Swallowed objects kill pets every day. Maybe you’re looking for foods to help dogs pass foreign objects. Of course, prevention is better. Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be around the corner, think about potential hazards to avoid. Eating foreign objects often causes only minor problems in dogs and cats. In the best cases, the swallowed cat toy or sock (yes, Bravo did that more than once!) gets vomited up or passes in the stool. However, it’s important to recognize swallowed objects’ symptoms, and how you can save your pet. Refer to this article on why dogs suck objects.
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Key Takeaways
- Swallowed objects can pose serious health risks to pets; prevention is crucial.
- Common swallowed objects include socks, toys, and string, which may lead to blockages.
- If a pet swallows something, inducing vomiting is safe within two hours if the object isn’t sharp.
- Symptoms of swallowed objects include vomiting, pain, and signs of toxicity, requiring immediate veterinary care.
- To prevent incidents, use pet-safe toys and puppy-proof your home.
Stick Danger
Stick DangerWe had a scare last summer when the new pup, Shadow, became enamored of sticks. He enticed his big buddy Bravo (100+ pounds at the time) to play tug. While the little twigs Shadow tooth-pruned weren’t any problem, Bravo chomped a 1/2-inch stick, and got the piece lodged between his teeth across the roof of his mouth! Thankfully, he came to me and allowed me to open his mouth and pry it out. Ouch! and dangerous!
Dogs explore their world by mouthing, tasting, and chewing, and as a result, swallowed objects get them into trouble. Puppies may gulp some things accidentally when a piece of a toy breaks off. Other dangerous objects prove too tempting–used tampons, and even grease-smeared foil prove irresistible to puppies who troll the wastebaskets for scraps. Foreign body obstruction in puppies can be a medical emergency that costs you money and could cost your puppy his life.
Common Swallowed Objects
Veterinary pet insurance claims adjusters ranked the top ten most common items surgically removed from pets’ gastrointestinal tracts. The most common item is socks, followed by underwear, pantyhose, rocks, balls, chew toys, corn cobs, bones, hair ties/ribbons, and sticks. Most items tend to be owner-scented objects, but the list doesn’t stop there.
Whole toys or parts of toys, jewelry, coins, pins, erasers, and paper clips are often swallowed. String, thread (with or without the needle), fishing hooks and lines, Christmas tree tinsel, and yarn are extremely dangerous. String from turkey roasts is appealing so watch out for those holiday food hazards. And for puppies able to crunch up the object, pieces of wood or bone prove hazardous. Even too much of a rawhide chew can stop up his innards. Puppies may even eat rocks.
First Aid for Swallowed Objects
First Aid for Swallowed ObjectsWithin Two Hours
- If they swallowed the item within two hours, it’s probably still in the stomach. If the object isn’t sharp, feed your pet a small meal first, and then induce vomiting. The food helps cushion the object and protect the tummy. Also, pets vomit more easily if the stomach is full. If he doesn’t vomit, you’ll need to see a veterinarian.
- For sharp objects go to the vet immediately. It could cause as much damage coming back up if the puppy vomits.
AFTER Two Hours
- After two hours, the object will have passed into the intestines and vomiting won’t help. Most objects small enough to move through the digestive system pass with the feces and cause no problems. Feed a bulky meal of dry food to cushion stones or other heavy objects and help them move on out. Food also turns on the digestive juices, which can help soften wads of rawhide treats, so they pass more readily. As long as it is small enough, objects pass harmlessly through the body and end up on the lawn. Monitor your puppy’s productivity. Use a disposable popsicle stick or plastic knife to chop up and search through the puppy droppings for the object.
- The exception to allowing small objects to pass are swallowed metal objects like coins or batteries. DON’T WAIT, get your puppy seen immediately. Stomach acids interact with these metal objects and cause zinc or lead poisoning. String is another dangerous object that frequently affects cats and kittens, and when swallowed it requires you to seek professional help.
