Holidays with pets are full of joy, but they also come with dangerous food and objects for our furry friends. From rich holiday meals to toxic decorations, Christmas can be a minefield for curious pets.
If your dog or cat eats something they shouldn’t, knowing how to react can make all the difference. Here’s what every pet owner should know to protect their pet.
What is foreign body ingestion in pets?
Did your dog eat a sock? When your pet eats something they shouldn’t, it’s known as foreign body ingestion.
While this term traditionally refers to non-food items that are inadvertently swallowed, it’s important to recognise that certain dangerous foods can pose similar risks.
Just like non-food objects, these dangerous foods can lead to serious health complications if not addressed promptly.
While we can’t always stop our curious pets from exploring the world with their mouths, being a responsible pet owner means staying informed about potential hazards and knowing what steps to take if the worst happens.
Commonly swallowed objects to watch out for
Sometimes pets can’t tell what’s safe to eat and what’s not, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for non-food hazards too. Common culprits include:
- Small household items: Buttons, rubber bands, or small toys can pose choking or blockage risks
- Holiday decorations: Tinsel, ornaments, and string lights can be particularly tempting but dangerous
- Plants: Many household plants, such as lilies, poinsettias, and ivy, are toxic to pets
Dangerous food you should never feed your pet
Although typically not considered ‘foreign,’ certain human food can be just as dangerous as non-food items when ingested by pets due to their toxic properties or potential to cause blockages. Common examples include:
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats.
- Grapes and raisins: Can cause kidney failure in dogs.
- Onions and garlic: Harmful to both dogs and cats as they can damage red blood cells.
- Candies: Xylitol found in sugar-free gums and candies can lead to rapid insulin release and liver failure in dogs.
- Cooked bones: Can splinter into shards and cause multiple injuries to the mouth, throat, or intestines.
How to recognize signs of foreign body ingestion
If your pet has swallowed something they shouldn’t, they might exhibit the following symptoms:
- Vomiting or retching
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Lethargy
- Diarrhoea
- Difficulties during potty time
If you notice multiple signs, consult your veterinarian immediately.
What to do when your pet eats something bad
If you catch your pet eating something they shouldn’t, stay calm and move them away from the item to prevent further ingestion.
Identify what they ate, how much, and when, and monitor them for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, or unusual behavior.
Ensure your pet has access to fresh water and keep them comfortable while you contact your vet.
💡Does Knose cover Foreign Body Ingestion? If your pet has a history of repeatedly ingesting foreign objects, it may be classified as a recurring condition. In this case, treatment could be considered an illness and may only be covered under illness costs if you have suitable pet insurance. Pre-existing symptoms and conditions or treatments during the initial policy exclusion period may not be covered, so check your policy Product Disclosure Statement for details.
What to tell your veterinarian
When contacting your vet about possible toxin or foreign body ingestion, be ready to provide the following details:
- A description of what your pet ingested (if known)
- The approximate time of ingestion
- Any symptoms your pet is displaying
- Your pet’s weight and medical history
This information will help your vet determine the best course of action, whether it’s inducing vomiting, taking X-rays, or performing surgery.
Preventative tips: Pet-proofing your home
Holidays and busy seasons bring additional risks for pets, but with a little preparation, you can keep them safe. Kitten-proofing and puppy-proofing your home is essential at every stage of your pet’s life.
- Secure Areas and Items: Ensure trash bins have lids or are placed in cabinets to keep curious pets away from garbage items such as chicken skewers. Store hazardous items like medications, cleaning supplies, and sharp objects locked away and out of reach.
- Regular Inspections: Consistently check your home for small items such as rubber bands or loose toys that could pose a choking hazard.
- Behavioural Training: Integral to pet-proofing is training your pet to follow commands like “leave it” and “drop it.”
- Emergency Preparedness: This is another essential layer of pet-proofing. Staying ready for emergencies is just as crucial as preventing them.
- First-Aid Kit: Always have a basic pet first-aid kit stocked with essential items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers
- Emergency Contacts: Maintain a list of emergency contact numbers, including your veterinarian and breeder, readily accessible
- Health Records and Supplies: Keep your pet’s medical records and any necessary medications organized and easily accessible, along with a portable water bowl, to ensure you’re prepared for any emergency on the go.
How to keep your pets safe all year
Accidents and emergencies can happen when you least expect them, no matter how much you try to keep your pet safe. And let’s face it, vet costs in Australia can get expensive fast.
That’s why having emergency pet insurance like Knose is such a game-changer—it gives you peace of mind and helps cover the costs when your cat or dog needs urgent care.
Plus, with Knose’s 24/7 Pet Health Hotline, you’ll always have expert advice at your fingertips, no matter what’s going on with your pet.
