Foreign Object Ingestion in Pets: What to Do Right Now
Common culprits
Socks, toys, bones, corn cobs, string/thread (cats!), hair ties, pacifiers, rocks, sewing needles, and food packaging. Signs your pet may have swallowed something
- Repeated vomiting or retching, drooling, lip-smacking
- Loss of appetite, abdominal pain, restlessness
- Straining to defecate or sudden diarrhea
- String from the mouth or rectum (do not pull)
What to do (and not to do)
- Call us immediately and describe what/when/how much.
- Bring the packaging (toys, wrapper, bone type) if known.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian specifically instructs you—certain items (sharp objects, caustics, string in cats) can cause more harm coming back up.
- Do not wait for it to “pass” if your pet is vomiting or painful—delays can turn a simple endoscopy into major surgery.
How we diagnose & treat at Urgent Care Pet Clinic
- Exam + digital X-rays; contrast or ultrasound when needed
- Induced vomiting in select, safe cases caught very early
- Endoscopy to retrieve objects in the stomach/upper intestine (when appropriate)
- Surgery (gastrotomy/enterotomy) for true obstructions or perforation risk
- IV fluids, pain control, anti-nausea meds, and careful monitoring
Prevention
- Pet-proof the home (laundry, trash, sewing kits)
- Offer safe, size-appropriate chew toys
- Feed on a schedule and use puzzle feeders for “gulpers”
