Dogs love to play with their own toys, and the toys of their cat siblings! The problem is that cat toys are sometimes smaller, which makes them easier for a dog to eat or swallow.
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Cat Toys and Dogs
Dogs love to play with cat toys! If you’re the pet parent of a dog and a cat, then you know how dogs and cats will play together, and with one another’s toys!
The problem with cats’ toys for dogs is that they are smaller and contain smaller pieces and parts. Think of the cat’s toy ball that contains a bell, for instance. The plastic of these toys is brittle, and the bell is made of metal. These could cause problem if swallowed by a dog.
Stuffed mice may also contain catnip. The problem isn’t with the catnip—this is harmless to dogs. However, the stuffed mice may also contain small plastic parts, bells, and more.
What Happens When a Dog Swallows a Cat Toy?
This could be a serious health issue, which could even lead to death if not treated. If a dog swallows a cat toy that is made of plastic that he’s chewed, the pieces could be sharp. The problem here is that the sharp ends of the plastic could cause a perforation somewhere in the digestive tract, or even become lodged within in the intestines, leading to an intestinal blockage.
When a dog swallows an entire toy, again, this could be a choking hazard. If the toy goes down OK, then the next issue is that it can become stuck within the intestines, causing an intestinal blockage.
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Ask a Vet Live NowWatch for These Symptoms
Here are the symptoms to watch for if your fur baby has eaten a cat toy:
- Choking/gagging (call the vet immediately)
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Constipation
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Painful and/or swollen abdomen
If your fur baby is showing any signs of gastrointestinal problems, then call the vet immediately. These could be signs of a perforation or an intestinal blockage, or both. These are medical emergencies and need to be treated quickly.
If your canine companion isn’t showing any signs of a problem, then chances are he will be OK. Just keep an eye on him and call the vet at the earliest sign of a problem. Otherwise, check your dog’s poo to see if the cat toy and/or its parts have passed. It may take a few days for it to all pass through. And if you have any concerns, then please call your vet. They will have the best advice on what you should do next.
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Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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