What We Do When a Dog Swallows a Foreign Object

Dogs are naturally curious creatures; sometimes, they explore the world around them with their mouths. If your dog swallows a foreign object, you should get them veterinary care as soon as possible. The Oakland Veterinary Referral Services team is here to walk you through how we handle situations when a dog swallows something.

Initial Evaluation When Your Dog Swallows a Foreign Object

We always recommend that you call us first in case of an emergency, especially if the foreign object is causing your dog distress. Our team will gather information about the situation so we can be as prepared as possible for you to come in. We can also advise you of anything you can do to help before you arrive. For example, if you think you know what your dog has swallowed and how much, it can be a huge help. 

Once you arrive, we will do a thorough assessment to determine the extent of the problem. This will often include an X-ray, an ultrasound, and sometimes an endoscope to see exactly where the item is and whether it poses any significant and immediate danger. We will determine the best method of removing the object with the least possible impact on your dog. If your pet has trouble breathing, the situation will be treated as an emergency. 

Foreign Object Removal 

Our initial assessment is integral to determining how we will go ahead with removal. The answers we get from this evaluation will ultimately inform our next steps. We have a few options for removal based on your dog’s situation. These include:

• Monitoring: Our team might determine that the object is posing no harm to your dog. In these cases, they sometimes allow the item to pass naturally. We will continue to monitor your dog to ensure everything passes smoothly and without issue.
• Vomiting: If we can tell that the item has not left the stomach and would not pose a choking hazard to regurgitate, we will often induce vomiting under close supervision.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopic tool allows us to safely remove objects in the upper digestive tract. We insert a long tube with a camera to find and remove the foreign object.
• Surgery: If we cannot reach the object with the endoscope, or if it has moved to the intestines, we might opt for surgical removal. This is sometimes the safest and most effective way to remove the item. 

Additional Considerations When Your Dog Swallows a Foreign Object

Even if your dog swallows a foreign object that seems small and harmless, you should still call your veterinarian to ensure that further evaluation is unnecessary. If something continues making its way through your dog’s body and becomes lodged, it can very quickly lead to an emergent situation. Many factors can contribute to how the object will affect your dog, including prior health history and the object’s size, shape, and material. Do not try to remove the object or induce vomiting yourself unless expressly advised by your veterinarian. 

Whether you are dealing with a pet emergency or need a specialist’s opinion, Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is here for you. Offering top-tier veterinary services for Bloomfield Hills and the surrounding areas, we want to make getting the care you need in any situation easy. Call (248) 334-6877 to learn more or to request an appointment.