If your puppy has swallowed a toy, try to be calm even if you’re feeling panicked. It’s important to stay calm so that you can think clearly and take the appropriate steps. Remember, time is of the essence.

If you’re unsure whether or not it’s an emergency, err on the side of caution and call your veterinarian. If it’s after regular office hours, call an emergency veterinary hospital (like www.kayanimalhosp.com).

In the meantime, you can do a number of things to help your pup feel more comfortable.

1. Try to assess the situation.

What type of toy did your puppy swallow? If it’s a small, soft toy, there’s a good chance it will pass through without any problems. However, if it’s a hard toy or one with small parts, it could get stuck and cause an obstruction.

If this is the case, you may need a surgery vet to remove the object. If they are still playing and acting normal, there’s a good chance your pet is still fine. On the other hand, vomiting, diarrhea, or pain could be a sign that the toy is causing an obstruction.

If you’re at all concerned about your puppy’s health, call your veterinarian right away. When you call, give the receptionist as much information as possible.

Tell them what type of toy your puppy swallowed and when it happened. The more they know, the better they can help you. If your puppy shows signs of an obstruction, the vet may want you to bring them in immediately.

They may also give you instructions on caring for your puppy at home and what signs to watch for that could tell a problem.

2. Try to keep your puppy calm.

While waiting to be seen by the vet, keep your puppy calm. If they’re running around and playing, they could make the situation worse.

If your puppy is small, you may want to confine them to a small space like a crate or bathroom. This will help prevent them from running around and making things worse.

3. Inducing vomiting may be an option.

If the object your puppy swallowed is small and not sharp, you may be able to induce vomiting. This is only recommended if you’re instructed by a veterinarian.

Do not try to induce vomiting unless you’re specifically told to do so by a professional. Inducing vomiting can cause more problems if done incorrectly. For instance, sharp objects can cause further damage on the way up. Plus, if your puppy is already showing signs of obstruction (like vomiting or diarrhea), inducing vomiting can make things worse.

The following are tips to make your pet throw up:

• Give your puppy 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of 3% hydrogen peroxide for every 5 pounds (2.2 kg) they weigh. So, if your puppy weighs 30 pounds (13.6 kg), give them 6 teaspoons (29.5 ml) of hydrogen peroxide. The maximum dose for dogs weighing over 45 pounds is 3 tablespoons. It’s best to ask your vet about the proper dosage to be safe.
• Once you’ve given them the hydrogen peroxide, walk them around for a few minutes to help get it all down. Then, wait for 15 minutes to see if they vomit. You can give them another dose if they don’t vomit within that time frame. Do not give your puppy more than 3 doses of hydrogen peroxide. If they still haven’t vomited after the third dose, stop giving it to them and call your veterinarian.

4. Give them water or food only if instructed by your vet.

If your puppy has an object stuck in their throat, giving them water or food could worsen the situation. If it is a small and not sharp object, your vet may instruct you to provide them with a bit of water or food to help lubricate the way and make it easier for the object to pass. However, only do this if you’re specifically instructed by a professional.

5. Know when to call the vet.

Even if you can get your puppy to vomit, it’s still a good idea to call your vet. They may want to check things out to ensure there’s no damage and the object has passed.

Additionally, if your puppy shows any signs of obstruction (like vomiting, diarrhea, or pain), you should call your vet immediately. These could be signs that the object is stuck and causing a problem.

Conclusion

Having a pet comes with many responsibilities – from vaccinations (click here for more info) to routine check-ups to keeping an eye on what they eat.

If your puppy swallows a foreign object, it’s essential to act quickly. Talk to your vet right away to determine if you need to bring them in or if you can manage the situation at home. You may be able to induce vomiting if the object is small and not sharp.

However, only do this if instructed by a professional. Either way, it’s a good idea to call your vet to check things out and ensure there’s no damage.