If you have a dog, you’re probably well aware of their knack for eating things they shouldn’t. One surprising item that tends to attract their curiosity is the absorbent meat pad often found underneath packaged meats. If your dog just gulped down one of these pads, you’re likely panicking and wondering what to do next.

This article will guide you through the immediate steps you should take if your dog ate an absorbent meat pad. We will also discuss why dogs are drawn to these pads, whether they’re toxic to dogs, and how to prevent your dog from getting their paws on one in the future. If you’re wondering if your puppy, who also just ate a meat packaging, should be handled differently, we’ve also got you covered.

Keep reading below to find out everything you need to know in case your dog ate a meat absorbent pad!

My Dog Ate the Absorbent Meat Pad: What to Do

If your dog ate the absorbent pad from a meat package, it’s an obvious cause for concern. Here’s the steps to take:

1. Don’t Panic: While it’s not ideal, know that dogs often eat non-food items without serious consequences. They have robust digestive systems that can handle a lot, although this is certainly not an invitation for them to consume inedible items.
2. Monitor for Symptoms: Keep an eye on your pet for signs of discomfort, changes in behavior, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or signs of intestinal blockage. The pad itself is not toxic, but it can cause a blockage in the digestive system, especially in smaller dogs.
3. Contact Your Vet: If your dog shows any of the above symptoms, or if you’re worried regardless, it’s a good idea to contact your vet. They can provide advice tailored to your dog’s size, breed, and overall health. In some cases, they may advise you to bring your dog in for an examination.

Remember, prevention is the best cure (more on that in the next section). Try to keep such objects out of your dog’s reach to prevent such incidents in the future. But if your dog has consumed a meat pad, keeping calm and seeking appropriate veterinary advice is the best course of action.

Dog Ate Meat Absorbent Pad: How to Stop

To stop your dog from eating the absorbent pad found in meat packages, one effective strategy is to teach them the “Leave it” command. This command can serve as a lifesaver in situations where your dog may pick up harmful items. Here’s how to teach it step by step:

1. Start with a Treat: Hold a treat in a closed fist and let your dog sniff it. Say the command, “Leave it.” Your dog will probably try to get the treat by licking, sniffing, and pawing at your hand, but you should ignore these behaviors.
2. Reward for Ignoring the Treat: Once your dog stops trying to get the treat and pulls away, give them praise and a different treat from your other hand. This starts to teach them that “leaving it” leads to a reward.
3. Practice with an Open Hand: Once your dog has got the hang of it with your fist closed, repeat the process with an open hand. If they try to go for the treat, close your hand quickly and start again.
4. Progress to the Floor: When your dog is consistently leaving the treat in your open hand, you can move onto dropping the treat on the floor. Always be ready to cover it with your hand if they try to grab it.
5. Generalize the Command: Finally, you should generalize the “Leave it” command to other objects, including the absorbent meat pads. Always supervise your dog around these pads until you’re confident in their “Leave it” skills.

Remember, training takes time and patience, but teaching your dog to “Leave it” can prevent them from eating harmful items in the future.

These steps will get your dog to stop eating the absorbent meat pad, but it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issue (defiance/dominance) that was causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address that, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.

“So, how do I make them stick?”

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 when your dog eats the absorbent meat pad 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 your dog eating the absorbent meat pad ever again!

Is the Absorbent Pad in Meat Toxic to Dogs?

The absorbent pad found under meat in the packaging isn’t toxic per se, but it can be very harmful if your dog ingests it. These pads are made from non-toxic materials but they are not designed to be eaten and can cause serious problems if swallowed.

Here are the potential risks:

1. Choking hazard: If your dog tries to swallow the pad whole, it can get lodged in their throat and cause choking.
2. Intestinal blockage: If your dog manages to swallow the pad, it can get stuck in their digestive tract and cause an obstruction. This is a very serious condition that may require surgery.
3. Bacterial contamination: These pads often absorb raw meat juices, which can contain harmful bacteria. If your dog chews or eats the pad, they could ingest these bacteria and potentially get sick.

It’s vital to keep items like meat packaging out of your dog’s reach. Signs of trouble can include vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel movements. Learn about teaching your dog the “leave it” command in the second section of this article.

Dog Ate Meat Pad: Why Do They Want Them?

