Dogs are curious, and part of that curiosity often leads to exploring the world with their mouths. The problem is, this habit isn’t the best, and it can even lead to serious complications, or worse.
Dogs swallow some weird things, from underwear and socks to sticks and rocks. Poisoning, intestinal blockages, and choking are some of the problems that occur from swallowing foreign objects.
Knowing what to do if your dog swallows something they shouldn’t could save your dog’s life. Additionally, if you act quickly, you can often prevent further complications and more costly medical bills.
Keep reading to familiarize yourself with the signs and actions you should take when your dog swallows something questionable.
Why Do Dogs Swallow Everything?
It makes sense why your dog wants to swallow the crumbs you spill on the floor or the cookies your toddler drops under the table. But why do pups have a desire to eat things like socks, batteries, and money?
It boils down to a few reasons. Primarily, dogs eat inedible objects out of curiosity, boredom, teething, or a condition called pica. Pica is when an animal or person has a strong compulsion to eat non-edible things.
Providing your dog with safe chew alternatives and interactive toys to reduce boredom is helpful. Puppy proofing your home to ensure your dog can’t get hold of dangerous items is an important first step. However, these steps aren’t foolproof.
Some pups don’t intend to swallow foreign objects, but they do so accidentally. Accidental ingestion can happen when dogs are playing with toys or eating too fast.
Therefore, always make sure your dog’s things are in good condition and replace your pet’s belongings when they start to show signs of wear and tear. If your dog is a fast eater, try a slow-feed bowl to help them eat at a safer pace.
Common Foreign Objects Dogs Swallow
Some items are more likely to end up in your dog’s mouth than others. According to vets, some of the most common things dogs swallow are:
- Socks
- Rubber toys or balls
- String
- Bones
- Sticks
- Rocks
- Mulch
- Hair ties
- Corn cobs
- Peach pits
Of course, some objects are more dangerous than others. Sharp items can pierce through the digestive tract. Other things, like string or soft materials, can bunch up and cause intestinal blockages. Some items don’t even make it into your pup’s stomach because they get stuck in the throat and become a choking hazard.
Think Your Dog Swallowed Something They Shouldn’t? Check for These Signs
Sometimes you might not see your dog swallow something, and you need to rely on other signs. Here are the common clues that signal your pup has ingested a potentially dangerous item.
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Gagging
- Appetite loss
- Unusual behavior
- Extreme tiredness
- Whimpering with a hunched posture (abdominal pain)
- Reluctance to move
- Barks or yips when you try to pick them up
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Bloody stool
- Collapse
What to Do When Your Dog Swallows a Foreign Object
First, and most importantly, don’t panic if your dog swallows something. You need to remain calm and clearheaded so you can get your dog the help they need as soon as possible. You also don’t want to increase your dog’s anxiety by becoming overly stressed out yourself.
Follow these steps if your dog swallows an object.
1. Check to see if the object is still in your dog’s mouth or throat. If you can see it and it’s easy to remove, do so carefully with your fingers. Do not shove your hand into your pup’s mouth, because you could push the item further back into the throat or get bitten.
2. Address any choking. If your dog is choking, perform the canine Heimlich maneuver to try and dislodge the item. Hold small dogs with their back against your chest and thrust upward on their abdomen.
For larger dogs, place your arms around their belly and make thrusting motions just below the rib cage. Check your dog’s mouth again to see if the item has come up, and remove it if possible.
3. Call your vet immediately. Even if you manage to remove the item and your dog seems fine, call your vet immediately. Ask them for guidance, tell them what was swallowed, and provide them with your dog’s symptoms. Bring your dog to the vet or an emergency clinic ASAP if you are unable to remove the item.
Other Reasons to Go to the Animal Emergency Clinic
Go straight to the vet or clinic if your dog cannot breathe, vomits repeatedly, or has blood in their vomit or stool. Also seek emergency care ASAP if your dog shows severe signs of pain, collapses, or swallows something toxic, like batteries or cleaning products.
What NOT to Do When Your Dog Swallows a Foreign Object
Do NOT induce vomiting. Some items, like batteries or things with sharp edges, can do more damage coming back up. Follow your vet’s guidance.
Do NOT give your dog laxatives or any type of home remedies.
Never try to probe or cut out the object.
Do NOT ignore or wait to see if the object passes on its own. Depending on the object, your vet might suggest this, but it depends on your dog’s symptoms, the item, the size of the object, etc. Therefore, let your vet make the call, don’t just wait and see.
Veterinary Diagnosis and Treatment: What to Expect After Your Dog Swallows an Object
Your vet will perform a physical exam, checking for pain, bloating, and strange abdominal sounds. They’ll order imaging tests, typically starting with an X-ray and potentially adding an ultrasound.
Once the vet identifies the object and its location, they’ll devise a treatment plan. This could include inducing vomiting if the object was recently swallowed and the vet deems that it’s safe to do so.
In some cases, an endoscopy can help remove items from the throat and stomach. If the object moves into the intestine or causes a blockage, more invasive surgery may be necessary.
Depending on the treatment plan, your dog may need to stay in the hospital for a while and receive IV fluids. Your vet may also prescribe medication to help with pain or antibiotics to stave off infection. Your dog may be good to go the same day or need a few weeks to recover, depending on treatment.
The Best Way to Protect Your Pup from Swallowing Foreign Objects Is Prevention
Prevention is always the best course of action when it comes to keeping your dog healthy and safe. Puppy-proof your home to keep objects out of reach, and place lids on trash cans. Store hazardous items securely, and provide your dog with safe chew toys and slow-feed bowls.
Train your dog to “drop it” and “leave it.” Address any behavioral issues, like pica, with your vet and possibly a trainer to help your dog overcome the habit.
Despite your best efforts to prevent accidents, they still happen. Don’t berate yourself; instead, stay calm and act quickly. Every second counts, and it’s always best to contact your vet immediately for guidance or bring your dog straight to the clinic if they’re experiencing an emergency.
For more helpful pet parenting tips, check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog. In the meantime, walk through your home, and try to see things from your dog’s point of view. If you notice anything that could entice them to take a bite, move it, toss it, or secure it. These regular checks could prevent your furry friend’s curiosity from turning into a catastrophe.