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It can happen, even when you’re extremely careful! Dogs will snarf up almost anything that’s somehow enticing, including an earring. Why? No one knows what makes dogs eat various things. But rest assured, this isn’t the first time a dog has eaten an earring.
Why Does a Dog Eat an Earring?
Sometimes accidents happen. You could have been playing with your fur baby and the earring you had on fell off. Then he quickly grabbed it, thinking this was part of the game you were playing. However, in the process of grabbing up the earring, he could have accidentally swallowed it.
The good news is the earring, if small, will probably pass on through your canine companion’s digestive system without causing any issues. The first thing to do is make sure your pup isn’t gagging or choking. If not, the earring has made it down the esophagus and come to your fur baby’s stomach.
Treat This as a Foreign Object
If your dog eats something like an earring, then treat the situation the same as when a dog eats any foreign object. There are certain things you should do if your pup eats something strange.
One of the first signs that something could be array is if you notice your dog vomiting. This is generally the first thing they do after eating a foreign object. Sometimes the object is brought back up, which could happen with your earring! That’s a gross thought, but great news as your dog will be OK!
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From this point, if he doesn’t vomit the earring up, then after about 2 hours, the earring will move on into the intestines. Hopefully the earring will pass through. You’ll need to monitor your pup’s pooh for a day or so to see if the earring comes through. If not, then it’s time to call the vet.
If the earring doesn’t come out, it could be that it’s become lodged in your dog’s intestines. This can be a serious problem. The issue to watch for is an intestinal blockage. If your pup develops this condition, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy/depression
- Weakness
- Painful, and possibly swollen abdomen
An intestinal blockage is a serious medical emergency that could be life-threatening. If your fur baby shows any of these symptoms, then call your vet immediately.
Chances are that your fur baby will be OK after swallowing an earring. Just monitor him, and if you have any worries, then contact your vet right away.
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Aisling O'Keeffe, MVB CertSAM ISFMCertAdvFB
This article has been reviewed and approved by an independent Veterinarian: Aisling qualified as a vet 7 years ago from University College Dublin. She has worked in a mixture of UK small animal hospitals along with Irish practices. She worked for 3 years in a feline-only hospital where she further developed her feline medicine and surgery skills. She currently lives and works in a small animal hospital in Cork, Ireland.
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