- If you’ve seen the pet swallow something he shouldn’t but it doesn’t pass, or the puppy begins vomiting, retching without result, won’t eat, looks or behaves distressed, or repeatedly coughs, seek help immediately. Any object, even tiny ones, potentially may lodge in and block the intestinal tract. (NOTE: all this and MORE info in the First Aid book, below)
Symptoms Of Swallowed Objects
Diagnosis can be based on seeing the pet swallow something or based on symptoms. It’s confirmed by X-rays or other diagnostics like an endoscope to determine the exact location and size of the blockage, and sometimes to identify the object itself. Specific signs depend on where the blockage is located and the type of object.
- An object caught in the stomach or intestines causes vomiting, which may come and go for days or weeks if the blockage is not complete and food can pass around it.
- A complete blockage is a medical emergency that results in a bloated, painful stomach with sudden, constant vomiting. The dog refuses food and immediately throws up anything she drinks.
- Signs of zinc toxicity (from coins) include pale gums, bloody urine, jaundice—a yellow tinge to the whites of the eyes or inside the ears—along with vomiting, diarrhea, and refusal to eat.
- Lead poisoning from batteries can also cause teeth grinding, seizures and hyperactivity, loss of appetite and vomiting.
- Copper poisoning has similar signs plus a swollen tummy.
- String-type articles often catch between the teeth or wrap around the base of the tongue in the mouth, with the rest swallowed.
WARNING ABOUT SWALLOWED STRING!
Cats often become victims of swallowed string or thread after playing with it. Once they start swallowing, they can’t stop. Never pull on the visible end of the string–either out the mouth or hanging out the puppy’s rectum. String and thread are often attached to a needle or fishhook that’s embedded in tissue further down the digestive tract. Pulling the string at your end could further injure the intestines, and kill the cat or dog.
Intestines propel food using muscle contractions called peristalsis that move through the entire length of the intestine (kind of like an earthworm) to help push the contents through.
But when a foreign object like a string catches at one end, the intestine literally “gathers” itself like fabric on a thread, resulting in a kind of accordion formation. The result is sudden severe vomiting and diarrhea, and rapid dehydration. Your veterinarian should evaluate any blockage situation to determine the best course of treatment. Surgery is often necessary to remove the obstruction.
Veterinary Treatment for Swallowed Objects
Veterinary Treatment for Swallowed ObjectsThe blockage results in irreparable damage if not quickly addressed. Sharp objects may slice or puncture the bowel. Obstruction may interfere with blood flow to the organs and cause bowel tissue to die. Peritonitis is the result in either case and usually kills the victim.
The doctor removes the object once located with an endoscope down the puppy’s throat or the other direction up through his rectum, or with surgery. Any internal damage is repaired. If surgery can correct the problem before peritonitis sets in, most puppies fully recover. Should tissue die, the damaged sections of the intestine may be removed, and the living portions of the bowel reattached; these puppies typically have a good prognosis.
Preventing Problems
Most puppies outgrow indiscriminate munching, but dogs and cats of all ages may be affected. The best course is preventing your dog from swallowing dangerous items. Choose pet-safe toys or dog chews like Bully Sticks that can’t be chewed into tiny pieces and supervise object play. Anything a child would put in his mouth is fair game for puppies. Puppy-proof your home by thinking like your dog, so that you won’t be caught off guard when your dog eats the rubber bumpers off the door stops.
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Hi! My dog 6 months old, ate a toy, it was relatively a hard toy, but he can chew it up. I have seen him do it before and immediately took it from him. He got a hold of it again, there were 2 left. And The other one is gone. I don’t know if he ate it whole or chewed it up to pieces or hid it somewhere in the house. He hasn’t showed anything weird. Still energetic, still eating, still pooping and peeing. Felt his abdomen and didn’t feel anything. I don’t know what to do at this point. It has been 4 hours
Please call your vet. That’s my best advice.
Hi, I have a 8 month old German Shepard pup named Jameson and earlier today he chewed on SOS pads while we were not watching him. He is showing no pain or change in behavior and he wasnt bleeding anywhere that I could see. I dont know if he swallowed any of it or just chewed. It has been 6 hours and he ate his dinner fine and I have been giving him bread. What do you suggest we do?
