It’s a moment that can send a wave of panic through any pet owner: you turn your back for a second, and suddenly, your pet has swallowed something they shouldn't have. Whether it's a sock, a piece of a toy, or a forbidden scrap of food, your mind immediately starts racing. What should you do? Who do you call? The minutes following a foreign body ingestion are critical, but staying calm and taking the right steps can make all the difference.

At Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic, we understand how stressful this situation can be. This guide is designed to walk you through exactly what to do if you suspect your pet has ingested a foreign object. Our goal is to provide clear, calm, and actionable advice to help you protect your pet.

Step 1: Secure the Scene and Assess the Situation

Before you do anything else, take a deep breath. Your calm demeanor will help keep your pet from becoming more agitated.

First, gently and safely remove your pet from the area to prevent them from ingesting anything else. If there are any remaining pieces of the object, gather them. This can be incredibly helpful for your veterinarian, as knowing what and how much was swallowed helps determine the level of risk. For example, a soft piece of fabric poses a different threat than a sharp piece of plastic or a toxic item.

Try to identify exactly what your pet ate. Was it a toy? Clothing? A battery? A toxic food? If you can't find the object, look for clues like a ripped-open toy or a missing item. The more information you can provide, the better we can assess the danger.

CRITICAL: Do NOT induce vomiting at home unless you are explicitly instructed to do so by a veterinarian. Certain objects can cause more damage coming back up than they would in the stomach. Caustic substances like batteries can burn the esophagus, and sharp objects can tear it.

Step 2: Watch for Immediate Signs of Distress

Some situations require immediate emergency intervention. If your pet is showing any of the following signs, it is a life-threatening emergency, and you should bring them to a veterinarian right away.

  • Choking or Difficulty Breathing: If the object is lodged in the throat, your pet may be pawing at their mouth, coughing forcefully, gagging, or showing signs of respiratory distress like blue-tinged gums.
  • Excessive Drooling or Retching: This can indicate an object is stuck in the esophagus.
  • Visible Pain or Panic: Your pet may be whining, pacing, or acting unusually agitated.
  • Collapse or Loss of Consciousness.

These symptoms mean there is no time to wait. Contact our emergency services team immediately to let them know you are on your way. Driving safely but swiftly to the nearest veterinary hospital is the top priority.

Step 3: Recognizing the Signs of an Obstruction

If your pet isn't in immediate distress, the next phase is watchful waiting. An ingested object may pass through the digestive system without issue, or it may become stuck, causing a dangerous blockage known as a gastrointestinal obstruction. The signs of an obstruction may not appear for 24-48 hours, so it's vital to monitor your pet closely.

Be on the lookout for these common symptoms of a blockage:

  • Repetitive Vomiting: Especially after eating or drinking.
  • Loss of Appetite: Your pet may suddenly refuse their favorite food or treats.
  • Lethargy and Weakness: A lack of energy or unwillingness to play is a significant red flag.
  • Abdominal Pain: Your pet might yelp or snap if you try to pick them up or touch their stomach. They may also adopt a "hunched" posture.
  • Changes in Bowel Movements: Look for straining to defecate, diarrhea, or a complete lack of stool. Sometimes, a small amount of liquid stool can get around a partial obstruction.

If you notice any of these signs, it's time to call your veterinarian. An obstruction will not resolve on its own and requires medical intervention.

Step 4: Contact Your Veterinarian

Even if your pet seems fine after swallowing an object, it is always best to call your veterinarian for guidance. When you call, be prepared to provide the following information:

  • Your pet's breed, age, and approximate weight.
  • What your pet swallowed and how much (if you know).
  • When the ingestion occurred.
  • Any symptoms your pet is displaying.

Based on this information, your veterinarian can advise you on the best course of action. They may recommend you "wait and see" while monitoring your pet's stool, or they may ask you to come in for an examination. If the object was toxic (like a battery, certain plants, or xylitol-containing gum), the advice will be to come in immediately.

What Happens at the Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic?

When you arrive, our team will perform a thorough physical examination, feeling your pet’s abdomen for signs of pain or blockages. From there, we will likely recommend diagnostic tests to pinpoint the problem.

Our clinic is equipped with advanced diagnostic imaging tools that are crucial in these cases:

  • X-rays: Radiographs can help us locate dense or metallic objects and may show tell-tale signs of a blockage, like gas patterns in the intestines. Sometimes we use a contrast agent (barium) which your pet drinks to help highlight the object and the GI tract.
  • Ultrasound: An abdominal ultrasound is excellent for visualizing soft objects that don't show up on X-rays and for assessing the health of the intestinal walls and surrounding organs.

Once we have located the object and assessed the situation, we will discuss the best treatment plan.

  • Endoscopy: If the object is still in the stomach or esophagus, we may be able to retrieve it with an endoscope—a long, flexible tube with a camera and grasping tool. This is a non-surgical procedure that can often prevent a major operation.
  • Surgery: If the object has moved into the intestines and caused a blockage, surgery is necessary. Our experienced veterinarians are skilled in soft tissue surgery to safely remove the obstruction and repair any damage to the intestinal tract. While surgery is a major undertaking, it is often lifesaving in obstruction cases.

Your Pet's Safety is Our Priority

Discovering your pet has swallowed something dangerous is a frightening experience. By following these steps and working with your veterinary team, you can ensure your companion gets the care they need as quickly as possible. Remember, it is always better to be cautious and seek professional advice than to wait until your pet is in severe distress.

If you have any questions or are facing a potential emergency, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to provide the support and expert care your pet deserves.