A dog ate a foreign object -- when to go to the vet on duty?

📞 Appointment and instructions: 010 739 9130

Dogs are curious and often swallow things that do not belong in the stomach: socks, toys, stones, pieces of bone or barbecue sticks.

If you know or suspect your dog has eaten a foreign object, reacting quickly can save your dog from major surgery.

“Golden Moment” — Vomiting at the vet

If it has passed since eating less than 2 to 4 hours, the foreign object is most likely still in the stomach. In this case, we can often safely vomit the dog with the medicine given at the veterinarian.

⚠️ Do not vomit the dog at home with salt! Salt is toxic to dogs and can cause life-threatening salt poisoning. In addition, sharp objects can damage the esophagus when rising up. Always ask your veterinarian for instructions.

When is the rush to the emergency room?

Call Veterinary hospital Sacrum for emergency care in Vantaa immediately if:

1. The object is sharp or dangerous

Needles, broken glass, grill sticks or batteries (risk of corrosion) require immediate treatment.

2. The dog begins to vomit

If time has passed since eating and the dog vomits, the object has probably advanced into the small intestine and caused intestinal obstruction. This is a life-threatening condition that requires frequent surgical treatment.

3. The dog's health deteriorates

Loss of appetite, abdominal tenderness, diarrhea, or fatigue indicate a blockage or intestinal damage.

How do we investigate the situation?

In the emergency room, we have X-ray and ultrasound.

• X-ray: Shows dense objects (stones, metal, bones) and gassing of the intestine.
• Ultrasound: Helps to find materials that are not visible on X-rays (e.g. plastic, fabric).

If you suspect a foreign object, do not wait for symptoms. Give us a call and we will assess whether vomiting is still possible or if investigations are needed.

📍 Veterinary Hospital Sacrum — Porttisuontie 13, Vantaa