I always recommend calling the veterinarian for insight. According to a quick search on vet sites, the soap portion of the SOS pad isn’t toxic. The steel wool portion, though, offers potential danger if he swallowed any bit of it, as the sharp material could perforate the intestines. So that’s great that you fed bread, as that can help pad any sharps and also help move things along. But please CALL your vet for further more detailed advice!
Hi! My 97lb dog swallowed an off-brand ace bandages about 1 foot in length, and some gauze. I gave him oil to hopefully lubricate things, should I be worried? What should I be looking for? He is generally a very lazy dog.
If he ate it more than 2 hours ago, vomiting won’t bring it up. Watch for signs of distress (hunched tummy, or straining to defecate). Call your vet as soon as the clinic opens for further guidance. While it’s soft, the mass potentially could cause a blockage.
My mixed pointer had an upset stomach and chewed on a piece of green tinsel I had in bottom of a planter. She appears to have vomited it up in one piece should I be concerned?
If you’re sure she vomited all of the green tinsel, and she has no other signs of distress, she likely will be fine. Watch for any other problems, like tummy pain, “hunching” or trouble defecating, and for any questions please contact your veterinarian for expert advice.
My dog is 8 month old Dalmatian he ate a plastic christmas ornament, not sure if he ate it all or small pieces he threw up parts of the ornament and also pooped them out. Hes acting completely normal and eating normal. Should I seek medical attention or wait it out to see if everything passes.
Hi Abi, Usually, foreign objects pass in the bowel movement within 24 to 72 hours. It’s very good he threw up and also pooped out the pieces. If it’s been beyond the 72 hours, chances are he’s gotten rid of all of the ornament–but please do continue to watch for any signs of a problem. If it’s been less than 24-72 hours, please call your veterinarian and ask for their advice.
Hi Amy,
I have a 4-month English Cream Dachshund who ate the earring straight off my friend’s ear. It was a dangle earring about the size of a penny. My concern is that when she swallowed the earring the clasp was open, which is a hook shape. I’ve taken the puppy to the vet and they don’t see anything on the x-rays, but said that the metal of the earring just might not be dense enough to show up. The puppy is eating and pooping normally, but has been sleeping pretty much all day everyday- which is unusual. It has been 5 days since the puppy ate the earring and I have examined every poop, but have yet to find the earring. Should I be concerned?
I’d listen to my intuition–if you know that sleeping so much isn’t normal for her, take her back to the vet for follow-up. It should have passed by now. Yes, you may have missed it (it’s small) but if still “stuck” somewhere inside, could cause other issues. Better safe with another check up. I hope she feels better soon!
My dog had hold of a very small piece of porcelain and idk if he ate it, there are no distress signs and seems to be fine with eating. He hasn’t thrown up and is sleeping fine, does this still mean he could’ve eaten it? I would feel grateful if he didn’t and if he did the size was about the size of a small button maybe a little bigger. He can pass almost anything from pens to folders but I’m still worried because he’s getting old and frail, please do your best and let me know if you can thank you.
My best advice is to follow the recommendations in the post. I wouldn’t make him vomit since it’s sharp… but Feed a bulky meal to pad its passage in case he did eat it. And monitor his poop, and watch for it.
Hi there
5 days ago I lost my engagement ring in our house, have searched up and down and can not find it anywhere-but then 2 days ago our labrador starts feeling unwell, alot of whining and very little energy and seems to have discomfort from her behind/back legs. She is 8 this years so she is getting a bit stiffer. She is still eating (normally can’t set the bowl down quick enough, but this last few days she’s taking an hour or 2 to finish it) and still pooping. I’m wondering if she has ate the ring would she have pooped it out but this stage. I have been checking but haven’t found anything.
Usually, objects that small pass through the body and into the feces within 24 to 72 hours. So probably the ring has already passed, or your dog is blameless. Since her eating behavior has changed, I’d recommend a call to the vet in any case. Older dogs can get sick quicker over any number of things, even if it has nothing to do with your ring. I hope you find the engagement ring soon, hopefully under a sofa cushion or similar!
hello, my 2 and a half month old golden retriever puppy just swalloed a bone which he was chewing and was a little bit soft…its kinda like a calcium bone(cuz he chews on it and slowly start to be soft) i guess…is it ok for him to swallow it though?
