My Pet Ate What?! When to Seek Emergency Care for Foreign Body Ingestion

It happens fast - one moment your pet is playing, the next they’ve swallowed something they shouldn’t have. Socks, toys, corn cobs, bones, hair ties, and even rocks are common items pets ingest. While some small objects may pass on their own, others can become lodged in the stomach or intestines, causing serious and sometimes life-threatening complications. Warning signs of foreign body ingestion include vomiting, gagging, drooling, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, lethargy, straining to defecate, or changes in behavior. Cats may hide more often, while dogs may seem restless or uncomfortable. Unfortunately, symptoms don’t always appear right away - making early evaluation especially important.

You should seek emergency veterinary care immediately if you know or suspect your pet swallowed an object, especially if it’s sharp, large, toxic, or made of string, rubber, or fabric. Delaying treatment can lead to intestinal blockage, perforation, infection, or the need for more invasive surgery. Prompt diagnostics such as X-rays or ultrasound allow veterinarians to determine the object’s location and the safest course of action, which may include inducing vomiting, endoscopic removal, or surgery. When it comes to foreign bodies, acting quickly can significantly improve outcomes and reduce recovery time for your pet.

If your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have or is showing concerning symptoms, contact Veterinary Emergency Center of Redlands right away. Visit our office in Redlands, California, or call (909) 793-5999 for further guidance.