What to Do When Your Dog Swallows a Foreign Object

It’s important for dog owners to be aware of this common occurrence and know what to do if their dog swallows a foreign object. …obviously

Key Takeaways

  • Be aware of the signs of a dog swallowing a foreign object, such as difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
  • Stay calm and monitor your dog’s behaviour. Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog shows signs of distress.
  • Do not induce vomiting without veterinary instruction, as it can cause further damage in some cases.
  • Contact your veterinarian for advice and follow their recommendations, including diagnostic tests and potential surgical intervention.
  • Take preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future, such as providing appropriate toys and chews, supervising your dog during playtime, and keeping small objects out of your dog’s reach.

Signs of a Swallowed Foreign Object

Signs your dog may have swallowed a foreign object

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Excessive drooling
  • Gagging or retching
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Change in bowel movements
  • Poop hanging on a string

What to Do If Your Dog Swallows a Foreign Object

  1. Stay Calm: It’s important to remain calm if you suspect that your dog has swallowed a foreign object. Panicking can cause unnecessary stress for both you and your dog.
  2. Monitor Your Dog: Keep a close eye on your dog’s behaviour and symptoms. If your dog is showing any signs of distress, such as vomiting, choking, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate veterinary care.
  3. Do Not Induce Vomiting: Contrary to popular belief, you should not try to induce vomiting in your dog unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian. Some objects, such as sharp or large ones, can cause further damage if brought back up.
  4. Contact Your Veterinarian: Call your veterinarian as soon as possible to discuss the situation. They may recommend bringing your dog in for an examination or provide you with further instructions on how to proceed.
  5. Follow Veterinary Advice: If your veterinarian advises you to bring your dog in for an examination, follow their advice. They may need to perform diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or an endoscopy, to determine the location and size of the foreign object.
  6. Follow Treatment Plan: If the foreign object is causing an obstruction or other health concerns, your veterinarian may recommend treatment options such as surgical removal or supportive care. It’s crucial to follow their treatment plan to ensure the best outcome for your dog.
  7. Take Preventive Measures: After your dog has recovered, take preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future. This may include providing appropriate toys and chews, supervising your dog during playtime, and keeping small objects out of your dog’s reach.

Possible Challenges and Criticisms

  1. Lack of Awareness: One challenge is that some dog owners may not be aware of the risks of their dogs swallowing foreign objects. They may not realize that it’s a common occurrence and may not know what signs to look out for.
  2. Delayed Symptoms: Another challenge is that the symptoms of a dog swallowing a foreign object may not always be obvious immediately. Some dogs may not show any symptoms until the object has moved further down the digestive tract, making it harder to detect the issue.
  3. Owner Negligence: A criticism may be that some dog owners may not take the necessary precautions to prevent their dogs from swallowing foreign objects. This may include not properly supervising their dogs during playtime or not providing appropriate toys or chews to keep their dogs entertained.
  4. Financial Constraints: Another criticism may be that some dog owners may face financial constraints in seeking veterinary care for their dogs. The cost of diagnostic tests and procedures to remove a foreign object may be prohibitive for some owners, leading to delays in treatment or lack of treatment altogether.

Personal Story

One of my patients, a playful Labrador named Buddy, was brought into the clinic by his worried owner, Mrs Johnson. I’ve talked about this on this blog before. Mrs Johnson explained that Buddy had been acting lethargic and had vomited multiple times over the past day.

During the physical examination, I noticed that Buddy’s abdomen was tense and he seemed uncomfortable. Suspecting that he may have swallowed a foreign object, I recommended further diagnostic tests, including an X-ray.

The X-ray revealed a small rubber ball lodged in Buddy’s stomach. Mrs Johnson was shocked and immediately blamed herself for leaving the ball within Buddy’s reach. I assured her that it’s not uncommon for dogs to swallow foreign objects, and it’s essential to focus on the next steps for Buddy’s treatment.

After discussing the risks and benefits, we decided to proceed with the surgical removal of the ball to prevent any further complications. Buddy underwent successful surgery, and the ball was safely removed from his stomach. Mrs Johnson was relieved and promised to be more vigilant in the future.

During Buddy’s recovery, I provided Mrs Johnson with detailed instructions on post-surgical care and preventive measures to avoid similar incidents. She was grateful for the information and thanked me for my expertise and compassionate care for Buddy.

Me operation a foreign body out of the stomack of the dog Boddy. Private photo taken by Boddy's owner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you suspect that your dog has swallowed a foreign object, remember these key steps:

  1. Stay calm and assess the situation.
  2. Look for signs of distress or discomfort in your dog.
  3. Contact your veterinarian for advice or bring your dog in for an examination.
  4. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations, which may include diagnostic tests such as X-rays or other imaging and potential surgical intervention.
  5. Be proactive in preventing future incidents by keeping small objects out of your dog’s reach and providing appropriate toys and chews.

Remember, prevention is the best approach to keeping your furry friend safe and healthy.

As a responsible dog owner, it’s important to be vigilant and seek professional veterinary care when needed. Your furry companion relies on you for their well-being, so always prioritize their safety and health.

Me operation a foreign body out of the stomack of the dog Boddy. Private photo taken by Boddy's owner.

This article is written by…

Hayden Parker (He/Him) is a skilled veterinarian (DVM), and course instructor. With a focus on high professional competence, credibility, and respect.

As a family man, podcaster, and digital marketer, Hayden runs several websites.

His value statement centres on thoroughness, honesty, integrity, transparency, and respect for animals, owners, and fellow professionals.

Soren Drimer Pejstrup
Soren Drimer Pejstrup
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