It very much depends on the size of the object and how soft it is. My default answer always says, call your vet for advice, since I don’t know your puppy and the vet has (hopefully) already had hands-on exam. In any event, follow the advice in the blog: feed a meal to cushion, and monitor the stool Hope everything (literally!) comes out all right.
My 18month old Jack russel swallowed half a dried rabbit ear whole. Should I be worried it could cause an obstruction about an hour ago?
I wouldn’t think it would obstruct as it’s digestible. But you should watch for signs of any problems and perhaps call the vet for best advice.
Hello!
My 7 month old beagle at a small plastic squeaker toy about 7cm around, he’s been pooping eating and acting completely normal. It happened around 3 days ago, I’ve been checking his poops and I don’t see anything. Not sure what to do at this point.
Thank you
My standard answer–ask your vet. Some foreign objects can just “sit” there for a while, and allow the feces to pass. But later they can move and cause problems. It really depends on the formulatio of the toy, and your vet has the best idea of what to expect and how to manage this.
Thanks so much I appreciate it! Just an update, after 4 days of extra exercise and chicken and rice he pooped the squeaker out! We got very lucky.
Yay!!! Thanks so much for the update, glad that “everything came out all right.” *s*
My 4 month old pitty mix has vomited 3 times the first 2 time was just food but the 3rd time she vomited up a mix of food and 9 not sharp ended screws. She is acting lethargic and I have no transportation or money to get her to a vet. I really need help because I don’t know what to do. Please
Oh no! Please call the vet for advice, some will let you pay on installments. It’s great she’s vomited up the items but there could be more causing problems. Lethargy in a pup isn’t good. Good luck!
Hello Amy. My 4 y.o. golden retriever ate half a dozen faux pearl beads from my hat 30 minutes ago. Shall I wait till he poos them out or take him to the vet? Thank you!
I’d call the vet to ask. Small items may pass, but it depends on what the faux pearl beads are made of, and your vet would know best.
Hello- my puppy at a fabric scrunchie (whole) 3 nights ago. In the 10 seconds it took for us to follow up him and grab him from the room he managed to swallow it whole. He has not been in distress, has been pooping a lot, and normal, eating and drinking. No signs of distress. The vet said to keep watching him but should it be taking this long to pass? Is it possible to still be going to the bathroom like normal but have a blockage? He has not changed in any sense and still has so much energy. I just really want it to pass so I can stop worrying.
Wow–our pup ate a fabric softener/sheet once, and immediately began to vomit (it came up, thank goodness!). The material (synthetic) isn’t digestible so you should see it when it passes. But it may be “smooshed” up with the feces and hard to see. Your veterinarian is the best resource for your guidance, and what to do likely depends on the specific type of product. It’s very positive your dog hasn’t had any negative signs.
Hi Amy,
My 8 year old Pitt mix ate something 2 nights ago, we woke up yesterday to find she threw up small, approx 2 inch long plastic pieces. She has not been able to keep food or water down since. I have a vet appointment in the morning but wondering how serious you think this is? I’m so worried she’ll need surgery to remove it!
Thanks,
Ashley
Hi Ashley,
I’m so sorry you’re going through this with your sweet Pitt. I really can’t guess about the nature of the situation, and paws crossed the veterinarian will be able to help you. If you can identify where the plastic pieces came from, and see how much remains (or doesn’t) that will help the doctor. Please also take the pieces that your dog vomited to show to the vet. Please let me know what happens!
Hi Amy I have a 3 month old Chihuahua that has a chicken bone I believe it’s stuck in her little throat but it’s been like 2 days now I’ve tried everything too help her but today she seems 2 have turned too the worse she was getting up every few hours an eating a couple bits getting a tiny drink an would play for a few then she’d go right back too sleep now she acts like she can’t move she’s wheezing no coughing or puking an she has the sadest little face an with covid going on I have no money what so ever not one penny please tell me something too help her this little girl is MY EVERYTHING I LOVE HER MORE THAN LIFE ITS SELF ILL LOSE MY MIND IF SHE PASSES THANK U SO MUCH IN ADVANCE
Take her to the veterinarian now!!! There’s nothing you or I can do, get this puppy emergency help.
