Common Items Dogs Swallow — and When to Panic in the Bay Area
This Article Will Address:
- The most common items dogs swallow and which are dangerous
- What to do if your dog eats a sock, toy, or string
- The risks of bones and sticks
- Signs your dog may have an intestinal blockage
- Whether a swallowed object will pass naturally
- How veterinarians remove swallowed objects
- Step-by-step instructions for Bay Area pet owners in an emergency
- How to prevent these incidents at home
What Are the Most Common Items Dogs Swallow — and When Should You Panic?
Dogs are curious by nature, and that curiosity can sometimes lead them straight into the ER. At Urgent Pet Animal Hospital, we routinely see emergency cases caused by dogs swallowing everyday objects. In a busy, urban area like the Bay Area, your pet may be exposed to even more temptations than usual.
Some of the most commonly swallowed items we treat include:
- Socks
- String, ribbons, or yarn
- Rubber toys or balls
- Bones and stick fragments
- Rocks and mulch
- Hair ties and scrunchies
- Corn cobs and peach pits
When Should You Panic?
If your dog swallows something, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Many objects can cause dangerous blockages, internal bleeding, or infection. When in doubt, call us—our team is trained to assess the urgency over the phone and prepare for your arrival.
What Happens if a Dog Eats a Sock, String, or Toy?
Soft items like socks, ropes, or plush toys may seem harmless, but they can wreak havoc inside your dog’s digestive system. These objects often don’t break down and can cause a serious intestinal blockage, especially in smaller breeds or young dogs.
Watch for:
- Vomiting or retching
- Refusal to eat
- Drooling or discomfort
- Lethargy
If your dog swallowed something it shouldn’t have, seek urgent pet care. Our emergency-trained team at Urgent Pet provides immediate diagnostics and treatment, helping your pet recover without delay.
Can Bones or Sticks Cause an Obstruction?
Yes—and the risk is higher than most people think. Bones and sticks can splinter and lodge themselves in the mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines. Cooked bones are particularly hazardous because they break into sharp fragments.
Dogs often chew on:
- BBQ leftovers in the park
- Firewood or yard debris
- Bones from trash bins
These objects can puncture the digestive tract or block normal bowel movement. If your dog has chewed or swallowed any hard object, call us right away.
What Are the Symptoms of Intestinal Blockage in Dogs?
An intestinal blockage is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate veterinary attention. Symptoms may develop gradually over 24–72 hours and can worsen quickly.
Symptoms include:
- Vomiting (often repeatedly)
- Lack of appetite
- Diarrhea or absence of stool
- Hunched posture or visible belly pain
- Fatigue or withdrawal
- Drooling or pawing at the mouth
If your dog is showing any of these signs, come straight to Urgent Pet. We’re equipped with on-site imaging tools and a team skilled in emergency diagnostics.
Will a Dog Pass a Foreign Object Naturally?
It’s possible—but not something you should gamble on. Whether an object passes safely depends on:
- Size and shape
- Type of material
- Location of the object in the digestive tract
Some small, smooth objects may pass without issue. But others—especially linear items like string or fabric—can anchor in the intestines and cause twisting or tearing.
When you call Urgent Pet, our staff will ask the right questions to determine next steps and prepare for your visit. The sooner we assess, the more options we have.
How Do Vets Remove Swallowed Objects?
The treatment approach depends on what your dog swallowed and where it’s located.
At Urgent Pet, we offer:
- X-rays and ultrasound for precise diagnosis
- Endoscopy for retrieval from the stomach
- Emergency soft-tissue surgery if the object has passed into the intestines or caused complications
Quick treatment means less risk, less cost, and a better outcome for your dog. We do everything in-house, so you won’t waste time being referred out during an emergency.
What Should I Do if My Dog Swallowed Something?
Step-by-step:
- Stay calm – your dog may pick up on your stress.
- Remove any remaining objects from reach.
- Contact Urgent Pet immediately – we’ll assess over the phone and get you booked.
- Do not induce vomiting unless specifically told to by a veterinarian.
Our team is trained to guide you through the process, even before you walk through the door. We prioritize rapid triage and tailored treatment.
How Can I Prevent My Dog From Swallowing Dangerous Items?
Preventing emergencies starts at home. You can reduce your dog’s risk by making a few simple changes:
- Pet-proof your home like you would for a toddler
- Supervise your dog during play, especially with toys or chew items
- Avoid giving bones, corn cobs, or large rawhides
- Secure trash cans and compost bins
- Use puzzle feeders to slow down dogs that eat too fast
Awareness is the first step. If something still goes wrong, we’re here when it matters most.
When in Doubt, Call Urgent Pet!
If your dog has swallowed something—or you even suspect it—don’t wait. Time is critical when it comes to foreign object ingestion.
At Urgent Pet Animal Hospital in El Cerrito, we provide:
- Same-day emergency appointments
- Advanced diagnostics and imaging
- Skilled emergency-trained veterinarians
- Compassionate care in a low-stress environment
Call Urgent Pet now or send a message through our website. We’re proud to serve the Bay Area with urgent care when your pet needs it most.
Sources:
Nilanthi Kulasekara, BVSc
Dr. Kulasekara, also known as “Dr. K,” has over 25 years of experience as a veterinarian. She has worked in emergency animal hospitals in Massachusetts, Maryland, and California, and most recently as a full-time relief veterinarian concurrently at three emergency hospitals in the East Bay. Whatever happens, our doctors have the knowledge, the experience, and the equipment to treat any case that comes through the door. So even if your pet comes to us with a true emergency, we will stabilize them before helping you get them to the appropriate emergency hospital.
