What to do if your dog eats something dangerous

Dogs can be curious and a bit of a vacuum cleaner when it comes to their mouths. It’s easy for them to gobble something up they shouldn’t, and it happens so fast. That’s why we’re here to help you through what to do if your dog eats something inappropriate.

Signs your dog has swallowed something

Younger dogs are more likely to be tempted to chew on things, but older dogs can get into trouble too. If your dog has swallowed something that’s become lodged in their digestive tract, they might show symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, looking generally unwell, or showing signs of abdominal pain. A vet would call this a foreign body obstruction.

What to do if your dog eats something they shouldn’t

If your dog has swallowed something that could cause injury or a blockage, you need to contact a vet immediately. The longer it’s been since they swallowed it, the less likely it is that we can make them sick to bring it back up.

If something’s stuck in the intestine, it’s also important to act fast. If left too long, the intestine could become damaged. Your vet might try to induce vomiting, but this depends on what your dog has eaten. You must not try to make your dog sick yourself. Giving your dog salt to make them sick is strongly advised against.This can lead to salt poisoning, which is life-threatening for your dog.

How the vet can help

In some cases, your vet might decide it’s not safe to make your dog vomit. They might need to remove the object from the stomach under anaesthetic, or give medication to help it pass through the intestine. If your dog has eaten something sharp, your vet might suggest feeding them something like asparagus, which can help to line the object and make it easier to pass.

If you suspect your dog has eaten something inappropriate, always call and speak to a vet for the best advice for your dog! As a Lassie customer, you get unlimited calls to our digital vet service.

Items that can cause injury or blockages

• Gloves/mittens

• Socks

• Fabric scraps

• Earplugs (especially dangerous for small dogs)

• String or wire

• Stones

• Plastic bags

• Tampons

• Ties

• Squeaky toys

• Corn on the cob

• Sharp objects

One of the best ways to prevent your dog from eating something dangerous is to 'dog-proof' your home. This means making sure anything that could be harmful is stored safely out of reach.