There seems no end to the range of bits and pieces they can consume. But Why? Unfortunately there is no definitive answer. One theory is that this instinctive 'need' in some domestic dogs reverts to a time when their ancestors would hunt down a good square meal and eat the whole carcass - bones and all. Eating odd objects could be the modern equivalent of getting extra roughage into their diet.
A similar theory is based on a dog's love of chewing; a habit which often leads them to experiment with whatever falls in their path. If they don't spit the object out, then chances are they will probably end up swallowing it.
There's also the 'it was there, so I ate it' theory, which probably accounts for most foreign bodies cases.
WARNING SIGNS
The symptoms of 'Foreign Body Syndrome' depend very much on where the offending object has lodged itself; in the dog's mouth, throat or in the oesophagus, stomach or intestine.
Mouth: Oral foreign bodies include sticks or bones which have become wedged between the back teeth. One of the first signs is when the dog suddenly starts pawing at the mouth, drooling excessively and moving the jaw repeatedly. There may also be some bleeding from the mouth.
If you try and remove the stick or bone yourself, you may cause more problems and even if you manage to loosen the object it may end up going down the throat. The dog will be very distressed and may bite you, so contact your vet as the dog may need sedation or a general anaesthetic to remove the offending object safely.
Throat: Pharyngeal foreign bodies are objects which have lodged in the dog's throat, so they can't breathe. The signs are a sudden onset of choking and gagging. Affected dogs will also paw at the mouth and may start to go blue because they can't get enough oxygen.
YOU CAN HELP
You could carry out some life-saving measures yourself. If your dog is small, hold him up by the hind legs, as this will allow the foreign body to fall forward, taking pressure off the laryngeal opening.
If convinced that you dog has swallowed a foreign body try the 'Heimlich Manoeuvre', or abdominal thrust, which can dislodge the obstruction. Hang the dog unside down by the hind legs, or if the dog is too large, raise the hind quarters up as high as possible (maybe over the table). Then sharply 'thrust' the abdominal wall, to make the dog cough. If your dog has a narrow chest you can't do this, but try compressing the chest by placing your hands on either side of the chest wall.
This should only be attempted in an emergency and should not be sustained as there is the risk of causing abdominal injuries. But without immediate action the dog could die.
Most cities offer Pet First-Aid courses to help give you the skill and confidence to help you dog, should the need arise...contact your local vet's, pet store's or dog club's. In any event, always take your dog to the nearest veterinary clinic.
DIAGNOSIS
Foreign bodies can travel on down and get lodged in the oesophagus, stomach or intestines.
With oesophageal foreign bodies, your dog will vomit after being fed and will become very dehydrated. His eyes will be very dry and sunken. As dehydration means loss of water, check by testing the 'tenting' of the skin. As you pinch you dog's skin, it should return to normal very quickly. If it stays 'tented' for a few seconds or does not return to normal, this shows a lack of skin elasticity which may be caused by dehydration.
He may also develop pneumonia if food has gone down into the lungs. In these cases the dog will become very ill very quickly and you will need to contact your vet immediately.
Foreign bodies in the stomach are more difficult to diagnose. The object, such as a peach seed, may be present for years with no obvious problems. But if the obstruction moves around in the stomach, it may cause intermittent vomiting.
Foreign bodies in the small intestines also cause vomiting, with dehydration. The dog will usually 'board' (stiffen and straighten) it's abdomen, showing abdominal pain. The vet may well be able to feel the obstruction, but it may be necessary to x-ray the dog for confirmation.
Foreign bodies such as needles or bone fragments found in the rectum can cause pain when the dog relieves himself. He may also repeatedly hunch and you could find blood in the stool. Again, this means a trip to the vet.
SYMPTOMS
The most common symptoms of 'Foreign Body Syndrome' to look out for are a loss of appetite, dull and listless behaviour, persistent vomiting, a swollen and painful abdomen and dehydration. If in doubt, check it out with your vet immediately.
RECOVERY
The recovery rate of foreign body cases are usually very good if owners seek veterinary attention as soon as the symptoms develop.
A very high percentage of animals operated on survive with little or no lasting damage, but it's important that the dog is treated quickly before shock develops or any complications set in, such as a bowel rupture. If the symptoms are not recognized in time or veterinary attention sought early enough, the animal could die.
OUT OF HARM'S WAY
Any dog will be tempted to sample something he shouldn't at some time. It may not be a toy or a piece of an old shoe but any everyday item which may have gathered some food or an attractive smell could be the start of trouble. So it's best to be extra observant and never give him access to household garbage, a toybox or generally leave temptation in his path.
And when you're choosing a new dog toy make sure that it is too large for him to swallow and that any cat toys are well out of licking distance!
Even a small piece of metal can tear the bowel and any length of elasticated material or cassette tape can act like a drawstring through the intestine. A dog's digestive system is not as tough as people may think...foreign bodies can be a killer!
It can be very distressing for anyone whose dog develops this depraved appetite. An isolated incident is often understandable, but if he becomes a repeat offender it may be linked to a behavioural problem. He may choose to express this by 'eating' the furniture when he's left alone, or by performing attention-seeking antics, in which case a consultation with your vet and a referral to a behaviourist may be necessary.
