gastrointestinal blockages and irritation. If your dog ate duct tape, watch them closely and seek veterinary care if they show signs of distress like vomiting.

I’m sure you’re ready now that you have all of your questions about why dogs eat tape answered, so I’ll let you get started. Good luck, and thank you for reading our article “My Dog Ate Tape! What Do I Do?”