Pets explore the world with their mouths—especially puppies and kittens. But when a moment of curiosity turns into a medical emergency, knowing how to act can mean the difference between a full recovery and a life-threatening complication.
Foreign object ingestion is one of the most common—and preventable—reasons pets end up in the emergency room. This guide will help you understand the risks, recognize the signs, explore treatment options, and take preventative steps to keep your pet safe.
Emergency Care at Animal Urgent Care of Oconomowoc
At Animal Urgent Care of Oconomowoc, we see firsthand how quickly a swallowed object can become an emergency. Our experienced veterinary team is equipped with advanced diagnostics and surgical tools to provide timely, effective care when pets ingest something they shouldn’t.
We’re here to treat urgent situations with compassion, precision, and follow-through.
Understanding Foreign Object Ingestion in Pets
What Is It?
Foreign object ingestion occurs when pets consume items that aren’t digestible—such as toys, clothing, or household objects. These items can block, perforate, or irritate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, requiring immediate medical attention.
Most Commonly Swallowed Items:
- Toys and chew objects: squeakers, rubber balls, string toys
- Clothing: socks, underwear, shoelaces
- Food packaging: bones, corn cobs, plastic wraps
- Household items: coins, batteries, jewelry, hair ties
Learn more about gastrointestinal foreign bodies
Why Do Pets Swallow Non-Food Objects?
| Reason | Explanation |
| Curiosity | Puppies and kittens use their mouths to explore unfamiliar textures. |
| Teething | Young pets chew to relieve discomfort during tooth development. |
| Boredom | Without stimulation, pets may chew and swallow random objects. |
| Stress or Anxiety | Destructive chewing can be a coping mechanism. |
Tip: Behavioral modification and enrichment are key to prevention. Read about preventive behavioral care
What Happens When a Pet Swallows a Foreign Object?
Gastrointestinal Obstruction
This is the most common and urgent consequence of foreign object ingestion.
Symptoms include:
- Vomiting (especially repeatedly)
- Lethargy and weakness
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea or constipation
If untreated, obstruction can lead to intestinal rupture, infection, and sepsis.
More on GI obstruction from Cornell
Perforation and Infection
Sharp or pointed objects (like needles, splintered bones, or skewers) can puncture the GI tract. This leads to peritonitis, a potentially fatal abdominal infection.
Toxic Exposure
Some swallowed items contain or absorb toxins. Common culprits include:
- Batteries (leak corrosive chemicals)
- Tampons or sponges (can expand and block intestines)
- Coins (contain toxic metals)
Diagnosis and Treatment
Veterinary Diagnostic Tools
When you bring your pet to Animal Urgent Care of Oconomowoc with a suspected ingestion, our team will conduct:
- Physical Exam: Abdominal palpation and clinical history
- X-rays: Reveal objects like bones, metal, or dense materials
- Ultrasound: Helps identify soft-tissue obstructions
- Endoscopy: Enables internal inspection and possible retrieval
Learn more about exploratory surgery
Treatment Options
| Method | Use Case |
| Induced Vomiting | If ingestion is recent and safe to expel orally |
| Endoscopic Removal | Minimally invasive method if object is in stomach or upper GI tract |
| Surgical Intervention | Required for most obstructions or if the object is sharp or toxic |
Learn more about foreign body surgery risks
What to Expect After Surgery
Recovery Essentials:
- Pain Management: Prescribed medications to ease discomfort
- Dietary Adjustments: Gradual reintroduction of soft foods
- Hydration Monitoring: Ensure water intake to support healing
- Incision Care: Prevent infection with clean, dry monitoring
- Follow-up Appointments: Essential to track internal healing and overall health
How to Prevent Foreign Body Ingestion
1. Pet-Proofing Your Home
- Keep small or chewable items off the floor and out of reach
- Store household products (batteries, medications, string, plastic) securely
- Empty trash bins regularly and use pet-proof lids
Tips for pet-proofing your home
2. Behavioral Training
Teach commands like “leave it” or “drop it,” and offer appropriate chew toys.
Learn more from AAHA: How to choose safe chew toys
3. Routine Veterinary Care
Routine exams allow early detection of pica, dental pain, or anxiety—all of which can contribute to ingestion risk.
Know When It’s an Emergency
Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet:
- Is vomiting repeatedly
- Has a swollen or painful abdomen
- Is refusing food or water
- Displays signs of distress, such as drooling, lethargy, or abnormal behavior
Contact Animal Urgent Care of Oconomowoc
Prevention Saves Lives
Foreign object ingestion is preventable, but it remains a leading cause of emergency surgeries. With awareness, training, and environmental control, pet owners can significantly reduce the risk.
At Animal Urgent Care of Oconomowoc, we’re here to help in the moments that matter most. If your pet is showing signs of distress or you suspect ingestion, don’t wait—reach out for care immediately.
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