5 most common non-food items swallowed by pets

5 most common non-food items swallowed by pets 

Anyone with a dog, cat, puppy or kitten will know what inquisitive creatures they are. They will investigate anything and everything they encounter, and that sometimes that involves chewing and swallowing objects they really shouldn’t!

Photo Credit: Pinterest find

Thankfully, most objects our pets choose to swallow are small enough to be digested or passed without causing any damage, but every once in a while our curious critters bite off far more than they can chew – remember Macie, the Staffie puppy who ate an 8-inch knife and somehow lived to tell the tale? Lucky pup!

Macie’s case was an extreme one, but there are many items that our pets manage to get their chops around that can still cause them harm, and these are the usual culprits:

Underwear 

Yep, our pets – and dogs in particular – just can’t resist a stray sock or pair of knickers when they’re feeling mischievous. Unfortunately, socks and other stretchy fabrics can cause complications in the digestive system, and eventually end up getting stuck in the intestines. Keeping your socks and underwear safely stored in drawers and out of your pet’s reach is the best way to prevent them from becoming ill from intestinal blockages. Remember to keep a close eye on your laundry baskets and washing lines too, as these are prime targets for four-legged underwear thieves.

String

Another commonly swallowed item, this time favoured by our pet cats, is string or anything similar like yarn, thread or dental floss. This has a very similar effect on the digestive system as underwear does, causing the intestines to become bunched up and blocked. As most cats can’t resist playing with string, it’s a good idea to be extra vigilant when they’re playing and never to leave them unsupervised with it.

Photo Credit: IHeartCat

Bones

Both dogs and cats have been known to swallow bones of varying sizes. Cats who catch mice and birds often ingest small bones, while dogs have been known to swallow entire bones or large fragments given to them as treats by well-meaning owners. Bones and bone fragments of all sizes can become stuck in your pets’ throats or digestive tracts, or even cause punctures and damage to internal organs, so you should never deliberately give your pets bones to chew on. 

Toys 

Small plastic toys and balls are fair game as far as our pets are concerned; they’re theirs to chew on after all. Unfortunately, this often means the odd chunk of plastic or occasionally an entire toy or ball finds its way into the stomachs of our pets, where they can sometimes cause blockages or discomfort depending on the size and shape. Wherever possible, avoid toys with bobbles, buttons or any other detachable adornments, and never let your pet play with balls or toys which are a size that can be easily swallowed! 

Food wrappings

Often laced with delicious and intriguing smells, our food wrappings can be irresistible to our pets, who will often swallow first and ask questions later. Small pieces of paper or foil will often be digested or passed without injury, however large pieces of wrapping – particularly cling film – can become twisted in the gut and cause severe issues. If your pets are particularly inquisitive, make sure you use a pet-proof bin for disposing of all your food wrapping and kitchen waste to avoid any unwanted raids.

Spot the signs

If your dog or cat has swallowed something they shouldn’t have, there are certain signs you should watch out for. These include:

  • Vomiting
  • Choking
  • Respiratory distress
  • Lack of appetite
  • Difficulty defecating
  • Lethargy
Photo Credit: Pawsetively Pets

If you notice any of the above symptoms and suspect your pet might have swallowed something, consult your vet immediately.

Our pets are always getting themselves into mischief, but with pet insurance you can be better prepared for their next misadventure and get help with costly vet fees should the worst happen. Visit www.argospetinsurance.co.uk for information on our various policies.

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31 thoughts on “5 most common non-food items swallowed by pets

  1. Robert Varga says:

    Which is exactly why we do regularly small checks if anything lies around could be dangerous for the younger one. Also turning off, securing power outlets is not to underestimate whenever can!

  2. RoseyToesSews says:

    Our smallest (but not youngest) little girl is obsessed with ribbons! She adores them, and chases them around.
    BUT if left to play by herself with them, she’ll start to chew and swallow them. So that is one of the many things we’re cautious with.
    We also make sure wand type toys are put away safely after play. We don’t want the kitties chewing on the elastic, or getting themselves wrapped up in it!

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  4. Nicole @ Just Cats says:

    Great blog post. I recently was at a veterinary seminar where they talked about this and you literally have hours to save a kitty. It can be expensive and so intense! Major surgeries needed sometimes. I am amazed though that a pet can swallow a knife!

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