Has your dog eaten something he shouldn’t have? Is he having some concerning symptoms? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.
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In this article, we’ve put together information on dogs eating things they shouldn’t and what you should do when this happens. Let’s get started!
My Dog Has Swallowed Something He Shouldn’t Have
This is a common problem with dogs. They tend to go after just about anything you can imagine, from rocks and clothing to hair and even their own leashes! Other problem objects that dogs may eat include:
- Toys
- Jewelry
- Bones
- Meat skewers
- String
- Clothing
- Dead things
- Feminine products
- Spoiled, moldy food
- And more
The non-food items can cause anything from choking to an intestinal blockage, while dead things and spoiled foods can carry dangerous bacteria and toxins. It can be downright dangerous for your dog, depending on what he’s eaten.
Symptoms Your Dog Has Eaten Something He Shouldn’t Have
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten something he shouldn’t have:
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- Pawing at the mouth
- Drooling excessively
- Choking/gagging/coughing
- Licking lips repeatedly
- Lack of appetite or refusal to eat
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Constipation
If your dog is showing these symptoms, then it’s time to call the vet right now. This could be a life-threatening medical emergency.
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Ask a Vet Live NowTreatment of Dog Eating Something He Shouldn’t
At the vet’s, they’ll conduct a complete physical of your dog, which could include lab work and x-rays. The x-rays will help the vet to see what your dog has eaten and if there’s a blockage in the dog’s digestive tract.
If the object is still in the stomach, the vet may induce vomiting. And if the object is small, the vet may choose to see if it passes on its own.
On the other hand, if the object is already in the intestines and has caused a blockage, your fur baby may need emergency surgery. The surgery is done to remove the object and repair damage to the intestines.
And if your dog has eaten something toxic, the vet will take the appropriate steps to treat this.
The good news is that dogs who receive prompt medical care have a great chance of making a full recovery. The key is to get the dog treated as soon as possible after he’s eaten something he shouldn’t have.
Once your fur baby has recovered, then it will be necessary to keep him from eating things he shouldn’t. This isn’t easy; it may take some patience and obedience training for your dog to stop this harmful habit.
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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