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It\u2019s definitely an alarming experience to discover your dog has swallowed a toy. While we hope this situation never happens to you, we\u2019d like you to be prepared if it does. The calmer you can react, the better things will be for you and your dog.<\/p>\n
Actually, if a dog can fit an item into their mouth, there\u2019s not a whole lot they won\u2019t\u00a0swallow.<\/p>\n
In addition to chew toys, plush toys, and squeakers, dogs have also been known to eat common household items including underwear, fruit pits, gravel, golf balls, socks, corn cobs, plastic gadgets, magnets, and pennies.<\/p>\n
A dog who has swallowed a toy will often exhibit some of the following\u00a0symptoms<\/a>:<\/p>\n Unfortunately, if your dog swallows a toy, there can be further complications that come along. If it wasn\u2019t the first time, small pieces of materials could come together and form a physical obstruction. Items can also unravel and cause problems in the small intestine. Lastly, the sharp edges of plastic or bones can pierce your pup\u2019s intestine, causing an abdominal infection. For these reasons, we recommend calling a vet immediately.<\/p>\n The most important thing to know if your pet swallows a toy, or if you suspect they have, is that\u00a0time is of the essence<\/strong>. Rather than waiting to see if it will \u201cpass,\u201d or attempting to induce vomiting on your own, contact your vet immediately<\/a>. If it’s after-hours and your vet can’t be reached, call an emergency vet clinic.<\/p>\n Upon arrival at the vet clinic, your dog may receive a physical examination combined with X-rays, an ultrasound, or a doggy endoscopy to find the root of the issue.<\/p>\n You have about a 2-hour window before the object makes its way into the intestines. Before that occurs, there’s still a chance the object can be quickly and safely extracted. Once the toy has made its way into the intestines, your vet will probably recommend intestinal surgery, which could potentially require the removal of part of the bowel.<\/p>\n As\u00a0PetMD<\/a>\u00a0puts it, \u201cthe potential severity of a simple unchewed corn cob or tube sock cannot be underestimated.\u201d That’s why you don’t want to wait, nor do you want to try to resolve the issue at home on your own, as it could actually worsen the matter.<\/p>\n The best way you can keep your dog from swallowing things is by dog-proofing your house. Just like you’d keep babies from accessing areas they shouldn’t, try doing the same for your dog by using dog gates, installing locks on low cupboards, and storing foreign objects in high places.<\/p>\n Also, be very careful about what foods you serve to your dog. For instance, if you were to offer your dog corn or fruit, make sure the cob or any pits have been removed in advance.<\/p>\n Lastly, while you should always buy dog toys that are the right size and comprised of the right materials, you should still keep a close eye on your dog when they play with toys.<\/p>\n Other things to keep in mind to prevent your dog from swallowing a toy or other household items include:<\/p>\n Here are some FAQs on long-term health implications, preventative training, behavioral indicators, and more.<\/p>\n When a dog swallows a toy and it reaches their digestive system, it can have a long-lasting impact, which is why swallowing toys is so dangerous. If a dog cannot get help quickly, consequences could include:<\/p>\n Implementing preventative training early on in your dog\u2019s life will help protect them from swallowing nonfood objects. You can teach your dog commands such as \u201cleave it\u201d or \u201cdrop it,\u201d which will reinforce good behavior and promote a safe environment for your furry friend.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Implementing a balanced diet for your dog can help reduce the risk of swallowing a foreign object. This means feeding your dog nutritious meals and avoiding giving them food from the table. A nutritious meal can include foods with fiber, which will keep your dog full and will also help minimize their urge to chew on nonfood items.<\/p>\n If your dog has a habit of grabbing food from the table, they will more than likely end up accidentally eating something that they shouldn\u2019t. That\u2019s yet another reason why it\u2019s important to implement healthy eating habits for your pup.<\/p>\n As we discussed earlier, behavioral indicators to watch out for include changes in appetite, vomiting, or other signs of discomfort. If you start observing these behaviors, you should seek veterinary attention promptly. Delaying this can hurt your dog\u2019s health and well-being, so it\u2019s important to get your dog into veterinary care as soon as possible.<\/p>\n In some cases, your dog may need surgery depending on the severity of the situation.<\/p>\n If your pup undergoes surgery to remove a foreign object, the recovery period can depend on the kind of procedure required. It could take days to weeks for your furry friend to fully recover. During this time, you\u2019ll want to carefully monitor your dog and ensure they\u2019re healing, eating well, and not gaining access to objects that could recreate the problem.<\/p>\n As you monitor your companion, you will want to provide a comfortable recovery space, and you may need to administer daily medications and restrict your dog\u2019s activities so they can fully recover without issue.<\/p>\n Speaking of keeping a close eye on dogs, many pet owners find that our well-staffed doggy day care is the perfect option for those days they can\u2019t be home to play with their pet.<\/p>\n Your dog will benefit from the following when they are under our care and supervision, keeping them out of trouble while you\u2019re away working, running errands, and more:<\/p>\n At Pet Palace, we offer more than just dog sitting, and we take care of each pet as if they were our own. If you\u2019d like to learn more, visit our doggy day care<\/a> page. We also offer\u00a0dog<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0cat boarding services<\/a> for your convenience!<\/p>\n Keeping your dog safe and entertained during the day will make sure they stay out of trouble. We hope to see your pet in one of our several locations soon.<\/p>\n For more information on our doggy day care, be sure to reach out<\/a> to our team today!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\n
What Should I Do If My Dog Swallows a Toy?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How Can I Minimize the Likelihood of My Dog Swallowing Something?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Frequently Asked Questions on Dogs Swallowing Toys<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What are the potential long-term health implications for a dog when they have swallowed a toy?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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How can I train my pup not to swallow toys?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Are there specific dietary considerations to reduce the risk of dogs swallowing foreign objects?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What behavioral indicators should I watch out for if I suspect my dog swallowed a toy, and what should I do if this happens?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
If my dog needs surgery, how long is the recovery period?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How Can I Keep My Dog Busy and Happy While I’m Away from Home?
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Keep Your Dog Out of Harm\u2019s Way with Our Doggy Day Care<\/h2>\n