What Should You Do If Your Pet Swallows A Foreign Object?

Dear VetBabble, What Should I Do If My Pet Ingests A Foreign Object?

As a passionate pet parent, it sent me into a slight panic when my tiny four-month-old, five-pound Yorkie Terrier nibbled on the tip of a Bic pen, the round stic M model, to be specific. I noticed a trace of ink on his tongue and now I’m worried. What if a piece broke off and he swallowed it? I am not sure about the details but I am keen to anticipate the potential issues and know the best actions to take if he has indeed ingested the pen tip. Should I monitor his food and water intake or his bowel movements? Would it be advisable to give my dog a laxative? And, how will I know if this situation warrants an immediate vet visit?

What Happens When A Pet Swallows A Forbidden Item?

It’s not unheard of, for curious pets to accidentally swallow things they shouldn’t, like in the case of your Yorkie and the pen. To fully grasp the potential risks and consequences, this thorough article on the subject might be very helpful and enlightening for you.

Immediate Actions To Take

First, it’s very important to remain calm. Stressing out will only make the situation more difficult. Noticing any changes in your pet’s behaviour, appearance, or digestive habits is crucial. Watch for any signs of discomfort, and most importantly, monitor your dog’s food and water intake as well as his bowel movements. In many circumstances, the key is to ensure everything is functioning normally. The object, if it is indeed inside and is small enough, may pass through the digestive system naturally. Using a mild laxative made specifically for dogs, you can even help speed along this process. However, it’s a good idea to know the basics of dog first aid. This Basic First Aid for Dogs guide can help you deal with minor issues at home.

When To Seek Professional Help

However, in case the object is large or sharp, like the pointy end of a pen, it could potentially cause internal injuries or get stuck somewhere in the digestive tract. In this case, examining symptoms like vomiting or unusual lethargy is essential. To gauge when to worry about vomiting in dogs, this piece provides detailed information and advice. Involve a vet at the earliest suspicion of something being wrong as they are in the best position to assess the situation accurately. This article can shed more light on what to do when your dog has swallowed something he shouldn’t have. Remember that prompt professional intervention is the best course of action when dealing with potentially serious issues. As the popular saying goes, “better safe than sorry.”

In conclusion, while it can certainly cause a scare, in most cases, your pet will be just fine having swallowed a foreign object. However, it is always wise to be prepared and understand what needs to be done just in case.