As pet owners, we’ve all had those heart-stopping moments—your dog is suspiciously quiet, your cat is pawing at their mouth, or you walk into the room to find chewed-up toy remnants on the floor. If you suspect your pet has swallowed something they shouldn’t, you’re not alone. At Arcata Animal Hospital, we see cases like this every week, and we’re here to help you handle it with confidence and care.

What Is Foreign Body Ingestion—and Why It Matters

Foreign body ingestion occurs when pets consume non-digestible objects that their bodies cannot process or eliminate naturally. Dogs are often the usual suspects, driven by curiosity, boredom, or anxiety. Cats, while typically more discerning, are also at risk—especially when it comes to string-like objects or small household items.

Common Items Pets Swallow

  • Socks, underwear, or dish towels
  • Small toys or squeakers
  • Bones and corn cobs
  • Hair ties, rubber bands, and string
  • Rocks, sticks, or mulch
  • Trash and spoiled food

Some items may pass harmlessly, but others can cause dangerous intestinal blockages, choking, or internal injuries, which require immediate medical attention.

Learn more about gastrointestinal foreign bodies from ACVS.

Warning Signs Your Pet Swallowed Something Harmful

Recognizing early symptoms can be lifesaving. Contact your vet if you notice:

  • Vomiting (with or without food or bile)
  • Lack of appetite or refusing favorite treats
  • Abdominal pain (restlessness, whining, or hunching)
  • Lethargy or unusual quietness
  • Diarrhea or straining to defecate
  • Gagging or retching, especially after playing with toys

These symptoms could indicate a partial or full blockage, which can rapidly progress if not treated.

Why Delaying Treatment Can Be Dangerous

If an object becomes lodged in your pet’s digestive tract, it can prevent food and water from passing through. This leads to:

  • Dehydration
  • Electrolyte imbalances
  • Tissue damage
  • Infections like peritonitis
  • In rare cases, sepsis or death

Acting quickly greatly increases the chances of a full recovery with minimal intervention.

What to Expect at the Vet: Diagnosis and Care

When you bring your pet to Arcata Animal Hospital, we’ll begin with a full physical exam and gather a detailed history. Depending on your pet’s condition, we may recommend:

Diagnostic Tools

  • X-rays: To locate metallic, dense, or air-trapping objects
  • Ultrasound: To detect softer items and assess inflammation
  • Endoscopy: A small camera used to visualize (and sometimes retrieve) the object
  • Bloodwork: To check for signs of infection, dehydration, or organ stress

Treatment Options: Tailored to the Situation

Every case is unique. Based on the object’s type, location, and timing, treatment might include:

  • Observation: Small, smooth objects may pass naturally under vet supervision.
  • Induced vomiting: If the object was just ingested and it’s safe to bring back up.
  • Endoscopic retrieval: Minimally invasive and often used for stomach-based items.
  • Surgical removal: Required for obstructions, sharp objects, or perforations. Learn about exploratory surgery from PetCoach.

Recovery times vary depending on the severity of the ingestion, but early intervention typically leads to better outcomes.

Aftercare and Recovery: Supporting Your Pet at Home

Post-treatment care is vital for healing and preventing future incidents. Depending on the treatment performed, aftercare may include:

  • Pain management and anti-nausea medications
  • Antibiotics if infection is present or surgery was involved
  • Bland diet (such as boiled chicken and rice)
  • Restricted activity for surgical recovery
  • Follow-up visits to monitor progress

How to Prevent Foreign Body Ingestion

Prevention starts with understanding your pet’s behavior—and making thoughtful adjustments at home:

Pet-Proofing Tips

  • Keep items that smell like people or are handled often by humans out of reach- shoes, dirty laundry, eyeglasses, remotes, phones, and headphones are all common victims of chewing pets.
  • Use locking trash bins and secure food storage
  • Remove small or fragile toys after play. Put away kids’ toys and craft supplies like string and ribbon.

More tips from AAHA on pet-proofing your home

Behavioral Tools

  • Reinforce “leave it” and “drop it” commands
  • Offer safe chew toys appropriate for your pet’s size and chewing style
  • Address anxiety or boredom with enrichment activities

What You Can Do at Home

If you suspect your pet ate something:

  1. Don’t panic. Stay calm and avoid forcing vomiting unless directed.
  2. Call us immediately for next steps.
  3. Monitor symptoms closely, noting when they started and how they progress.

Preparing for Your Veterinary Appointment

To help us give the best care possible, please bring:

  • A list of symptoms and when they started
  • Packaging or evidence of the ingested object (if available)
  • A list of current medications
  • Photos or videos of concerning behavior

Questions to consider asking:

  • “Is surgery the only option?”
  • “What complications should I watch for?”
  • “How can we prevent this from happening again?”

FAQs About Foreign Body Ingestion in Pets

How quickly should I act if I suspect my pet swallowed something?
 Call us immediately. Even a short delay can increase the risk of complications.

Will my pet always need surgery?
 Not necessarily. Many cases can be managed without surgery, but imaging is required to confirm.

Why does my pet keep eating strange objects?
 This could be due to anxiety, boredom, or a condition called pica. Talk to us about behavior strategies and medical evaluations.

We’re Here to Help—Every Step of the Way

At Arcata Animal Hospital, we know that when your pet is hurting, you hurt too. Whether your dog swallowed a sock or your cat ate a string, we’ll guide you with clear answers, expert care, and genuine compassion.

If you suspect your pet may have ingested something dangerous, contact us right away. You don’t have to navigate this alone. We’re your partner in protecting your pet—today and every day.