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Dogs and toys usually go together very well! Our canine companions enjoy playing with socks, balls, and even squishy toys! They play fetch, chase, and even sleep with their favorite toys! But what happens if a dog eats a squishy toy? Will the squishy toy make a dog sick? That’s what we’ll explore in this article!
Has your dog eaten a squishy toy? Are you worried the squishy toy 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.
We’ve put together information about squishy toys and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What are Squishy Toys?
Squishy toys are dog toys usually made of fabric; they’re soft and squishy! Some toys may also contain a squeaker, which many dogs love. Some are made with materials that are safe for dogs; however, some may be made with other materials that could cause problems in dogs.
For instance, some squishy toys may contain parts made of PVS, phthalates, lead, chromium, formaldehyde, and cadmium. Yuck! So, it pays to be especially careful when buying squishy and other toys for your dog.
While squishy toys are usually safe for dogs, could they make a dog sick?
Squishy Toys & Dogs
One of the main issues with squishy dog toys is that many canines are tempted to eat and swallow these toys. Because the toys are soft and squishy, they’re usually pretty easy to swallow without too much trouble. And if the toy is too large to swallow, some dogs will chew the toy up and swallow the pieces!
However, the toys could pose a choking hazard. Another potential problem is the toy could also cause intestinal blockage at any point in the dog’s digestive system. This can be a life-threatening condition if it’s not treated.
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Ask a Vet Live NowWhat to Do If Your Dog Has Eaten a Squishy Toy
It’s best to call the vet right away if your dog has eaten a squishy toy. This applies whether your dog is choking or not showing symptoms yet. He may develop symptoms within a few hours, and they could point to intestinal blockage.
If your fur baby has developed an intestinal blockage, the vet will take x-rays to see where the toy is stuck. In some cases, they may be able to remove the toy with an endoscopic procedure or by inducing vomiting (never do this on your own in a case like this). However, if the toy is farther along the digestive tract, they may need to do surgery to remove the blockage safely.
The prognosis is best for dogs that receive prompt medical attention. And if your dog tends to eat squishy toys, it’s probably best not to buy these for him in the future. We always say prevention is the best medicine!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
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