Do your kids play with Nerf guns and bullets? Does your dog try to join in on the fun? That’s great! But some dogs try to eat Nerf bullets. That can be a problem to the dog’s health.
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What are Nerf Bullets?
Nerf bullets, also called Nerf darts, are pieces of foam that are shaped like bullets. These foam cylinders can be compressed. While they can be safe when used in the right way, these darts can cause injuries in pets including loss of vision and more.
What Happens if a Dog Eats a Nerf Bullet?
If a dog eats a Nerf bullet, then he could be in danger of developing an intestinal blockage. This is a life-threatening medical condition.
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What is an Intestinal Blockage?
An intestinal blockage happens when all or part of the stomach or intestines are blocked by a foreign object. The blockage keeps solids and liquids from being digested. It can also cause the blood flow in the area to decrease, which can lead to damage to the intestines, and more.
This is a very serious medical condition. If left untreated, a dog can die from an intestinal blockage.
Symptoms of an Intestinal Blockage
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has an intestinal blockage:
- Abdominal pain/swelling
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Lethargy
If your dog experiences any of theses symptoms, it’s time to call the vet immediately. This is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Treatment of an Intestinal Blockage in Dogs
When you get to the vet’s, they will do a complete physical exam of your dog. They will also run lab work and x-rays or an ultrasound. The images can help the vet see if there’s a blockage, as well as where it’s located.
Treatment will depend on where the Nerf bullet is located. If it’s in the stomach, then the vet may do use an endoscopic procedure to remove it. However, if the toy is farther along in the dog’s digestive tract, surgery may be needed to safely remove it.
Your fur baby may also need an IV for fluids and medications to treat other symptoms.
The prognosis is excellent for dogs who receive prompt medical care of the intestinal blockage. Recovery may take a little bit longer if your dog needed surgery. He may also need plenty of rest when he gets home. But he will be back to normal once he’s fully recovered.
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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