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Dogs are naturally inquisitive and are frequently trying to swallow things. They can eat things as tiny as toy parts or needles and as big as a ball and stone. Other foreign objects a dog can swallow include hair bands, rocks, jewelry, string, clothing, and much more. Whatever object might have been swallowed, you should know that foreign objects have no place in a dog’s body.
Foreign objects can pose all kinds of risks to dog digestive health. It can cause minor or severe damage to the throat and esophagus. They can also lead to obstruction that will affect their intestines and stomachs.
It is normal to be worried if you feel like your dog has swallowed foreign objects. However, there are a few things you can do to help them. In this post, we will discuss what to do when your dog swallows a foreign object and symptoms to look out for.
What Should I Do If My Dog Swallows a Foreign Object?
So, you can see certain signs that your dog might have swallowed a foreign object and are confused about what to do. The first and most important action you need to take is to call our veterinarian. This is to ensure all bases are covered and your furry friend is not in any immediate danger.
When you take your dog to a vet, the first thing they will do to diagnose what was swallowed is to perform a digital X-ray. This will give them a clearer picture of what was swallowed and whether it is causing any obstruction. After this, they will analyze the likelihood of the object traveling through your dog’s digestive system.
If the object is small and luckily still present in the stomach, they might have to induce vomiting medically. However, if the swallowed object is large, your vet might have to get the object removed surgically.
The Dangers of Foreign Objects in the Dog Digestive System
Swallowed foreign objects can pose a risk to dog digestive health. Depending on what your dog swallows, they could be in danger especially if ignored or unnoticed. These objects can travel from their digestive system and cause lacerations and even infections. In worst cases, swallowed objects can lead to severe intestinal obstruction. The dog will have serious problems swallowing and even digesting food.
When it comes to dogs swallowing foreign objects, the best solution is prevention. You should do everything possible to ensure your dog does not have access to inedible items. As inquisitive animals, dogs are always using their mouths to grab things. Once you notice the excess love your dog has for a particular object, it is advisable to remove such object from their reach.
Signs that your Dog has Swallowed a Foreign Object
Dogs tend to hide when they want to be mischievous. As a fur parent, you may not always be there to view what your dog is consuming. However, there are certain signs and symptoms to look out for to know whether your dog has swallowed an inedible object. Some of those signs are:
- Vomiting
- Obvious pain when eating
- Excessive licking of the lips
- Restlessness
- Constipation or Inability to defecate
- Painful abdomen
- Gagging or Choking
- Reduced appetite
- Blood in Stool
- Reluctance to move around
- Crying
How to Prevent Dogs from Swallowing Foreign Objects
As previously mentioned, the best way to protect your dog from the risks and dangers associated with swallowing foreign objects is to prevent them from doing this in the first place. Since you cannot keep an eye on them all the time, you can remove all objects that can be swallowed from reachable places.
Dogs can swallow the following objects
- Bones
- Toy parts
- Rubber ducks
- Needles
- Golf balls
- Strings and others
What you should do as a parent is to ensure you remove these objects from their reach. Do not give them any kind of access to it. This includes not using it to play with them. When you constantly play with your dog using an object that can be swallowed, they can go back to them in your absence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the only way to help your dog if you suspect they have swallowed an inedible object is to seek professional help. You should take them to a vet for urgent medical assistance before the worst happens. Also, you can always save them from themselves by keeping foreign objects beyond their reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the frequently asked questions by pup parents like you on what to do when a dog swallows a foreign object.
1. How can I help my dog pass a foreign object?
If you suspect your dog has swallowed a foreign object and you want to help them pass it out, the best option is to feed them a bulky meal. This will help them pad out any sharp/pointy side the object might have.
2. What if my dog swallowed something and can’t get it out?
The only option left for you is to take your dog to a veterinarian. They will perform a digital x-ray to discover what your dog might have swallowed and check whether it could be causing a blockage.
3. How do I know if my dog swallowed a foreign object?
There are certain symptoms you can look out for to know whether your dog has eaten or swallowed what they shouldn’t. Some of them are vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and difficulty to pass out feces.
4. Can a dog live with foreign objects in the stomach?
This will depend on the kind of foreign object the dog has swallowed. As much as some will not cause issues, others can affect dog digestive health if not removed. It can also lead to obstruction, serious illness, and in a worst-case scenario, death.
5. How long does it take for a dog to poop out foreign object?
It can take dogs about 8 hours to digest their normal food. Therefore, it can take about 10 to 24 hours for foreign object to move through their digestive tract. It might also take months depending on the object that was swallowed.
