Accidents may happen when you offer your dogs toys to keep them busy and healthy. One of the most common problems that dog owners have frequently faced is their dogs swallowing squeakers from toys.
In this article, we will explore the risks and potential consequences of this issue and provide essential guidance on what steps to take if your ‘dog Swallowed squeaker.’ But before I tell you what immediate action you should take, let’s take a quick look at the signs and symptoms of a dog swallowing a squeaker.
5 Signs and Symptoms of a Dog Swallowing a Squeaker
If you think your dog has Swallowed something like a squeaker, he is likely to show some symptoms. Therefore, you should watch your dog for a few hours, and if you notice any unusual signs, you need to get it checked at the nearest vet clinic.
You should know that the symptoms may vary depending on your dog’s size as well as the size of the squeaker. Sometimes, the symptoms may also get severe depending on the location squeaker gets lodged in their system.
Below I am mentioning five signs you are likely to notice if your dog accidentally ingested a squeaker.
- Behavioral Changes and Discomfort: if you think your dog is becoming restless and exhibiting any sign of discomfort, you need to visit the nearest vet clinic immediately. If your dog suddenly becomes agitated or exhibits signs like pawing at the mouth or excessive drooling, something is definitely amiss. Therefore, promptly get your dog checked and diagnosed at the vet clinic.
- Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing: You should know that Swallowing a squeaker can lead to airway obstruction. Therefore, if you think your dog is struggling with breathing or swallowing, contact your veterinarian immediately. You should also monitor your dog for symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or choking sounds.
- Vomiting or Diarrhoea: Depending upon the location of the squeaker getting lodged, your dog may suffer from digestive disturbances like vomiting or diarrhea. Therefore, you must also pay attention to your dog’s bowel movement because its body will likely try to expel the foreign object. You should know that inducing vomiting can do more harm and should only be done under the supervision of a veterinarian.
- Loss of Appetite: When dogs swallow something unusual, they often lose their appetite. Hence, if you think your dog is experiencing a decreased appetite, something is definitely amiss that needs medical intervention.
- Lethargy: lastly, your dog may need to be more interested in doing activities they usually enjoy. Therefore, if you think your dog seems lethargic, contact your veterinarian.
Dog Swallowed Squeaker: 5 Immediate Steps to Take
If you think your dog has ingested or swallowed a squeaker, there are five immediate steps you need to take. However, make sure that you first call your veterinarian and let them know about your dog’s current situation and health condition. Now let’s take a quick look at the five steps you should follow if your dog has Swallowed squeaker.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
I completely understand that you may become very anxious and worried about your dog’s current situation. But it would help if you were very calm to think and make rational decisions.
If you become anxious, your dog is also likely to get scared and provoked. First, you need to assess your dog’s behavior, and if you see any signs of visible distress, you need to contact or call your veterinarian.
Contacting a Veterinarian for Guidance
After evaluating your dog’s current health condition, you need to reach out to your veterinarian or contact the nearest animal emergency hotline and explain the current situation.
They will be the best person to give you advice based on the specific circumstances and the best course of action for it. Your veterinarian may recommend visiting the clinic for further diagnosis and treatment.
Monitoring the Dog’s Behavior and Vital Signs
When driving to the nearest animal emergency hospital or vet clinic, you should pay attention to your dog’s behavior. Keep a close eye on your furry friend and watch out for their breathing and pulse rate. It would help if you also documented any changes or alarming symptoms that you can share with the veterinarian.
Preventing Access to Additional Toys or Objects
If your dog has indeed Swallowed a squeaker, you must quickly remove all kinds of objects and other toys from your dog’s play area. Ensure no object within your dog’s reach can cause further incidences of following foreign objects. Please keep small items out of your dog’s reach, especially the ones that your friend will likely easily ingest.
Do Not Induce Vomiting without Professional Advice
Even though inducing vomiting may seem like a logical solution, you should never attempt to do it. No matter how tempted you feel to induce vomiting, it should only be done under professional guidance or veterinarian supervision. A few certain objects, including squeakers, can cause more harm if forced up the esophagus.
X-ray & Diagnostic Procedures That Vet May Follow
Your veterinarian may recommend X-ray imaging to determine the precise location of the swallowed squeaker. Note that X-rays are crucial for visualizing your dog’s gastrointestinal tract and identifying the exact position of the foreign object.
