What Should I Do If My Dog Ate a Leather Baseball Mitt?

Dear VetBabble: My Dog Ate a Leather Baseball Mitt, What Should I Do?

My 6-year-old dog ate part of a leather baseball mitt yesterday. He vomited some up 3-4 times since. He’s eating and drinking. Did he vomit up the pieces? How should I monitor him and know when to see a vet? Can I use a dog laxative to help?

Understanding Foreign Bodies in Pets

When our pets consume something they shouldn’t, it can be a cause for concern. Ingesting foreign bodies can lead to various health issues and it’s important to know how to handle the situation. To better understand what happens when your pet consumes something it shouldn’t, check out this informative article: Foreign Bodies: I Think My Pet Ate Something It Shouldn’t!

Monitoring Your Dog and Recognizing Warning Signs

It’s a positive sign that your dog is still eating and drinking after vomiting up the leather pieces. It is possible they have vomited the most of the foreign object, however continue to monitor their behavior. Watch for the following signs:

1. Eating and drinking as usual
2. Not vomiting or having loose stools
3. Normal bowel movements (keep an eye out for the pieces of the baseball mitt)

If the pieces are small and soft, they may pass through naturally. However, if your dog begins to show more concerning signs like vomiting, diarrhea, losing appetite, or refusal to drink, it’s essential to visit your veterinarian. You may find these articles helpful: Vomiting in Dogs: Causes, Treatment & When to Worry and Diarrhea in Dogs: When to Worry.

Using Laxatives and Seeking Professional Help

While using a dog laxative may seem like an easy solution, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian before administering any over-the-counter medication. They may recommend a specific medication or provide other guidance to ensure your dog’s safety in passing the ingested foreign body. If you’re unsure about whether your dog has eaten something it shouldn’t have and are in need of further assistance, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Check out this article: My dog ate something it shouldn’t have! What should I do?. Remember, your veterinarian is there to assist you in ensuring your pet remains happy and healthy.