What to Do If Your Dog or Cat Eats Something They Shouldn't | The Complete Pet Animal Hospital
What to Do If Your Dog or Cat Eats Something They Shouldn't | The Complete Pet Animal Hospital
At The Complete Pet Animal Hospital, located in Litchfield Park, AZ, we understand that pets can sometimes get into trouble by swallowing things they shouldn’t. Whether it's a toy, a sock, or something more dangerous, ingestion of foreign bodies is a common emergency for both dogs and cats. As a trusted primary care and urgent care facility, we offer comprehensive care for pets in need, with a focus on affordable and compassionate treatment.
Understanding Foreign Body Ingestion in Pets
Foreign body ingestion is when a pet eats an object that is not meant to be consumed. This can happen for a variety of reasons: curiosity, boredom, or even a lack of supervision. Dogs are particularly prone to chewing and swallowing things like plastic, fabric, or even food wrappers. Cats might ingest strings, rubber bands, or small toys. While some foreign bodies can pass through the digestive system naturally, others may become lodged, causing serious health risks.
Common Symptoms of Foreign Body Ingestion
If you suspect your pet has swallowed something they shouldn’t, it’s important to look for signs that could indicate an emergency situation. Common symptoms of foreign body ingestion include:
Vomiting or gagging
Diarrhea or constipation
Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
Abdominal pain or bloating
Lethargy or restlessness
Drooling or excessive salivation
If your pet is showing any of these signs, it’s crucial to act quickly and seek veterinary care.
Why Quick Action Matters
When a foreign body gets stuck in your pet's digestive system, it can cause a blockage that prevents food and water from passing through. This can lead to severe complications, including vomiting, dehydration, and even organ damage. In some cases, if the object is sharp, it can pierce the gastrointestinal tract, leading to life-threatening infections.
The sooner a foreign body is removed, the better the chance for a full recovery. At The Complete Pet Animal Hospital, we offer urgent care and emergency services to help treat these situations effectively and efficiently. Our team is equipped to handle foreign body removals with the latest diagnostic tools and surgical techniques, ensuring your pet gets the best care possible.
Our Approach to Foreign Body Removal
At The Complete Pet Animal Hospital, we prioritize both the safety and comfort of your pet. Our experienced veterinarians will first conduct a thorough examination, often using X-rays or ultrasound to locate the foreign object. Based on the location, size, and type of object, we may recommend a non-invasive method like endoscopy or, in more severe cases, surgery.
We understand that the idea of surgery can be stressful for pet owners, but rest assured, our team has the expertise to perform these procedures safely and with minimal risk. Our surgical options are cost-effective compared to other emergency clinics in the area.
Why Choose The Complete Pet Animal Hospital?
As a primary care and urgent care facility in Litchfield Park, AZ, we offer a range of services beyond emergency care. Our mission is to provide high-quality care at affordable prices, making sure your pet is treated with the attention and compassion they deserve. Unlike emergency-only clinics, we can offer ongoing care for your pet’s recovery and any follow-up visits needed after surgery.
Preventing Foreign Body Ingestion
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some steps you can take to reduce the chances of your pet swallowing a dangerous foreign body:
Keep small or potentially harmful objects out of reach.
Supervise pets when they’re playing with toys, especially small or chewable items.
Make sure trash cans are secure and inaccessible to pets.
Be mindful of foods that can be harmful to pets, such as chocolate, bones, or small items they may swallow accidentally.
Contact Us
If your dog or cat has ingested something they shouldn’t, don’t wait for the situation to worsen. Contact The Complete Pet Animal Hospital in Litchfield Park, AZ, for prompt and affordable emergency care. Our experienced team is here to help, offering compassionate treatment and state-of-the-art facilities to ensure your pet’s health and well-being.
For emergencies or routine care, call us at (623) 935-9632 or visit our website to schedule an appointment today.
