Just like toddlers, dogs explore the world with their mouths. Chewing, sniffing, biting, and swallowing are all normal behaviors—until something goes wrong. Foreign body ingestion, or the swallowing of non-food items, is an alarmingly common and potentially deadly issue in dogs. This condition has become one of the most frequent admission by pet owners.
But why is this issue so dangerous? And what can be done to protect your dog? Let’s take a detailed look.
Common Foreign Objects Dogs Swallow
Dogs can and will swallow almost anything. Some of the most common items veterinarians see include:
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Socks
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Underwear
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Toys (especially rubber or squeaky ones)
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Bones and rawhide
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Rocks
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String, ribbon, or tinsel (especially dangerous)
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Plastic wrap or food packaging
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Mielie cobs
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Hair ties and scrunchies
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Coins, jewelry, and batteries
In particular, linear foreign bodies—like string or ribbon—are exceptionally hazardous. These can cause the intestines to bunch up like an accordion, causing devastating damage.
Where Do Foreign Objects Get Stuck?
The canine digestive system is essentially a long tube, starting at the mouth and ending at the rectum. Food (or in this case, foreign material) travels through the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and finally exits the body.
Swallowed objects can get stuck at various points along this journey:
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Esophagus: Sharp or large items may get stuck early, causing choking or regurgitation.
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Stomach: Some objects can remain here for weeks or even months without moving forward.
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Small intestine: This is the most common site of obstruction, particularly for irregular or stringy objects.
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Colon: If the object makes it this far, it will likely be passed naturally, but sharp or large items may still cause pain or injury during defecation.
Important Warning: If any object is protruding from your pet’s rectum, do not attempt to pull it out—you could cause serious internal injury.
Symptoms of Foreign Body Ingestion
Dogs that have swallowed something they shouldn’t have will often show signs that something is wrong. These include:
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Vomiting (intermittent or persistent)
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Loss of appetite
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Lethargy or depression
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Abdominal pain or bloating
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Diarrhea (early on)
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Constipation or straining to defecate
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Whining or restlessness
In some cases, these symptoms may start mildly and escalate rapidly, especially if the object causes a complete intestinal blockage.
Diagnosing a Foreign Body
If you suspect your dog has swallowed something, the first step is a veterinary exam. Your vet will assess symptoms, palpate the abdomen, and likely recommend imaging.
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X-rays: Effective for identifying metal, bone, or stone objects. May also reveal blocked or ballooned intestines.
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Ultrasound: Useful for soft-tissue and non-metallic objects.
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Contrast studies: Involve feeding your dog a contrast material and taking serial x-rays to track movement through the digestive tract.
Sometimes, the only option is exploratory surgery, especially if diagnostic tools are inconclusive but symptoms are worsening.
What Happens During an Obstruction?
A foreign body lodged in the intestines doesn’t just block food. It sets off a cascade of life-threatening complications:
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Vomiting & Dehydration: The dog loses vital fluids and electrolytes.
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Intestinal Damage: Pressure and stretching can restrict blood flow, causing tissue death (necrosis).
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Toxic Release: Dying tissue leaks harmful enzymes and bacteria into the bloodstream.
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Perforation & Sepsis: If the intestinal wall ruptures, contents leak into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis and potentially fatal sepsis.
At this point, your pet’s condition is critical. Without emergency intervention, survival is unlikely. Even with surgery and intensive care, some pets may not recover.
Treating Foreign Body Ingestion
Stabilization is the first step. Your vet will begin IV fluids, pain control, and potentially antibiotics. Blood tests will help guide treatment decisions.
If the object is still in the stomach, there’s a chance it could be:
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Vomited up naturally
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Removed via endoscopy, a non-surgical method using a flexible camera tube inserted through the mouth
However, if the object has moved into the intestines, surgical removal is usually the only option. The dog will require:
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Anesthesia
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Abdominal surgery
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Post-op monitoring
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Pain relief and supportive care
Recovery times vary. Some dogs bounce back quickly, while others need days of hospitalization. Surgery is invasive, costly, and emotionally taxing—but often life-saving.
Prevention: Keeping Your Pet Safe
The best treatment is prevention. Here’s how to reduce the risk of your dog swallowing something dangerous:
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Puppy-proof your home: Keep socks, toys, string, and small objects out of reach.
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Choose safe toys: Ask your vet about durable, non-swallowable chew options.
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Monitor playtime: Supervise your dog with new toys or bones.
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Secure trash bins: Dogs often find temptation in discarded food wrappers and bones.
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No ribbons or tinsel: Especially during holidays, keep decorations away from pets.
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Watch for symptoms: If your dog seems off, call the vet. Don’t wait.
Remember, dogs don’t outgrow this habit. Even older pets may still chew and swallow things they shouldn’t. Always stay vigilant.
Final Thoughts
Foreign body ingestion is a growing concern among dog owners, costing millions in veterinary care every year—and more importantly, costing pets their lives. Your dog doesn’t know the difference between a toy and a deadly hazard. That’s your job.
If you suspect your dog has eaten something unusual or is showing signs of illness, don’t delay. Seek veterinary attention immediately. The sooner your dog receives care, the greater the chance of a full recovery—and the fewer complications they’ll endure.
Every second counts. Your attention, quick action, and preventive care could save your dog’s life.