Hello Amy!
My 10 pound maltipoo ate a small sock on Thursday. Our vet told us to take her home and monitor her but today is Sunday.. she is still eating and drinking, she is still having bowel movements but from time to time she will gag and try to vomit with no luck. Any suggestions?
By now, the sock will have traveled through the digestive track too far for vomiting to be productive. Since she’s still eating and drinking and eliminating, that’s good–the sock hasn’t blocked things. But if you’ve not seen it pass in the stool yet, I would follow up with the vet and ask for their advice for further help.
Hello my dog had vomited after eating earlier on the day and when i went to sleep he vomited this little piece of wood which was really smooth around the edges and he has had an apetite still and he seems fine like always no abdominal pain etc
I think that little piece was the only thing obstructing his stomach should i still call a vet?
Call vet to be sure.
Me pup have swallowed a little piece of doctor tape what can i do
Follow the instructions outlined in the blog text–watch for it to pass. And if there are signs of distress, get your pup to the veterinarian.
If it’s a small piece, monitor the puppy’s bowel movement to be sure it passes out. If there are danger signs (as listed in the article), call your veterinarian.
Hi there. We think our puppy swallowed a toy a couple of weeks ago. It has a squeaker in it. No symptoms until a few days ago – vomiting and lethargy. Xray shows a foreign object with some brightly light areas. I am almost certain that it is the squeaker toy but the vet says unlikely because it has been weeks since pup ingested it. Vet says the object has moved down the GI tract, past the duodenum now. He is on IV fluids and medication. They have not done bloodwork yet to see if any metal toxicity. Should I ask them to? Can they do a scope to retrieve the object? Should we wait for surgery or is it a risk related to metal?
Oh no! Poor puppy. I’d rely on what your veterinarian says–certainly, you can ask if metal toxicity might be an issue. But most dog toy squeakers I’m familiar with are plastic or rubber. If the object has progressed to the duodenum, it’s probably not retrievable via endoscope (that’s usually used to retrieve from mouth/throat, esophagus, and stomach). Good luck with your baby.
My 3 month old beagle is having trouble breathing. I can’t think of a reason why. I fed him food like normal, took him a bath, then he started gasping for air. I have used the same shampoo once before and no reaction. He doesn’t likes baths, but doesn’t give me a hard time either. He gags on and off and threw up blood once. He walks around very slowly and looks tired. When he tries to lay down his breathing gets faster.
Please call your veterinarian immediately! I don’t know what’s wrong but your vet is the best chance for your puppy. Throwing up blood is an emergency and can be caused by several things.
My 8 week 4lb Dalmatian ate 2/3 of a baby wipe around 2 hours ago. Should I wait to see signs of distress (vomiting/diarrhea/sluggishness/ no wipes coming out in his poop) before taking him to the vet?
Please call your vet with a description of the ingredients in the baby wipe for advice. It depends on what’s in the wet components as much as the material and amount ingested.
My 10yr old rottie ate whole oven stuffed roasted chicken 😆I noticed little red bubble sticking out wat should I do he’s not it pain at all seen alittle bone yesterday but nothing since worried now
A “little red bubble” sticking out of …where? My best advice is to ask your veterinarian about options, and meanwhile, monitor your dog’s bowel movements to be sure everything passes. If he begins to hunch his tummy in pain, or strains to go potty, or vomits, go to the emergency room. And wow–a whole chicken? My dog is jealous! Hope everything works out fine for your dog.
My five year old labrador had a major seizure this morning, in her movements two socks came up in vomit, could these have been the cause of the seizure?
Possibly, if the blockage caused some kind of disruption that impacted glucose intake, for example. But there may be something else going on. So it’s best to get the veterinarian’s opinion and diagnosis after an exam.
He eat a rubber ball and we see a vetinary doctor and doctor prescribe to operate it and operate the doctor say only water to drink for5days .after 4days of operation he eat a cotton dip is any problem
Wow, I’m glad your dog got medical attention. I’d check with the veterinarian about the swallowed cotton dip … if it’s small, it may pass with no problem.
