Foreign Object Ingestion: When Your Pet Swallows Something Dangerous

Pets are naturally curious, and for many, that curiosity extends to chewing and swallowing objects that aren’t meant to be eaten. Whether it’s a sock, a toy, or something even more hazardous, foreign object ingestion can lead to serious medical complications, including life-threatening intestinal blockages.

At Sonoran Sky Pet Hospital in Mesa, Arizona, we frequently treat pets who have swallowed dangerous objects. Understanding the risks, symptoms, and treatment options can help pet owners act quickly and prevent severe complications.

Common Items Pets Swallow

Pets, especially puppies and young dogs, use their mouths to explore the world. Cats may also ingest non-food items due to curiosity or compulsive behaviors, such as pica (the urge to eat non-food objects).

Common Foreign Objects Swallowed by Pets:

  • Toys and balls (especially small ones that can become lodged)
  • Socks, underwear, and fabric
  • Bones and rawhide chews
  • Hair ties, ribbons, and string (especially dangerous for cats)
  • Corn cobs, peach pits, and other food-related objects
  • Coins, batteries, and household items
  • Fishing hooks and needles

Certain objects can pass through the digestive system, but others may become stuck and require emergency medical intervention. Learn more about why some objects cause dangerous obstructions from ACVS.

Signs That Your Pet May Have Swallowed a Foreign Object

A pet that has swallowed a foreign object may not show symptoms right away. However, within a few hours to a couple of days, signs of an obstruction or gastrointestinal irritation may develop.

Symptoms to Watch For:

  • Repeated vomiting or gagging
  • Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
  • Abdominal pain or bloating
  • Straining to defecate or producing little to no stool
  • Lethargy and weakness
  • Excessive drooling
  • Restlessness or signs of distress

If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately. Some blockages can be fatal if left untreated.

For more information on how obstructions affect dogs, visit Cornell Veterinary Medicine’s guide on gastrointestinal foreign bodies.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Pet Swallowed Something

If you suspect your pet has ingested a foreign object:

  • Stay calm – Panicking can make the situation more stressful for both you and your pet.
  • Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian. Some objects, like sharp items or chemicals, can cause more harm if brought back up.
  • Monitor for symptoms – If your pet is eating, drinking, and acting normally, they may be able to pass the object. However, contact your veterinarian for advice.
  • Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet is vomiting, lethargic, or showing signs of an obstruction.

For emergency situations, contact Sonoran Sky Pet Hospital or your nearest veterinary emergency clinic.

Diagnosing and Treating Foreign Object Ingestion

A veterinarian will typically use a physical exam, X-rays, and possibly an ultrasound to determine the location of the object.

Treatment Options:

  • Inducing Vomiting (If Safe) – If the object was swallowed recently and is small, your veterinarian may be able to induce vomiting to remove it before it reaches the intestines.
  • Endoscopy – For certain objects, a flexible camera with a small grabbing tool can remove the object without surgery.
  • Surgical Removal (Exploratory Surgery) – If the object is too large, sharp, or has moved into the intestines, surgery may be required to remove it safely. Learn more about exploratory surgery for foreign objects.

Preventing Foreign Object Ingestion

While some pets are more prone to chewing and swallowing objects than others, taking preventative measures can greatly reduce the risk of an emergency.

How to Keep Your Pet Safe:

  • Supervise chewing habits – Avoid giving pets small toys or bones that could be swallowed whole.
  • Keep dangerous objects out of reach – Store socks, shoes, and small items in secure areas.
  • Use pet-safe chew toys – Ensure that toys are appropriately sized and durable.
  • Teach “Leave It” and “Drop It” commands – Training your dog to ignore or release objects can prevent ingestion.
  • Monitor cats around string-like objects – Ribbon, yarn, and tinsel can cause life-threatening linear obstructions.

For more behavioral training techniques to prevent ingestion, check out AVSAB’s guide to preventive behavioral care.

What Not to Give Your Pet: Hazardous Chew Items

Not all chew toys and treats are safe for pets. Some increase the risk of choking or gastrointestinal obstruction.

Avoid giving pets:

  • Cooked bones (they can splinter)
  • Small rawhide chews
  • Hard plastic or brittle chew toys
  • Rope toys (for aggressive chewers)
  • Corn cobs, peach pits, or large fruit seeds

Learn more about unsafe pet chew items from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

A small dog wearing a black harness is playfully tugging on a colorful rope held by a person. The person is wearing dark jeans and black shoes. The background is indoors with a light-colored floor.

When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Care

Some objects can pass through the digestive system, but others can cause severe internal damage or life-threatening blockages.

Seek immediate veterinary care if:

  • Your pet is repeatedly vomiting or unable to keep food/water down.
  • They are in pain, whining, or showing signs of discomfort.
  • They are straining to defecate but nothing is coming out.
  • There is blood in their vomit or stool.

If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, call us right away.

Need emergency care? Contact Sonoran Sky Pet Hospital.
Worried about something your pet ate? Request an appointment today.