Our pets, like children, are curious animals and love to play. However, especially dogs, also like to chew on their toys and, as a result, sometimes swallow harmful objects that can affect their health. It is important that you protect your pet from ingesting dangerous foreign bodies.
A gastrointestinal foreign body refers to any material other than food that is eaten and that results in serious digestive problems. Foreign bodies can become lodged in the stomach and intestines creating an obstruction. Commonly ingested non-food items include toys, string, clothing, and plastic. In fact, any household object your pet chews on can become a foreign body problem.
Pets of any age are susceptible to developing foreign body problems. Popular chew toys for dogs are socks, shoes, pantyhose and underwear. Frequently, while playing and chewing on these items, the dog may unintentionally ingest some or all of the material. Although some smaller foreign bodies can pass through the gut without getting stuck and causing a problem, the larger pieces can result in serious gastrointestinal complications.
What to Watch For
Pets that have ingested a foreign object usually show signs of gastrointestinal upset. If your pet refuses to eat, begins vomiting, drooling or has abnormal bowel movements, contact your veterinarian.