As a fur parent, it’s only natural to be concerned about your pet’s safety and well-being. Unfortunately, one of the dangers that dogs face is the ingestion of foreign bodies. While it may seem like something that would never happen to your pet, foreign body ingestion is quite common in animals.
Dogs are naturally playful and curious creatures, and they often put things in their mouths that they shouldn’t. If you believe your pet ingested a foreign body, it’s important to take action immediately. Here are ten things you should do:
1. Call Your Veterinarian
Firstly, call your vet pet to ask for advice on what to do next and if your pet needs to be seen urgently.
Surgery may be necessary if the foreign body is stuck in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract. Your veterinarian will determine if this is the case and make the appropriate recommendations. If this is the case, expect the following when you arrive in the clinic or hospital:
- The first step in diagnosis is usually taking x-rays. This will allow the veterinarian to see where the object is and what type of object it is. If the object is radiopaque (i.e., it shows up on x-rays), it will be easier to locate and remove.
- If the object is not visible on x-rays or if it’s located in the upper gastrointestinal tract, endoscopy may be necessary. This is a procedure wherein a tiny camera is inserted into the stomach or intestines through the mouth or rectum to locate and remove the foreign body.
- They will perform surgery if the foreign body is stuck and cannot be removed any other way. Surgery is also necessary if there is damage to the gastrointestinal tract or the foreign body has caused an obstruction. Visit this page for more information about how vet surgery works.
2. Keep Your Pet Calm
Once you’ve called your veterinarian, it’s essential to try to keep your pet calm. If they’re agitated, they may vomit and make the situation worse. If possible, confine them to a small area (like a crate), so they don’t injure themselves or ingest anything else.
3. Do Not Try to Induce Vomiting
Do not try to make them vomit the object up. This can actually cause more harm than good and potentially worsen the situation.
4. Give Them Something to Eat or Drink
If your pet is acting normally and doesn’t seem to be in any pain, and your vet says so, you can give them something to eat or drink. This will help move the foreign body through their system and make it easier for it to pass. However, if your pet is acting strangely, is vomiting, or seems to be in pain, do not give them food or water.
This is especially true if they swallow a sharp object, as it could cause further damage if they eat or drink.
5. Monitor Their feces
After your pet ingests a foreign body, you should monitor their feces for the next few days. This will help you know if the object has passed through their system and if they’re having any problems. Back, bloody, or tarry feces can be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding and should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
6. Know and Watch for Signs of Obstruction
There is a risk of developing an obstruction after a dog swallows a foreign object. This is where the object gets stuck in the gastrointestinal tract and prevents food or liquid from passing through. If your pet is showing signs of obstruction (vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, pain), it’s important to seek veterinary attention immediately as this is a serious condition.
If your pet is having trouble defecating or if they vomit frequently, this could also be a sign of obstruction. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these signs. Remember that obstructions can be severe and even life-threatening.
7. Watch for Signs of Illness
Even if your dog seems to be doing well, watch for signs of illness. This is because foreign bodies can cause serious health problems, even if they don’t seem to be causing any problems at first.
Signs of illness include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
8. Collect a Sample of Your Dog’s Vomit or Stool
If your pet is vomiting or has diarrhea, collect a sample of their vomit or stool. This will help your veterinarian diagnose the problem and determine the best course of treatment.
To collect a sample of vomit:
- Use a clean container and scoop up some of the vomit as soon as your pet vomits.
- It will be useful for your veterinarian if you try to get as much as possible.
- Collect a fresh sample, as older samples may not be as useful.
9. Bring the Foreign Body with You
If possible, try to bring the foreign body with you when you take your pet to the veterinarian. This will help them diagnose the issue and determine the best course of treatment.
If you can’t bring the foreign body with you, describe it in as much detail as possible. This includes its size, shape, and any other distinguishing features. Keep in mind that more information is better.
10. Be Prepared to Take Your Pet to the Emergency Veterinary Clinic
Be prepared to take them to the emergency veterinary clinic if your dog has ingested a foreign object. This is because foreign bodies can cause serious health problems and may require immediate medical attention.
Choose an animal clinic or hospital with complete facilities, lab tests, and vet specialists (such as a surgeon, internal medicine vet, dentist, etc.) to ensure that your pet gets the best possible care.
