When Pets Swallow Something They Shouldn’t: How to Recognize the Signs and Act Quickly

Dogs and cats are experts at finding trouble in unexpected places. Maybe your dog disappears for a moment, only to reappear licking their lips beside an plate- and the fork is missing. Or your cat seems fascinated by the curling ribbon you just tossed aside and it’s down the hatch before you can grab it. It’s hard to believe something so small could cause such big problems- but when pets swallow foreign objects, the results can be serious.

At Tamberly Animal Hospital in Milton, GA, we know that even the most careful families experience these accidents. Our goal is to help you recognize the early signs, understand what’s at stake, and get your pet the care they need- without delay and without panic.

How to Tell if a Pet Has Eaten Something They Shouldn’t

A swallowed object isn’t always obvious. Some pets vomit once and act fine afterward, while others seem tired or skip a meal before their symptoms progress.

Early signs can include:

  • Vomiting or drooling
  • Loss of appetite or interest in treats
  • Straining with little or no stool
  • Restlessness or discomfort when touched
  • Sudden change in behavior- hiding, pacing, or whining

If these symptoms persist for more than a few hours, contact your veterinarian. What looks like a simple upset stomach may actually be a blockage forming in the intestines.

Common Types of Blockages

Not every object behaves the same once swallowed:

  • Partial obstructions may allow some food or fluid through, creating confusing cycles of improvement and relapse.
  • Complete obstructions stop everything from passing through, leading to dehydration and rapid decline.
  • Linear obstructions, often caused by string or tinsel, are especially dangerous in cats because they can bunch up the intestines like an accordion and cause tearing.

Why Quick Action Matters

The longer an object stays inside your pet, the greater the risk of serious complications. What might start as mild vomiting can become a surgical emergency within hours. Once tissue becomes damaged, infection and internal leakage can follow.

Objects we see most often include socks, hair ties, corn cobs, magnets, and pennies (which can cause zinc toxicity). Even food packaging and wooden skewers can become hazardous household items for pets.

If you’re ever unsure, it’s safest to call first. Our team can help you determine whether your pet needs to be seen right away or monitored closely at home.

How Veterinarians Diagnose a Foreign Body

Diagnosis starts with stabilizing your pet- ensuring hydration and comfort- then using advanced tools to confirm what’s going on inside.

At Tamberly Animal Hospital, our diagnostic imaging technology allows us to identify blockages and other internal issues quickly and gently, minimizing stress for your pet.

The process may include:

  • A careful physical exam to check for pain or bloating
  • X-rays, which can reveal gas buildup or visible objects
  • Ultrasound, which evaluates soft tissue and blood flow
  • Lab testing to measure electrolytes, check for infection, and rule out other conditions

Because many swallowed objects aren’t visible on X-rays, combining these tools gives the clearest picture- and helps guide the right treatment plan.

Treatment: From Gentle Support to Surgery

When Monitoring Is Possible

If the item is small and was recently swallowed, your veterinarian may safely induce vomiting under supervision. In some cases, hospitalization and fluids are used to help the object pass naturally. This decision depends on your pet’s health, the type of material, and where it’s located. Never try to make your pet vomit at home; doing so can cause injury or aspiration.

Endoscopic Retrieval

For small objects located in the esophagus or stomach, veterinary endoscopy allows safe, minimally invasive removal without open surgery. Using a flexible camera, veterinarians can visualize and retrieve the object under anesthesia, reducing pain and speeding recovery.

Surgical Removal

If the object has moved too far or caused an obstruction, surgery becomes necessary. Our experienced surgical team may perform:

  • Gastrotomy – opening the stomach to remove the item
  • Enterotomy – removing an object from the intestines
  • Resection and anastomosis – removing damaged sections and reconnecting healthy tissue

During every procedure, your pet’s comfort and safety remain our top priorities. Pain control, temperature regulation, and careful monitoring ensure the smoothest possible recovery.

What Recovery Looks Like

After surgery or endoscopic retrieval, pets need supportive care to regain strength. Postoperative care focuses on hydration, nutrition, and pain management. Most pets return to normal energy levels within days, though the digestive tract may take a little longer to fully recover.

While Tamberly Animal Hospital is not a 24-hour facility, we partner with emergency centers when intensive overnight monitoring is needed and coordinate care closely to ensure a seamless transition.

Possible Complications After Surgery

Even with the best surgical care, complications can occur, which is why follow-up visits are so important. Pets recovering from intestinal surgery should be monitored for:

  • Incision leakage or swelling

  • Ongoing vomiting or loss of appetite

  • Lethargy, fever, or signs of pain

  • Changes in stool or elimination habits

Our team will schedule rechecks to monitor your pet’s healing and guide you through incision care, dietary recommendations, and any necessary medication adjustments.

Helping Your Pet Heal at Home

Recovery at home should be quiet, structured, and comforting. To give your pet the best chance at a full recovery:

  • Keep activity light and avoid jumping or running
  • Use the cone or recovery collar as directed to protect stitches
  • Offer small, easily digestible meals several times a day
  • Provide a calm space with soft bedding away from household commotion

Cats often recover best in a small, cozy area with paper litter- read more about cat post-surgery care.

To keep your dog content during crate rest, try these dog crate rest tips. And because mental stimulation helps healing, dog enrichment activities and cat enrichment toys can keep recovery time stress-free.

Preventing Future Incidents

Curiosity can’t be trained out of pets- but it can be managed. Prevention comes down to preparation and awareness.

Simple strategies include:

Training “leave it” and “drop it” commands early can save you from heartache later. For dogs who can’t resist scavenging, consider basket muzzle training to prevent accidental ingestion during walks.

Finally, plan ahead for emergencies. Understanding your financial options- such as pet insurance or financing through CareCredit or Scratch Pay- helps reduce stress during unexpected situations.

Your Partner in Pet Health and Prevention

A swallowed object is scary, but with prompt veterinary attention, most pets recover completely. At Tamberly Animal Hospital, we’re here to guide you through every step- from early diagnosis to treatment, recovery, and prevention.

If your dog or cat is vomiting, refusing food, or acting out of character, contact us right away. For routine exams or post-surgery follow-ups, you can book an appointment online or call us at our Milton location.

With gentle handling, clear communication, and advanced care, our team is dedicated to helping your pets feel safe, comfortable, and healthy at every stage of life.