Pets explore the world with their mouths—and sometimes that curiosity gets them into trouble. From socks and toys to food scraps and outdoor debris, swallowing non-food items is a common reason pets end up needing urgent care.
At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH), we regularly see pets who have gotten into something they shouldn’t have. While some objects may pass on their own, others can become stuck in the digestive tract, leading to a gastrointestinal obstruction—a serious condition that can become life-threatening without prompt treatment.
As a 24/7 emergency and critical care hospital, our team is here around the clock, with specialists working together to support your pet from diagnosis through recovery.
Why Do Pets Eat Things They Shouldn’t?
For many pets, this behaviour is more common than you might think—especially in dogs and younger animals. Pets may chew or swallow non-food items because they’re curious, teething, feeling anxious, or simply bored.
Understanding the “why” can help you make small changes at home—like increasing enrichment or managing access to tempting items—that reduce the chances of it happening again.
Common Household Hazards to Watch For
Many of the items that cause problems are things we use every day. In most cases, it’s not unusual—it’s just a matter of opportunity.
Items we frequently see include:
- Food waste like bones, corn cobs, and packaging.
- Small household or office items such as paper, elastics, or pens.
- Clothing like socks, underwear, and hair ties.
- Fabric items including rope toys, towels, or bedding.
- Outdoor debris like sticks, rocks, and bark.
- Children’s toys or small plastic pieces.
Keeping these items out of reach—and supervising pets who are known to chew or scavenge—can make a big difference.
Early Warning Signs of a Blockage
If your pet has swallowed something unusual, symptoms don’t always appear right away—but when they do, they can escalate quickly.
Some of the more common signs include:
- Vomiting or repeated attempts to vomit.
- Loss of appetite.
- Low energy or unusual quietness.
- A bloated or uncomfortable abdomen.
- Drooling or frequent lip licking.
- Straining or difficulty passing stool.
If something feels “off,” trust your instincts—early assessment is always the safest choice.
Should You Make Your Pet Vomit?
This is one of the most common questions we hear—and it’s an important one.
While it might seem like a good idea to make your pet vomit right away, this is not something that should be done at home without veterinary guidance.
In some cases, inducing vomiting can help—but in others, it can actually make things more dangerous. For example, vomiting is not recommended if:
- The object is sharp or could cause injury on the way back up.
- There’s a risk of choking.
- Your pet is already showing signs of weakness or distress.
- Too much time has passed since the object was swallowed.
- The substance could damage the esophagus.
There are also risks with at-home methods, including irritation or accidental aspiration.
The safest first step is always to call a veterinary team. If appropriate, vomiting can be safely induced in a controlled setting under veterinary supervision.
Diagnosis and Treatment: What to Expect
When a pet comes to BBVSH with a possible foreign body, our first step is a thorough assessment. This typically includes a physical exam, vital checks, and initial diagnostics like bloodwork and a quick ultrasound.
From there, the next steps depend on your pet’s condition and what they may have ingested.
In some cases—especially if the ingestion was recent—inducing vomiting under veterinary supervision may be the first and least invasive option to remove the object before it causes further problems.
If needed, we may recommend imaging—such as X-rays, a detailed ultrasound, or a CT scan—to locate the object and understand how it’s affecting the digestive tract.
Based on those findings, treatment may include:
- Endoscopic removal, where a flexible camera is used to retrieve the object from the stomach without surgery.
- Surgical removal, if the object has moved into the intestines or is causing a blockage or damage.
Because our Emergency & Critical Care, Surgery, and Diagnostic Imaging teams work together in one hospital, we’re able to move quickly and tailor treatment to your pet’s specific needs.
What Recovery Looks Like
After treatment, your pet will be monitored closely in hospital for as long as needed based on their condition and the type of procedure performed.
Some pets may be able to go home the same day, while others require a longer stay for ongoing support and observation.
During this time, our team focuses on keeping your pet comfortable and stable, with care that may include pain management, IV fluids, and monitoring for any complications.
When your pet is ready to go home, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—medications, feeding, activity restrictions, and follow-up care—so you feel confident supporting their recovery.
A Few Simple Ways to Reduce Risk
While not every situation is preventable, a few small changes can go a long way:
- Keep small or chewable items out of reach.
- Supervise playtime, especially with toys.
- Avoid giving bones or unsafe table scraps.
- Provide safe chew options.
- Make sure your pet is getting enough exercise and mental stimulation.
When in Doubt, Act Early
With foreign object ingestion, timing matters. Some pets may seem okay at first, but can worsen quickly.