Hello. I have a 10 week old Miniature Schnauzer puppy thats 5 pounds and I think she may have eaten a 7/8 inch foam ball that is for a Nerf Rival gun. My nephew was playing with her and they were jumping and running around while I was cleaning up the few balls on the floor. I dropped one and it rolled to right where they were playing and under her and it looked like she may have swallowed it super fast cause I didn’t see it go anywhere else. I didn’t see her swallow it either but I couldn’t find it when I stopped my nephew and picked her up. A few minute later I found one maybe 10 feet away so its possible it got kicked across the room but that also could have been a different bullet. If she did swallow it, based on her small size do you think she could pass it. I don’t really have money for a Vet bill when I don’t even know for sure she ate anything but I also don’t want anything to happen to her.
Hi Nick,
All I can suggest is to monitor eating and elimination to be sure everything is still moving normally through the digestive track. Foam is compressible so it’s “possible” it could pass, but there’s no way to know for sure. Don’t wait too long to call the vet if you see the signs of trouble mentioned in the blog. Good luck!
Hello. I am trying to find out what is wrong with my lab. She returned from vet with clean bill of health but she is still not right. She is not swimming anymore and not anxious to jump in the car w/ me all of what were part of normal routine. It started about 6 months ago. My question is about that same time she swallowed a fishwith fish hook inside. I took her to vet they xrayed her stomach the following day and said all clear. she eats normal, poops normal. is there something that hook could be caught on that has her laying around? She is not a complainer so I rarely know if she is hurt. No outwards signs. Blood tests are good, thyroid good and chest xray good.
Hi Tami, my best advice is to seek a consultation with a specialist, perhaps a veterinarian internal medicine specialist. I can only guess and I’m not a vet. The age and other factors will matter. Good luck!
Hello,
Our 9.5-week-old Cockapoo has been frequently chewing on a stuffed toy with short tufts of hair/fur that we bought at a pet store. An hour ago he gnawed off maybe 1 inch of the hair/fur and swallowed it. Maybe even less than 1 inch. A small amount. Should I be worried?
Thanks!
Dara
Hi Dara, congratulations on the new puppy! I d watch for it to be passed in his stool, and for any discomfort. But without knowing more, probably a small amount of fuzzy fur should pass without a problem.
My 80lb+ dog ate some or all of a rubber ball toy and I didn’t know until yesterday when he vomited large pieces of it. He didn’t want to eat before that, but has since. He vomited again tonight with smaller pieces of ball in it. He otherwise seems fine but not sure how much he may have swallowed. Wouldn’t he show signs he was sick if something still in there?
Hi April,
Wow, I’m glad he vomited the pieces. If there are still small pieces retained, he might not show signs of illness as long as food and waste continues to pass unobstructed. So I’d call the vet and ask for advice–and meanwhile, monitor his intake (and output). Depending on the size of the ball, you’ll likely be able to tell how much potentially might remain. I hope he stays well–we have to really watch those big guys!
hi my name is Shanika my puppy swallowed a stick I think he is eating but not feeling good he vomit blood a lil but now his laying down I don’t have money right now for a vet so what should I do
Oh my dear, please call a veterinarian anyway and ask if you can perhaps pay on time. Meanwhile, follow the suggestions in th blog. Paws crossed for a good outcome.
My senior Mini Pin swallowed a nectarine stone. We took him to the Emergency/Trauma Vet Hospital and they induce vomiting, with no luck. Our boy has CHF and high risk for endoscopy so we waited to see if he could pass the stone. He continued to eat well (I made him chicken and rice) and potty fine. On the 10th day after ingesting, he wasn’t interested in breakfast and that afternoon he vomited up the stone. He ate his dinner that evening, but hasn’t done more than nibble at his food today. Could the stone have harm his throught coming back up? Or could his tummy still be upset? The stone came out while, so I’m not too concerned about poisoning, just how to help him from this point.
