Picking Up Around the House: Preventing Your BullDog from Swallowing Objects

 Preventing Your BullDog from Swallowing Objects

Having a dog is a lot like having a child. While you don't have to carry your canine in your belly for nine months and go through hours of grueling labor just to meet him or her, the responsibilities are quite similar and unfortunately the habits of infants and the habits of dogs are very similar, unfortunately, dogs never grow up. For this reason, it is important to look out for your dog as you would a child, and make sure that all objects that could potentially be swallowed are out of the way and that anything toxic or deadly is either nonexistent or very much out of reach.

Fact: Dogs Will Eat Anything

Dogs are the garbage disposals of the world; they will eat just about anything without knowing or caring what it is or where it came from. This means that it is the responsibility of the pet owner to make sure that all objects that your dog might eat or swallow are out of their reach. This means rocks, children's toys, socks, and other various objects that are found around the home. Just because you wouldn't eat it does not mean your dog feels the same way.

Fact: Dogs Can Choke On Anything

While many objects are harmless if swallowed by dogs, what about the objects that are not so lucky as to make it all the way down? Dogs have the ability to choke, just like people do and it is important to keep anything out of their path that they might be inclined to swallow, and could potentially choke on. It is hard to do the Heimlich on a dog, and most people wouldn't even know where to start. Avoid this hazard from the beginning and keep anything smaller than a ping pong ball or a golf ball out of the reach of your pet.

Fact: Choking is Not the Only Hazard with Swallowing

While choking is something that pet owners should worry about with small objects that is not the only thing you have to worry about. Some toys, balls, and other objects out there have paint or lacquer on them that can be toxic to pets. Also, small objects have been known to get lodged in the digestive system trying to make their way out, which can cause potential damage to vital organs in the body.

If Your Dog Has Swallowed Something

If you discover that your dog has swallowed something, the first thing you should do is make sure that it made it all the way down. If your dog isn't choking, first thank your lucky stars. Then, call your veterinarian and let them know what is going on. If you have the details as to what they have ingested, be sure to let the vet know. Otherwise, they may suggest that you bring your dog in for an examination to determine what they have swallowed and if necessary, go through the changes it takes to remove the object.