If you think your pet may have swallowed something unusual—or if you notice any concerning signs—it’s best to have them checked right away.
At BBVSH, we’re here 24/7 to help when it matters most. Our team is ready to act quickly and provide the care your pet needs.
If you’re able, give us a call before you arrive—but in an emergency, don’t hesitate to come straight in.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gastrointestinal Blockages in Pets
What is a gastrointestinal blockage in pets?
A gastrointestinal blockage occurs when a swallowed object becomes stuck in a pet’s digestive tract. This can prevent food and fluids from moving normally through the system and may become a serious or life-threatening condition without prompt treatment.
Why do pets swallow things they shouldn’t?
Pets may chew or swallow non-food items because they are curious, teething, anxious, bored, or simply exploring their environment.
What are the most common items pets swallow?
Common foreign objects include bones, corn cobs, food packaging, paper, elastics, pens, socks, underwear, hair ties, rope toys, towels, bedding, sticks, rocks, bark, children’s toys, and small plastic pieces.
Are dogs more likely to swallow foreign objects than other pets?
The article notes that swallowing non-food items is especially common in dogs and younger animals.
What are the signs of a gastrointestinal blockage in pets?
Common symptoms include vomiting, repeated attempts to vomit, loss of appetite, low energy, unusual quietness, a bloated or uncomfortable abdomen, drooling, frequent lip licking, and difficulty passing stool.
How soon do symptoms appear after a pet swallows something?
Symptoms do not always appear immediately after ingestion, but the article notes that they can escalate quickly once they develop.
Should I be concerned if my pet seems slightly off after swallowing something unusual?
Yes. The article advises pet owners to trust their instincts and seek veterinary assessment if something feels wrong, as early evaluation is often the safest option.
Should I make my pet vomit if they swallow a foreign object?
No. The article advises against inducing vomiting at home without veterinary guidance because it can sometimes make the situation more dangerous.
When should vomiting not be induced in a pet?
Vomiting may not be recommended if the object is sharp, could cause injury on the way back up, presents a choking risk, if the pet is already weak or distressed, if too much time has passed since ingestion, or if the substance could damage the esophagus.
Why can inducing vomiting at home be dangerous?
The article notes that at-home methods can cause complications such as irritation or accidental aspiration.
What should I do if my pet swallows something they shouldn’t?
The safest first step is to contact a veterinary team. A veterinarian can determine whether inducing vomiting is appropriate and recommend the next steps based on the situation.
How do veterinarians diagnose a gastrointestinal blockage?
Diagnosis typically begins with a physical examination, vital checks, bloodwork, and a quick ultrasound. Additional imaging may be recommended depending on the pet’s condition.
What imaging tests are used to find a foreign object?
Veterinarians may use X-rays, detailed ultrasound examinations, or CT scans to locate the object and determine how it is affecting the digestive tract.
Can a swallowed object sometimes be removed without surgery?
Yes. If the ingestion was recent, inducing vomiting under veterinary supervision may remove the object before it causes further problems.
What is endoscopic foreign body removal?
Endoscopic removal uses a flexible camera to retrieve an object from the stomach without the need for surgery.
When is surgery needed for a gastrointestinal blockage?
Surgical removal may be necessary if the object has moved into the intestines or is causing a blockage or damage within the digestive tract.
How long will my pet stay in the hospital after treatment?
The length of hospitalization depends on the pet’s condition and the procedure performed. Some pets may go home the same day, while others require a longer stay for monitoring and support.
What care does a pet receive after treatment for a blockage?
Post-treatment care may include pain management, intravenous fluids, monitoring for complications, and supportive care to keep the pet comfortable and stable.
What happens when my pet is discharged from the hospital?
Owners receive instructions regarding medications, feeding, activity restrictions, and follow-up care to help support recovery at home.
How can I prevent my pet from swallowing foreign objects?
Prevention strategies include keeping small or chewable items out of reach, supervising playtime, avoiding bones and unsafe table scraps, providing safe chew options, and ensuring pets receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation.
Can boredom contribute to foreign object ingestion?
Yes. The article explains that boredom may contribute to chewing and swallowing inappropriate items.
Why is timing important when a pet swallows a foreign object?
The article emphasizes that some pets may appear normal initially but can deteriorate quickly, making prompt assessment and treatment important.
When should I seek emergency veterinary care for a possible blockage?
You should seek veterinary care immediately if you believe your pet has swallowed an unusual object or if they develop concerning symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, lethargy, or difficulty passing stool.
Can a gastrointestinal blockage become life-threatening?
Yes. The article states that gastrointestinal obstructions can become life-threatening if they are not treated promptly.