Hi Candy, Wow–I’m so glad that your boy got rid of the nectarine stone. As you’re aware, they can not only block the “innards” but also poison the pet. Vomiting up after 10 days means it likely was too big to pass the other direction. Certainly, the irritation in the gut likely remains, and bringing it back up could have scraped or irritated his throat. There’s no way for me to know or predict exactly what’s going on, so a call to the vet would be my best recommendation. Please keep me posted!
Hi, can an object be too big to pass to the small intestines and remain in the stomach for days? If so, does that mean induce vomiting would work in that case? My dog swallow a piece of rubber and it’s been 3 days and no signs of it in the stool but she is eliminating normally. The flat piece of rubber is about 1” by 2.5”. My dog is 55 lb. How likely is it that it would pass? I am adding fiber and olive oil / coconut oil for lubrication. Since she is acting normal, I hope to wait it out. I have read stories of dogs passing objects weeks later. How likely is that?Also is rubber visible on Xray? I have heard contrasting opinions. Thank you.
My concern would be that the digestive acids could interact with the rubber, and cause it to swell so it isn’t able to pass in either direction. Inducing vomiting might actually cause a choke issue. Please see your veterinarian!
Dear Amy,
My 55 lb. dog ingested pieces of a hollow Chuckit ball with the biggest piece being about 1” wide and 2.5” length (maybe a bit bigger) 3 days ago. A small has passed in the stool yesterday. It’s day 3 and she is eating and eliminating normally and shows no signs of blockage, but l can’t find the big piece in her stool. In the past, she has swallowed a cat toy and vomited it out 2 weeks later. I came across an article in which the vet claims that ‘if the object is greater than 1.5” in diameter, it’s likely to stay in the stomach,” so the vet was able to induce vomiting for a dog who ingested something over a week ago. I have also come across stories of dogs passing foreign objects weeks later. And stories of dogs passing objects as big as light bulbs with the help of lubricant. How much likely is that? Is it safe to induce vomiting with h.p 3% at home?
In my dog’s case, could it be that 1) The piece is too big and remains in the stomach and thus induced vomiting might work or 2) The piece is slowing making its way in the small intestines, causing partially blockage, because she is still pooping fine.
I am adding fiber like squash and olive oil in hopes that it would help keep the piece moving. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Since my dog is not showing any signs of obstruction, can I wait it out?
Also, does rubber show up on Xray?
Hi Ferg, Anything I say here would be speculation and every situation is different. Yes, the dog could pass the larger item later. Or it could gradually close off/block part of the digestive tract. At this point, after three days, I wouldn’t think it able to be vomited up, but a veterinarian *might* be able to use an endoscope and remove anything visible that way. My concern would be that if it stays in the stomach/digestive track it could impair absorption of nutrition over time, or even cause a “dam” situation that also caught other smaller items. It’s not unusual for dogs (or some cats) to ingest multiple items over time, and only have problems later–at which time surgery reveals massive amounts of swallowed objects. So my best answer and advice is to see your veterinarian. At this point, you’ve gone beyond “first” aid, and need the diagnostic skills and advice of someone able to figure out exactly what’s happening. Good luck!
Hi, I just got a puppy two days ago (not really puppy; 8m chion mix). I took her home and she ate an entire meal and drank a lot of water the minute I set her down in the kitchen. I took her out and she pooped and peed fine the first day, but then she wouldn’t eat much of her dinner after I brought her inside. The catch is that before I actually stepped inside and took her harness off, she tried chewing a twig from my maple tree that was on the porch. Now, all of Sunday she only pooped and peed once, but today and last night, she didn’t eat anything, but has been drinking out of hands only and throwing up treats and kibble, as well as mucus and bile. I don’t know what to do; either go to the vet or wait 1-2 days. Please let me know. Thank you.
Hi Jayden, Please take your dog to the vet. New places, people, and food can all affect appetite. But she may also have something else going on (something else she ate, or an illness previously exposed, etc.). It’s always best to have the new dog checked by the vet anyway, so please don’t wait any longer. Congrats on your new pup! I hope she feels better soon.
Hi, my 1 1/2 year old golden retriever chewed up a child’s toy car over Christmas. A week later she vomited up a piece of it (about the size of a thumb). A week after that another same size piece. She is eating, drinking, peeing and pooping normally. Cause for concern?
