Foreign Object Ingestion

What Do Pets Commonly Swallow?

We see a wide variety of swallowed items. Some of the most common include:

• Socks, underwear, and hair ties
• Toy pieces, balls, and squeakers
• Bones, corn cobs, and fruit pits
• Rocks, sticks, and mulch
• String, thread, yarn, ribbon, and dental floss, which are especially dangerous for cats
• Coins, batteries, and magnets
• Medication bottles, pills, and plastic wrappers

Batteries, magnets, sharp objects, and string are particularly dangerous and should be seen right away, even if your pet seems fine.

Signs Your Pet May Have Swallowed Something

Sometimes you see it happen. Other times, the only clue is a change in how your pet is acting. Watch for:

• Vomiting, especially repeated vomiting or vomiting after eating or drinking
• Loss of appetite
• Straining to pass stool or producing little or no stool
• Diarrhea
• A painful or tender belly, or reluctance to be picked up
• Lethargy or restlessness
• Drooling, gagging, or pawing at the mouth
• String visible under the tongue or from the rear end

Never pull on string or thread you see coming from your pet’s mouth or rear. It may be anchored inside and can seriously injure the intestines.

What to Do If Your Pet Swallowed Something

• Call us right away and tell us what was swallowed, how much, and when
• Bring the packaging or a matching piece of the object if you have it
• Don’t try to make your pet vomit at home unless a veterinarian tells you to. Some objects and substances cause more damage coming back up
• Don’t give food or laxatives until your pet has been examined

If your pet swallowed a toxin such as medication, chocolate, xylitol, or antifreeze, contact us or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

How We Diagnose and Treat Foreign Object Ingestion

Dr. Santiago will start with a thorough physical exam, gently feeling the abdomen and checking your pet’s hydration and vital signs. From there, we may recommend:

• Digital X-rays to locate the object and look for signs of an intestinal blockage. Our digital images are ready in minutes
• In-house bloodwork to check hydration, electrolytes, and overall health before treatment

Depending on what was swallowed and how recently, treatment may include:

• Safely inducing vomiting in the clinic, when the object is small, smooth, and recently swallowed
• Monitoring with repeat X-rays as a small object passes on its own
• Fluid therapy and anti-nausea medication to keep your pet comfortable and hydrated
• Prompt referral for endoscopy or surgery when an object is stuck or causing a blockage

If your pet needs a procedure we don’t perform in-house, we’ll coordinate the referral and share records and X-rays so your pet gets care without delay.

Preventing Your Pet From Swallowing Objects

• Choose sturdy toys sized for your pet, and throw away toys that are coming apart
• Keep socks, hair ties, and laundry off the floor
• Store string, yarn, ribbon, and sewing supplies out of reach of cats
• Use a secure lid on kitchen and bathroom trash cans
• Don’t give cooked bones or corn cobs
• Supervise chewers and offer safe chew alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions About Foreign Object Ingestion

Think Your Pet Swallowed Something?

Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Call FurBaby Medical Veterinary Practice at (864) Furbaby (387-2229) or book a same-day visit, and we’ll help you figure out the safest next step for your dog or cat in Ware, MA.