My Dog Ate Carpet String and Now It’s Hanging Out of His Rear End — What Should I Do?

Our Question of the Week:

Help! My dog ate part of my rug and now has a string hanging out of his rear end. He won’t let me touch him. What do I do?

Kristen Logsdon

Our Answer:

Hi, Kristen.

I’d recommend that you take him to your veterinarian.

Here's my concern: The digestive tract is long. From the time a dog takes something into his mouth, it travels down the esophagus, can sit in the stomach, then goes through 3 portions of the small intestine, then finally into the large intestine. Then, it goes out of the rectum.

What we don’t know is where the string is. If some of the string is still in the stomach and some has traveled down to the rectum, and it is still one long string (what we call a linear foreign body), it can cause a lot of damage. It can tear portions of the intestine between the two areas. Pulling on the string can be very dangerous.

If we know that the string is only in the large intestine close to the rectum, then the recommendation may be to give a big meal, an enema, lubrication, and gently manipulate the string to see if it comes free (this is something I’d only recommend a veterinarian do).

If the string is throughout the gastrointestinal tract, then surgery may be required.

Call your local veterinarian for help.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

Here’s more info about the dangers of string and ingestion of foreign objects in general for dogs:

Why String Is Dangerous for Dogs

When dogs ingest string, yarn, or other linear objects, it can lead to a condition known as a linear foreign body obstruction. Unlike small, compact items that may pass through the digestive tract without issue, string can stretch across multiple sections of the gastrointestinal system. If one end of the string gets lodged in the stomach while the other moves through the intestines, it can cause the intestines to bunch up like an accordion. This can lead to:

• Tearing or perforation of the intestinal walls
• Blockages that prevent food and waste from passing
• Internal bleeding or infection
• Emergency surgery to remove the string and repair damage

What NOT to Do

If you see a string hanging out of your dog’s rear end, do not pull it. This is one of the most important rules. Pulling the string could cause it to tighten inside the intestines, leading to tears or ruptures. Even if your dog seems uncomfortable or distressed, resist the urge to tug on the string.

Also, do not induce vomiting. If the string is already partially through the digestive tract, vomiting could cause it to shift in dangerous ways or lead to choking.

What You SHOULD Do

Your best course of action is to contact your veterinarian immediately. They may ask you to bring your dog in for an examination, which could include:

• X-rays or ultrasound to locate the string
• Endoscopy to retrieve the string if it’s in the upper digestive tract
• Surgery if the string is causing a blockage or has perforated the intestines

In some cases, if the string is only in the large intestine and close to the rectum, a vet may attempt to remove it manually with lubrication and gentle manipulation. However, this should only be done by a professional.

Why Dogs Eat Rugs and String

Dogs may chew on rugs or string for a variety of reasons:

• Curiosity: Puppies especially explore the world with their mouths.
• Boredom: Lack of stimulation can lead to destructive chewing.
• Anxiety: Dogs with separation anxiety may chew on household items.
• Pica: A condition where dogs compulsively eat non-food items.

If your dog has a habit of chewing on rugs, towels, or other fabric, it’s worth discussing with your vet or a behaviorist.

Prevention Tips

To avoid future incidents, consider these strategies:

• Dog-proof your home: Keep rugs, string, yarn, and other tempting items out of reach.
• Provide chew-safe toys: Offer durable toys designed for dogs to satisfy their chewing instincts.
• Use deterrent sprays: Products like bitter apple can discourage chewing on furniture or rugs.
• Increase mental stimulation: Puzzle toys, training sessions, and regular playtime can reduce boredom.
• Crate training: If your dog chews when unsupervised, crate training may help keep them safe.

Signs of Trouble After Ingestion

Even if you didn’t witness your dog eating string, watch for these symptoms:

• Vomiting or retching
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Excessive drooling
• Straining to defecate

If any of these signs appear, seek veterinary care immediately.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Veterinarians may use imaging tools like X-rays or ultrasound to determine the location and extent of the string. If the string is causing a blockage or has perforated the intestines, surgery is often required. Recovery depends on how quickly the issue is addressed and whether complications have occurred.

Act Fast

While it may seem like a minor issue, a string hanging from your dog’s rear end can be a sign of a serious medical emergency. Acting quickly and avoiding DIY solutions can make all the difference. With prompt veterinary care and a few changes at home, you can help your dog recover and prevent future incidents.