If you’re a new parent and a pet owner, you’ve probably learned the hard way that “messy homes, happy hearts” can include your dog getting his paws on baby items he shouldn’t—like a diaper. In this video, I walk you through what to do if your dog ate a diaper, and the biggest takeaway is simple: don’t panic, but act fast. It’s more common than you think, and you’re not alone if this just happened in your house. I explain why diapers are risky: the absorbent chemicals inside can expand when they hit liquid. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, they likely won’t “poison” your dog, but that expansion can soak up stomach acid and fluids and potentially create a dangerous gastrointestinal blockage. I also cover other possible complications, like GI abrasion, dehydration, upset stomach or abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy, trouble passing stool, and increased gas—these are all signs you need to watch for. I also touch on why dogs eat gross stuff in the first place (that scavenging instinct is real, especially in puppies), but training can help them outgrow it. My best advice: don’t wait around to “see what happens.” If your dog ate a diaper, contact your vet right away so you can stay ahead of a potentially life-threatening situation.