Dogs are famous for being a little over excitable and swallowing things they shouldn't - sometimes with tragic consequences. Now, a vet has put together a list of the unexpected items they've had to deal with.
The list of unusual items eaten by dogs that veterinary surgeons across Vets4Pets practices have seen throughout 2022 includes super glue, a McDonald’s sauce pot, earmuffs, a golf ball and a stone the size of a lime. Seven-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Porridge, had a lucky escape after he wolfed down a McDonald’s sauce pot in June, with life-saving intervention by Vets4Pets Barnsley Hospital required to remove the offending item.
And a seven-year-old Labrador named Jet received surgery at a Vets4Pets practice in Cleveleys in September after swallowing a stone the size of a lime. Thanks to the swift and skilled intervention from expert clinicians, Porridge and Jet have both recovered well.
Dr Samantha Butler-Davies, head of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said: “When it comes to unexpected things swallowed by dogs, the list is endless, and our vets really have seen it all. If something can be swallowed, an inquisitive dog will probably try to do so.
"So, if your dog is a fan of scavenging outdoors, you need to be extra vigilant about letting them off the lead when you’re out for a walk. And when you’re at home it’s important to keep small things that can easily be swallowed out of reach of your dog.
“Seeking swift veterinary care is essential if a dog has swallowed something they shouldn’t have. So, if you are worried your dog may have eaten something they shouldn’t and you notice they are quieter than normal, they’re groaning, have a gurgling tummy, are unable to keep down food or fluids or just generally giving causes for concern, we’d always recommend visiting your vet as soon as possible for advice.”
The past 12 months are by no means unusual, with veterinary surgeons across Vets4Pets also sharing that in previous years they’ve treated dogs who have eaten everything from Christmas baubles to fishing tackle and cassette tapes to underwear.
The most unusual items vets at Vets4Pets have seen include:
- A whole set of Christmas lights
- Christmas baubles
- Fishing tackle
- A cassette tape
- A leopard print bra
- A key ring
- A tea towel
- Bandages
- Socks
- A tampon
