It can happen to any dog owner: you turn away for a moment and your dog has swallowed (part of) their toy. This can range from a small piece of rubber to larger components. In such situations, it's important to act quickly but, above all, wisely. Panic doesn't help—targeted action does. In this blog post, we give you practical tips.
Stay calm and assess the situation
First, observe your dog carefully:
- Is he having trouble breathing?
- Is he gagging or vomiting?
- Is he lethargic or restless?
If your dog is short of breath or choking, immediate action is needed.
In case of choking: act immediately
If the object is stuck in the throat:
- Gently open his mouth and see if you can spot the object
- Only try to remove it if you can easily grasp it
Call the vet immediately if you are unsure or unable to remove it.
If your dog has swallowed it
If your dog has already swallowed the object but shows no acute problems:
Do not:
- Induce vomiting without consulting a vet
- Wait "until it passes" if you are in doubt
Do:
- Contact your vet and describe what was swallowed
- Monitor your dog closely
Watch out for these warning signs
Symptoms of an obstruction may appear in the hours or days following:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain (e.g., whining or a tense abdomen)
- Problems with defecation
Do you see any of these signs? Go to the vet immediately.
When to always go to the vet?
Don't hesitate and contact your vet immediately if:
- It's a large or sharp object
- Your dog is a puppy (higher risk)
- Your dog shows symptoms
- You're not sure what was swallowed
In conclusion
A dog swallowing a toy might seem like a harmless situation, but it can quickly become serious. By being alert and acting quickly, you can limit many risks.
Baloe's Tip
Always keep your vet's phone number handy—just in case.