Dogs are curious animals and may eat something that that was not for them. Sometimes the dog may have to undergo emergency surgery. Sometimes they are just fine after passing the object. If you think your dog ate something that was not their kibble, follow these steps:
Look for Warning Signs
When a dog eats something harmful, they may display some warning signs. Vomiting, change in appetite, and pain in the abdomen may indicate that there is trouble. Contact your vet immediately if your dog displays these symptoms. If it is after hours, call a 24-hour emergency vet and explain the symptoms.
Seek Veterinary Care
Wait for the vet to decide what you should do next. They may tell you to induce vomiting if it is safe to do so. Sometimes, inducing vomiting can cause more harm than good, so the vet will ask you to bring the dog to the office.
First, the vet will order an x-ray to determine where the object is in the dog’s digestive system. If it is in the stomach, they will induce your dog and place a long tube down the throat, sucking up the object. However, if the item has traveled into the intestines, a more invasive procedure is required. The vet will need to cut into the bowels to remove the object.
Prepare for the Future
After your dog has recovered from their medical event, you need to prevent them from eating any foreign objects in the future. If your dog is known to chew and swallow objects, you need to limit the objects they have access to. Monitor their playtime and take away any toys that are beginning to break. Restrict their access to areas where they might eat something, such as under the sinks or in a coat closet.
In Conclusion
The best way to protect your dog from swallowing a harmful object is by keeping them away from situations and places where they can eat something. Still, dogs may get into trouble and end up eating a sock or a small toy. Just keep calm and quickly act to get the object out of your dog’s body.
