Dogs love to chew things, which can be annoying when it's your favorite pair of shoes, but it can also be dangerous if your dog swallows something it shouldn't.
While dogs have strong stomachs, some things can lead to obstructions which can be fatal if not removed properly. Dogs have landed themselves in the vet’s office for swallowing toy cars, diamond rings, pencils, and even a kitchen knife.
"We once had a Great Dane who swallowed 20 pairs of socks," said Cathy Madson, a certified dog trainer with Preventive Vet.
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Dogs can be sneaky and may get into something when you're not looking. Madson shared the following symptoms your dog might show if it swallows something it shouldn't have:
- Loss of appetite
- Not drinking water
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Straining to go to the bathroom
- Lethargy
Call the vet right away if you think or know your dog may have swallowed something harmful. Madson warned against trying to make the animal vomit without taking it to the vet because it could create more or bigger problems.
How can you protect your dog in the first place? Training commands like "leave it" or "drop it" can teach your dog to leave dangerous items alone.
Madson suggests taking certain items out of your dog's reach to control the environment and manage the risk.
