My dog ate dryer sheets / fabric softener sheets — what should I do?

YELLOW — Call your vet today

What to do now

1. Call your regular vet today (or a poison hotline if after hours).
2. Watch closely for the symptoms below; if they appear or worsen, go to an emergency vet.
3. Remove any remaining material and keep packaging/labels — the vet will want product names and amounts.
4. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control expert tells you to.
5. Note the time it was eaten, roughly how much, and your dog's weight.

Why it's a problem

Unused dryer sheets and fabric softeners often contain cationic detergents (quaternary ammonium compounds) that can chemically burn the mouth, esophagus, and stomach; the sheet itself can also obstruct the gut.

Symptoms to watch for

Drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, mouth ulcers, refusal to eat; obstruction signs (retching, belly pain, not passing stool).

When: Minutes to hours; burns may worsen over 24 h

⚠️ Do not induce vomiting (corrosive risk). Unused sheets are more hazardous than used ones. Mouth burns, breathing trouble, or obstruction signs → emergency vet or poison hotline now.

Frequently asked questions

Is dryer sheets / fabric softener sheets dangerous for dogs?

It can be. Unused dryer sheets and fabric softeners often contain cationic detergents (quaternary ammonium compounds) that can chemically burn the mouth, esophagus, and stomach; the sheet itself can also obstruct the gut. Call your vet today for advice.

What are the symptoms if my dog ate dryer sheets / fabric softener sheets?

Drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, mouth ulcers, refusal to eat; obstruction signs (retching, belly pain, not passing stool).

How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats dryer sheets / fabric softener sheets?

Minutes to hours; burns may worsen over 24 h

Is there anything else to know about dryer sheets / fabric softener sheets?

Do not induce vomiting (corrosive risk). Unused sheets are more hazardous than used ones. Mouth burns, breathing trouble, or obstruction signs → emergency vet or poison hotline now.

What should I do if my dog ate dryer sheets / fabric softener sheets?

Call your regular vet today (or a poison hotline if after hours). Watch closely for the symptoms below; if they appear or worsen, go to an emergency vet.

Who can I call for help?

ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, both 24/7 (fees may apply), or your nearest emergency vet.

Dose guidance

No reliable dog-specific mg/kg threshold is published for home use for dryer-sheet cationic detergents, so any chewed or swallowed sheet should be discussed with your vet or a poison hotline.

Sources

• ASPCA: Poisonous Household Products (dryer sheets & fabric softeners)
• Pet Poison Helpline: Common Corrosives (cationic detergents / dryer sheets)
• Merck Veterinary Manual: Corrosive agents

Last verified against these sources: 2026-10-16. Where sources disagree, PawPanic uses the more conservative guidance.

Also known as: dryer sheet, fabric softener sheet, bounce sheet, fabric softener, laundry sheet · Category: Chemical · Last reviewed 2026-10-16

Related

• Salt / rock salt / ice melt
• Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)
• Windshield washer fluid (methanol)
• Rubbing alcohol / hand sanitizer
• Propylene glycol ('pet-safe'/RV antifreeze)
• Bleach (household)

See all 266 things dogs commonly eat →