Has your puppy eaten a rock? Are you worried the rock will make your puppy sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. It can be scary when a puppy eats something he shouldn’t.
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To help you and your puppy, we’ve put together some information on rocks and whether or not they can make a puppy sick. Let’s get started!
Why Do Puppies Eat Rocks?
Puppies are very curious about their new world! They explore the world with joy and energy! As they explore, puppies use their mouths to learn about the world around them. It can sometimes happen that a puppy chooses to put a rock in his mouth, trying to see what that thing is!
The puppy may then accidentally swallow the rock. It happens more than you’d think! If you’re in this situation, don’t feel bad. It is a common problem with puppies.
Can a rock make your puppy sick?
Rocks & Puppies
Yes, it is possible the rock can make your puppy sick, depending on the size of the rock. If the rock was very small, then there’s a chance it could pass through the puppy’s digestive tract without any problem.
However, it’s still possible for a rock of any size to become lodged in the puppy’s intestines. If that happens, the rock can lead to a condition called an intestinal blockage. The rock completely blocks the intestines, so nothing can pass. This is a very dangerous condition that can lead to death if not treated.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Intestinal Blockage in Puppies
You may notice these symptoms if your puppy has eaten a rock:
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain & swelling
- Fever
If you notice these symptoms in your puppy, then call the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency.
Treatment of Intestinal Blockage in Puppies
At the vet’s, they will perform a complete examination of your puppy. The vet may also order lab work, as well as x-rays. The x-rays will show where the rock has become lodged in the dog’s digestive tract.
If the rock is still in your puppy’s stomach, the vet may be able to remove it with an endoscopic procedure. However, if the rock is stuck further down in the intestines, then your puppy may need emergency surgery.
The surgery is done to remove the rock/blockage and to repair any damage the stone may have done to the digestive tract.
The good news is that in most cases, the puppy will make a full recovery if they’ve received prompt medical treatment! Your puppy will be back to his playful self again in no time!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
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!
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