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My puppy ate tape, now vomiting and stretching. What should I do?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 7 months and 17 days old | 8.4 lbs

My 7 month old puppy ate a small amount of tape all day she's been fine. She's been playing and acting normal only thing odd is she's been stretching out her back legs here and there and moving from spot to spot she just vomited a clear liquid and has thrown up again she seems fine will she pass it because I really dont have the funds for a surgery right now it was the clear packing tape it was a small square piece I didn't see her eat it but I found the other piece with small bite Mark's

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on December 9, 2018

I'm sorry this has happened to you and to Rubie! Puppies love to "taste" the environment, and unfortunately will eat many things that can either make them sick or block their stomach and/or intestines. I wouldn't expect a small piece of tape to cause a blockage, and my belief is that it won't cause any trouble. However, vomiting is obviously not normal, so if it continues you will need to take her in to figure out whether the tape is in fact causing an issue, or there is something completely different going on.

I will add that stretching and taking that "downward dog" position can sometimes indicate abdominal pain/discomfort. Kudos to you for being observant and catching that.

If she's normal, playing, has an appetite, is drinking water normally, and not having any abnormalities related to defecation (diarrhea, straining, blood, etc) you can monitor her for tonight, but if she's not back to normal tomorrow I would take her in first thing. And remember: it may not be that she needs an expensive surgery, but she may need some medications to make her feel better, which should be pretty affordable and will likely help her immensely.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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