I’d run this by your veterinarian. It could be she’s already passed most of it in stool and there’s no harm. But if she’s still vomiting pieces, I’d be concerned part(s) of the toy are stuck somewhere inside, and could cause damage/problems later.
My small tea cup ate a twig and poop it out but still has a cough what can I do
Hi Delbert, If the dog still has a cough, possibly the throat got scratched or irritated. I’d check with the vet. It may be something else entirely unrelated.
Our dog swallowed a small cloth ball (size of a golf ball) stuffed with poly foam 3 days ago while at another house. My husband is convinced it will pass but I’m concerned. She has had regular bowel movements for last 3 days and is eating ok… but it’s got to go somewhere and she has not passed it in her feces yet. Am I being paranoid?
It’s a very good sign that your dog continues to eat and defecate with no problem. Usually objects end up in the stool within 72 hours (longer for heavy or large objects). Sometimes soft fabric objects are hard to see in the stool, too, so she may have passed it. I’d check with the vet for an opinion just to be sure, though.
MY PUPPY IS TEARING UP THE PEEPEE PADS. NOW HES THROWING IF I MOVE THE PAD HE PEES ON THE FLOOR. WHAT CAN I DO
There are tips for house training puppies here: https://amyshojai.com/how-to-house-train-puppies/
My 3 month old puppy just ate a stick on our stroll. Im not sure what to do.
Hi Joseph, I’m sorry that I just got this. If the stick was chewed into small enough pieces, it should pass. By now it would be in the intestines. Watch for “hunching” behavior (arching the back) or straining to defecate, which are signs of distress. Puppies do eat a lot of things they shouldn’t. If this happens again, it’s always a good idea to feed a large meal to help pad any sharp bits and help it pass through. If concerned about it, you can induce vomiting immediately but that won’t work after this amount of time. It’s always a good idea to check with your vet for advice.
Hi,
My dog ate 5 used soft discs, (menstrual substitute for pads and tampons.) I’m extremely concerned that these will not pass through and my boyfriend insists that we wait until he poops. Have you had any experience with a dog eating these? What should I do?
Please take your dog to the veterinarian immediately! You are right, they may not pass. The doctor may be able to prompt the dog to either vomit them up or retrieve with an endoscope if they’ve not yet passed into the intestines. Should they become lodged in the intestines, that may mean emergency surgery. Call the vet and get your dog seen NOW!
Thanks for pointing out that the pup must be taken the vets immediately when the objects have a sharp part. I guess I will seek a vet now since the object he swallowed might have that part. I did not see what it was since I was busy with work and online meetings this afternoon when it happened.
I hope your pet is okay!
My dog is not eating or drinking since last night which is abnormal and he does not feel good. I have a tiny piece of rubber that covers a usb port on my phone (maybe 1/4″ long x 1/30″w) he vomited a very small (smaller than and eraser head) piece of the rubber and I am very concerned. Should I panic or wait a day or two?. A new pet owner of a rescue dog soon to be three years old (he survived the boarder nightmare and escaped Mexico.)
Call your vet and ask. The size means it probably will pass, and it’s too late to induce vomiting. If he shows pain (hunched back) or tries to vomit or eliminate without success, then go to the emergency vet.
hello i am very worried my saluki puppy (4 months ) had decided to nick myunderwear yesterday morning as i tried to remove from her mouth she had literally swallowed them ive looked through her poo but but they are not there ….i dont know how to induce vommitng she hasnt had the urge to be sick nor cough and she had a poo too. her poop seems a little softer than normal what do i do/ can i do ?
Hi Tammy,
For some reason, may dogs love socks and underwear! If it’s been more than 2 hours, vomiting won’t bring it up. In most cases, foreign objects pass in the stool in 24 to 72 hours, so the fabric may still be in transit. As long as she’s not feeling in distress, you may be able to wait it out — a Saluki pup has some good size so it may be okay. But I’d still call the veterinarian and ask for specific advice, too. We’ve had the same issue with our big pup lately, stealing socks. It turns us into more vigilant pet parents, good luck!