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Dogs and shoes seem to go together well, that is until the dog eats a shoe! If you’re a pet parent, you know that dogs love to go after your shoes. Puppies and even adult dogs love to chew on things. And what could be better than a shoe? However, what happens if a dog eats a shoe?
Has your dog eaten a shoe? Are you worried the shoe will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this (and sometimes maddening!).
We’ve gathered information about shoes and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
Shoes Are for Walking, Not Chewing
There are all kinds and styles of shoes. There are stilettos that some love to wear; then there are sandals for people who love to be very casual. The type of shoe is often a preference or a style choice. No matter the style or type of shoe, dogs seem to love them, too!
Shoes can be made from several materials, such as leather, wood, canvas, rubber, plastic, and more. Sometimes shoes also have metal buckles, shoelaces, or other decorative pieces attached to them.
Why Do Dogs Eat Shoes?
It may be that a dog doesn’t start out by wanting to eat the shoe. For instance, a puppy may be teething and happens to bite off a piece and swallows it! An adult dog may be chewing on the shoe and decides it doesn’t taste bad. Then he eats part of the shoe or the entire thing.
Dogs eating (not just chewing) shoes is a problem that’s very common. But what happens when a dog eats a shoe?
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Ask a Vet Live NowDogs & Shoes
Eating a shoe is not very healthy for the dog. It all depends on how much of the shoe is eaten, along with the dog’s size and weight. A small dog that eats a big shoe is going to become sick. However, a much larger dog eating the same shoe may pass it in his poop with no problems.
It also depends on other parts of the shoe the dog eats. If he eats metal fastenings, shoelaces, and more, these can all cause various health problems for the dog.
Symptoms of Shoe Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms after your dog has eaten a shoe (or you find part of the shoe eaten):
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain & swelling
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Constipation
- Restlessness
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
It’s a good idea to let the know what time your dog ate the shoe. And taking in the uneaten shoe is also a good idea. The vet can use all of this information to help your dog.
Note: Do not induce vomiting, as this could cause the shoe or parts of it to become lodged in the dog’s esophagus and cause choking.
Treatment of Shoe Ingestion in Dogs
Treatment depends on the vet’s diagnosis. If your dog seems to have a blockage, the vet may need to perform surgery to remove the shoe and repair any damage it may have caused. The vet will also treat any other symptoms that may arise.
The prognosis is best for dogs that receive prompt medical treatment after eating a shoe. In the future, it’s a good idea to keep all shoes out of your dog’s reach. This can be challenging, but you may want to consider keeping shoes in a shoe cabinet, where it’s a challenge for your dog to access the shoes! You’ll both be happier for it!
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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