Caring for your dog requires a good amount of work. Not only will you need to train and exercise your dog, but you will also need to ensure they eat properly. Even if you buy the best food possible, your dog may attempt to chew and eat a foreign object, such as a toy, piece of clothing, trash, or even a bone. Unfortunately, any foreign object can be dangerous when swallowed, so knowing what to do to help your dog is imperative. Here are a few tips to keep your dog safe if they have swallowed something other than food.
Know What Was Swallowed
There are instances when you may not even realize your dog has swallowed something they shouldn't have. If possible, though, you need to know what exactly they ate, since your dog's digestive system may not be able to pass certain objects.
If your dog swallowed a larger item, such as a ball, toy, or rock, they will most likely not be able to pass the item, which can lead to a bowel obstruction that requires immediate veterinary care. On the other hand, if your dog swallowed a smaller object, such as a coin, small ball/toy, or crayon, they can usually pass the item without any difficulty.
It is important to note that certain items, even though they are small, can break apart in your dog's digestive system. Bones, rock, hard plastic, or glass items will break off, increasing the risk of internal cuts, bleeding, and blockages.
Know Signs of Blockage
You will also need to learn the signs of a blockage to help determine when and if your dog needs emergency veterinary treatment.
If your dog is showing the following symptoms after you believe they swallowed something, seek out emergency care immediately:
Also, if your dog is constantly wanting to go outdoors to use the bathroom, but they are not actually using the bathroom or vomiting, they probably have a blocked bowel.
Check Bowel Movements and Vomit
While monitoring your dog's vital signs, you should be checking their bowel movements and vomit for signs of the foreign object. Although unpleasant, checking for the foreign object is essential to ensure the item was eliminated efficiently from your dog's body.
Consider scheduling a veterinary exam after your dog eliminates the foreign object from their body, as well. Bring the object to the appointment so the veterinarian can see if possible damage occurred. For more information, contact your vet or visit sites like http://www.emergencypetclinics.com.