In some cases, veterinarians may also recommend additional diagnostic procedures like ultrasound, endoscopy, or a barium swallow to provide a comprehensive evaluation. In rare or severe cases, hospitalization for a few days may be required.
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2 Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Methods
- Waiting for Natural Passage: Your veterinarian may recommend monitoring your dog’s stool for the object’s appearance because the squeaker may pass through the digestive system naturally in some cases.
- Dietary Modifications and Fibre Supplements: You will need to adjust your dog’s diet to promote regular bowel movement. Your veterinarian can guide appropriate dietary modifications and recommend fiber supplements if they believe the squeaker may pass easily. You must consider feeding a bland diet that is high in fiber to aid in the passage of the squeaker.
- Medications to Promote Digestion: A few certain medications, like digestive enzymes or prokinetic drugs, are known to help facilitate the movement of foreign objects through a dog’s digestive system. Therefore, if your veterinarian prescribes such medication, never hesitate to adhere to it because it will enhance your dog’s digestion and encourage this squeaker to pass naturally.
Surgical Intervention
- When Surgery Is Necessary: In some cases, surgical intervention may be required, especially if the squeaker is lodged in a critical or dangerous location. Surgery becomes necessary if the object poses a significant risk of causing an obstruction, perforation, or severe discomfort to the dog.
- Risks and Benefits of Surgical Procedures: Your veterinarian will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery. Therefore, make sure to hear it properly and clear up your concerns with the vet. Even though surgery carries inherent risks, it may be the best option for safely removing the squeaker.
- Post-Surgical Care and Monitoring: After a successful surgery, your dog will need proper post-operative care and monitoring, which include pain management, wound care, and restricted activity to ensure proper healing & minimize complications.
5 Home Care Tips and Precautions
Suppose this squeaker has successfully passed or has been removed with the help of medical intervention. In that case, there are a few things that you can do to ensure your dog’s well-being as well as prevent similar types of incidents from recurring in the future.
It’s better to take precautions and prevention than let the problem occur. Therefore, let’s take a quick look at some of the home care tips and precautions you can take for your dogs’ better health and well-being.
Let You Dog Rest
It would help if you allowed your dog to rest by limiting their physical activity during recovery. This is crucial to prevent any additional strain on their digestive system and promotes faster healing. Avoid walking or exercising your dog during this face until your dog has fully recovered.
Keep An Eye On Your Dog’s Stool
Even though the problem is solved, you must keep a close eye on your dog’s stool regularly for any signs of an abnormality like blood, mucus, or persistent diarrhea. If you notice any inconsistency in your dog’s bowel movement or concerning changes in their stool, you must contact your veterinarian immediately.
Reintroduce Diet Gradually
After the incident, you must gradually reintroduce your dog’s diet to prevent irritating its digestive system. If I were at your place, I would have rather started with small, easily digestible meals than offering a complete nutritious meal. Also, monitor your dog’s response to its diet, and if you think something is amiss, consult with your veterinarian.
Avoid Small Toys or Objects With Small Parts
From now on, you should be mindful of the toys and objects you provide to your dog. Depending upon the size of your dog, you should avoid small toys or objects with small parts.
It is best to go with the one that looks sturdy and durable without small parts that can easily be swallowed. Also, inspect your dog’s toy for signs of wear and tear Regularly. If you notice any defective toy that poses a health risk, get it out of your dog’s play area and reach it.
Schedule Occasional Checkups & Tests
Lastly, it would help if you always considered scheduling regular checkups & periodic testing with your veterinarian for your dogs’ health and well-being. It is necessary to address any concern related to Swallowing incidents and find any underlying health issue that might get severe with time.
Don’t worry because your veterinarian will provide the proper guidance on the preventive measures you should be taking while addressing any lingering issues.
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Conclusion
After reading this article, I hope you have all the ideas of what you should be doing if your ‘dog swallowed squeaker.’ Make sure you never hesitate to see medical intervention or veterinary assistance if you suspect your dog has swallowed any foreign object.
It is important to get the guidance and expertise of a veterinarian to ensure the best possible outcomes and course of action for your furry friend. If you find this article helpful, then consider sharing it.
Your share will help many people learn what may happen if a ‘dog swallowed squeaker’ and what they should be doing about it. Do check our other helpful guide on dog Swallowing problems and solutions. See you in the next post. Till then, take care and goodbye.