It may seem puzzling why a dog would want to eat the absorbent meat pad, but understanding your canine friend’s instincts can provide some clarity.

1. Attraction to the Smell of Meat: Dogs have a strong sense of smell, far superior to that of humans. The absorbent pads found in meat packaging are often soaked in meat juices. This smell can be irresistible to dogs, prompting them to eat the pad.
2. Scavenging Behavior: Dogs are natural scavengers. Even though they are domesticated, they still retain some of their wild instincts. Eating the absorbent pad can be a result of these scavenging behaviors, especially if they perceive it as food due to its smell.
3. Boredom or Anxiety: Dogs may also chew or eat non-food items, such as absorbent meat pads, due to boredom or anxiety. If they lack mental stimulation or are experiencing stress, they may engage in destructive behaviors like this.

In order to keep your dog safe, it’s essential to ensure they don’t have access to absorbent meat pads and other potentially harmful non-food items. Regular training, mental stimulation, and a safe environment can go a long way in preventing these issues.

Can a Dog Pass a Meat Pad?

If your dog has ingested a meat pad, you might be asking, “Can a dog pass a meat pad?” Meat pads, also known as absorbent meat trays or soaker pads, are not designed to be ingested, and they could potentially cause digestive issues.

Digestibility of Meat Pads

Meat pads are made of a type of plastic and sometimes contain super absorbent polymers (SAPs), which soak up the blood from the meat. These materials are not digestible and therefore won’t break down in your dog’s stomach.

Potential for Blockages

One of the main concerns is that the meat pad could cause a blockage in your dog’s digestive tract. If the pad is small and your dog is large, it may be able to pass through the digestive system without causing problems. However, for smaller dogs, or if the pad is large, there is a risk of it causing an obstruction.

Signs of a Blockage

If your dog has eaten a meat pad and is showing signs of distress such as vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, or changes in bowel movements, it’s crucial to get them to the vet immediately. These could be signs of a blockage.

While it’s possible for a dog to pass a meat pad, it’s not guaranteed, and there’s a risk of serious complications. If you suspect your dog has swallowed a meat pad, it’s best to consult with a vet as soon as possible to determine the best course of action.

Dog Accidentally Ate Meat Absorbent Pad

If your dog has accidentally eaten the absorbent pad from a meat package, you’re obviously going to be concerned. These pads aren’t toxic, but they can cause serious health problems like choking or intestinal blockages if swallowed. And remember, prevention is always better than cure.

To help prevent this from happening, here are a few precautions to keep your dog safe:

1. Secure your trash: Dogs are curious and have a keen sense of smell. Secure your trash can with a dog-proof lid or keep it in a locked cabinet.
2. Immediate clean-up: After unpacking meat, dispose of the packaging, including the absorbent pad, immediately. Don’t leave it unattended on the counter where your dog could grab it.
3. Teach ‘Leave it’ command: Training your dog to understand and respond to the ‘leave it’ command can be a lifesaver in situations like this. Go back to the second section of this article to learn the command.
4. Keep an eye on your dog: Supervise your dog when you’re handling items that could be harmful if ingested. Prevention is key.

Puppy Ate Meat Packaging: Do You Handle Differently?

If your puppy has eaten meat packaging, including the absorbent pad, immediate action is required, much like with adult dogs. However, puppies are generally more susceptible to hazards due to their smaller size, increased curiosity, and less developed immune system.

Here are some precautionary measures specifically suited for puppies:

1. Puppy-proof your home: Puppies are notoriously curious and like to explore with their mouths. Keep harmful items, including trash and food packaging, out of reach.
2. Monitor meal prep closely: Never leave meat packaging unattended. Puppies can be quick and sneaky!
3. Begin training early: Start teaching your puppy basic commands like “leave it” or “drop it” as soon as possible.
4. Use secure bins: Opt for a dog-proof trash can, or better yet, keep the trash completely out of your puppy’s reach.

The smaller size of puppies could make a foreign object like an absorbent pad more dangerous if swallowed. Therefore, if you suspect your puppy has ingested meat packaging, contact your vet right away.

I hope you now have all the information you’ll need to handle your dog eating the meat absorbent pad. Remember that it’s best to be on the cautious side when you’re talking about something as important as your dog’s health. Good luck with everything and thank you for reading “Dog Ate Absorbent Meat Pad? Here’s What to Do!”