What should I do if my dog has a foreign object in its stomach? - briefly
If you suspect your dog has ingested a foreign object, immediately contact a veterinarian for professional advice and avoid inducing vomiting without their guidance.
What should I do if my dog has a foreign object in its stomach? - in detail
If your dog has ingested a foreign object, immediate and careful action is essential to ensure its safety and health. First, observe your dog for symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty defecating. These signs may indicate that the object is causing a blockage or irritation in the stomach or intestines. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a veterinarian, as this can worsen the situation depending on the object’s size, shape, or location.
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic immediately. Provide details about the object, including its size, material, and when it was ingested. The vet may perform a physical examination, X-rays, or ultrasound to locate the object and assess the severity of the situation. In some cases, the object may pass through the digestive system naturally, but this depends on its size and composition.
If the object is small and non-hazardous, the vet may recommend monitoring your dog closely and feeding a high-fiber diet to help move the object through the digestive tract. However, if the object is large, sharp, or toxic, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove it. Surgery is often the safest option to prevent complications such as intestinal perforation, infection, or severe blockages.
During recovery, follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully. This may include administering prescribed medications, restricting activity, and providing a bland diet to ease digestion. Prevent future incidents by keeping small, dangerous items out of your dog’s reach and supervising them during play. Training your dog to “drop it” or “leave it” can also reduce the risk of ingesting foreign objects. Prompt veterinary care and preventive measures are crucial to safeguarding your dog’s health in such situations.