Your cat or dog is a part of your family. So, when they have an accident, it’s only natural that you want to do everything you can to help them feel better.
If your dog has swallowed a toy, the first thing you should do is try to remain calm. It can be scary to see your pet in distress, but it’s essential to stay calm so that you can think clearly and take action.
Next, call your veterinarian or local emergency animal hospital, such as this animal hospital in Douglasville. They can give you specific and proper instructions on what to do next. In some cases, they may recommend bringing your pet in for treatment or surgery.
While waiting, you can do a few things to help your pup feel more comfortable.
Try to Assess Your Pet.
The first thing you should do is assess your pet’s condition. If they are choking or having trouble breathing, it’s important to take them to a vet facility right away.
If they can breathe normally, look at their mouth and throat to see if the toy is visible. DO NOT try to remove the toy yourself as this could cause more damage, as instructed by your vet.
Give Them a Comfortable Place to Relax.
Once you’ve contacted your vet, ensure your pet is comfortable and has a safe place to relax. Put them in a quiet room with a soft bed or blanket and give them some water to drink if they can, if instructed by your vet.
Also, this can prevent them from running around and possibly injuring themselves if they feel disoriented from the incident.
Keep an Eye on Them.
You must keep an eye on your pet and monitor their condition. Watch out for these signs of distress as follows:
- Difficulty breathing
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
These signs could signify that the toy is causing an obstruction and that your pet needs medical attention immediately. Don’t wait for your vet’s office to open – take them to the emergency animal hospital as soon as possible. Your vet is most likely to perform veterinary surgery to remove the obstruction.
Make Sure They’re Not in Pain.
It’s also important to ensure your pet is not in pain. If they are, this could signify that the toy is lodged in their throat or digestive tract.
If your pet is yelping, whining, or otherwise vocalizing their pain, this is a sign that they need to see a vet right away.
Inducing Vomiting May Be an Option if Instructed by Your Vet.
If the object your dog swallowed is small and not sharp, your vet may instruct you to try and induce vomiting. This can be done by giving them 1-2 teaspoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide for every 5 pounds of body weight.
Once you’ve given them the hydrogen peroxide, take them outside immediately so they can vomit in a safe place. Once they’ve vomited, bring a sample of what they threw up to the vet’s office with you so the vet can assess what was swallowed and if there are any other risks. DO NOT attempt to give your dog hydrogen peroxide without consulting your veterinarian first, as it could do more harm than good.
If they haven’t vomited after 15 minutes of giving them hydrogen peroxide, stop and bring them to the vet immediately as they could aspirate on their vomit and develop pneumonia. Prevention is Key.
The best way to deal with a pet that has swallowed a toy is to prevent it from happening in the first place. If possible, always supervise your pet when they are playing with toys. Otherwise, make sure to put away all small toys when they are not being used.
It’s also important to choose safe toys for your pet. Avoid toys with small parts that could easily be swallowed or chewed off. If you have concerns about which toys are safe for your pet, talk to your veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
Bringing home a pet comes with many responsibilities – from cat and dog vaccinations to feeding schedules and more. You must be prepared for anything, including a pet that has swallowed a toy.
Following the instructions above can help your pet feel more comfortable and get the medical attention they need as soon as possible. Most importantly, always supervise your pet when they are playing with toys and choose safe, sturdy toys to avoid accidents.