What Should You Do If Your Dog Accidentally Swallows an Object?

Sometimes, dogs might swallow something unusual when their owners are distracted, such as when they’re handling a pet brush or other items. Most dogs realize when they’ve eaten something inedible and will vomit it out on their own. However, some dogs may swallow the object without hesitation. So, what should pet owners do if their dog ingests a foreign object?

1. Identify What the Dog Has Swallowed Many pet owners, upon discovering that their dog has swallowed an object, might immediately try to induce vomiting. However, certain items, such as fish bones or sharp objects like stones, are not suitable for inducing vomiting as this could cause further harm to the dog's organs. Therefore, the first step is to check the area around the dog for any missing items, such as broken toys, pet brushes, electrical wires, chew toys, etc. Inducing vomiting is often an effective way to get the dog to expel the object, especially if it was swallowed recently or is stuck in the throat. In these cases, owners can try using methods like finger-hooks or soapy water to encourage the dog to vomit the object out. 2. Use Vomiting Induction Methods Appropriately Once you have identified the object the dog swallowed, you can consider inducing vomiting. Dogs generally have a strong digestive system, so smaller items like a smooth ring may naturally pass through their digestive tract. Within a few hours of ingestion, it’s best to withhold food but allow the dog to drink plenty of water. For safety, pet owners can give their dog a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. A tablespoon per 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of the dog's weight is recommended. This can be administered using a spoon or dropper directly into the dog's mouth, without mixing it into food or water, to ensure its effectiveness. After administering the hydrogen peroxide, gently walk or play with the dog using a pet brush or leash, and vomiting should occur soon after. If hydrogen peroxide is unavailable, soapy water can be used as an alternative, or you can initially attempt to induce vomiting by gently inserting your hand into the dog’s mouth. While doing this, be sure to exercise caution so as not to injure the dog or risk being bitten. However, if the swallowed object is large or difficult to expel, it's best to immediately take the dog to the vet for an examination, as further intervention, such as surgery, may be necessary to remove the object safely. 3. Don’t Hesitate to Seek Immediate Veterinary Help For many pet owners, the panic of dealing with a dog that has swallowed a foreign object can be overwhelming. In these cases, the best solution is to rush the dog to the vet. If the dog has already vomited, it’s helpful to bring a sample of what was expelled for the vet to examine, in case it was a harmful substance. It is especially important to act quickly if the ingested object is toxic. Dogs often react swiftly to toxins, and delaying treatment could worsen the situation. Swallowed objects can even puncture the intestine or esophagus, leading to severe conditions like peritonitis. Therefore, seeking medical attention immediately is crucial to your dog's health and well-being.