Can dogs eat string, thread, or ribbon?
If your dog has just eaten string, thread, or ribbon
Do this now
- Call your vet immediately — linear foreign bodies are ALWAYS an emergency
- CRITICAL: Do not pull on any visible string from your dog's mouth, rear, or any other opening. Pulling can cause catastrophic intestinal damage
- If string is visible, note where and how much is visible
- Do NOT induce vomiting — can worsen intestinal pleating
- Keep your dog calm and still — activity makes it worse
- Bring any remaining string or spool to the vet for reference
What your vet will want to know
Have this information ready when you call:
- Type of string (thread, yarn, dental floss, ribbon, fishing line, tinsel)
- Estimated length swallowed
- Any part of the string still visible anywhere
- Your dog's weight
- Time of ingestion
The full picture
Linear foreign bodies — string, thread, ribbon, dental floss, shoelaces, fishing line, tinsel — are categorically different from other ingested objects and far more dangerous. Here's why: as the intestines try to move the string along, the string can catch on a fixed point (usually at the base of the tongue or at the pyloric sphincter), while the rest of the intestines continue to try to 'bunch up' the string. This causes the intestines to pleat accordion-style, and the string can literally saw through the intestinal wall from the inside. The result is multiple bowel perforations, often in several places — a septic peritonitis nightmare that's expensive to treat and often fatal if caught late. Never pull on a visible string coming from your dog's mouth or rear — it may be anchored somewhere painful and pulling can worsen the damage. Call your vet immediately for any string ingestion.
Only your vet should make this call. If you can't reach them, our 4-gate safety checker walks through when hydrogen peroxide is appropriate (and when it's dangerous — sharp objects, caustics, certain breeds, and more).
Check if vomiting is safe →Risks to watch for
- Linear foreign body syndrome — intestinal pleating and sawing
- Multiple bowel perforations
- Septic peritonitis (often fatal if untreated)
- Complex, expensive surgery required in most cases
- High mortality rate if not treated quickly
Symptom timeline
Symptoms typically progress in stages. Knowing what to expect helps you act fast:
- 0–6 hours Often asymptomatic; occasional drooling if string is caught in throat
- 6–24 hours Vomiting, restlessness, discomfort
- 24–72 hours Severe: repeated vomiting, refusing food, abdominal pain, fever
- 72+ hours Septic shock if perforation has occurred — collapse, pale gums, cold extremities
Breed-specific warnings
- Small dogs face highest mortality from linear foreign bodies — their intestines are more easily perforated.
- Cats face higher LFB risk than dogs but the mechanism is the same.
Safe portion size
None, ever. This is one of the most urgent categories of foreign body.
Safer alternatives
- Keep sewing supplies locked away
- Lidded bathroom trash cans (for floss)
- Avoid tinsel if you have dogs or cats
Common questions
Why are strings more dangerous than other foreign objects?
Because they can anchor at one point (the tongue base or stomach outlet) while the rest of the intestines try to push the string through. This 'pleating' effect gathers the intestines into an accordion, and the taut string can saw through the walls — causing multiple perforations. Other foreign objects cause blockage; strings cause mechanical damage.
Can a small piece of thread really hurt my dog?
Yes, surprisingly. Even short lengths of thread can cause linear foreign body damage in small dogs. Dental floss and sewing thread are particularly dangerous because they're strong and thin.
Should I pull the string if I see it hanging out?
Absolutely not. This is a critical rule. Pulling can cause the string to saw further through the intestines or tear them completely. Cut the visible portion if it's outside the body, but never pull.
How much does linear foreign body surgery cost?
Often $3,000-$8,000+ because it frequently requires multiple intestinal resections. If perforation has occurred, add another $2,000-$5,000 for septic treatment. Pet insurance is essential.
Unexpected vet bills can run into thousands
One emergency visit for food poisoning can cost $500–$10,000+. Compare US pet insurance in 60 seconds.
Learn about vet costs & insurance →Sources
The information on this page is compiled and cross-checked against these authoritative US veterinary and toxicology sources:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — 24/7 poison hotline and comprehensive toxic food database
- Pet Poison Helpline — veterinary toxicology service
- Merck Veterinary Manual — peer-reviewed clinical reference
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- American Kennel Club Expert Advice
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Specific toxicity thresholds cited on this page come from the above sources; where they disagree, we cite the more conservative figure. Numbers are general guidance — individual dogs vary in sensitivity based on age, breed, medications, and health conditions. When in doubt, always call your vet.
Checked against US veterinary guidance — see our editorial standards and source list. If your dog has eaten something and you need urgent advice, call a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.