04/09/2026
🚨🐶🐱 FOREIGN BODY HAZARDS – WHAT’S YOUR PET BEEN CHEWING? 🐾
Dogs and cats are naturally curious, and unfortunately, that curiosity can sometimes lead to them swallowing things they shouldn't! 😬
A foreign body is an object that has been swallowed but cannot be digested. Some objects can pass through safely, but others can become stuck in the stomach or intestines and may require emergency treatment or surgery.
⚠️ Common hazards include:
🧸 Small toys and toy parts
🧦 Socks, underwear and clothing
🪢 String, ribbon and wool – particularly dangerous for cats
🦴 Bones and chews
🌳 Sticks and stones
🎾 Balls that are too small
🗑️ Food wrappers and packaging
🪥 Dental floss
🧸 Stuffing from toys
🥩 Corn on the cob, peach stones and other food items that can cause blockages
🐱 Cats are particularly attracted to string-like objects, such as thread, ribbon, wool and tinsel. If you see string hanging from your cat's mouth or bottom, don't pull it – this can cause serious internal damage. Contact your vet for advice.
🚨 Signs of a possible foreign body include:
• Vomiting or repeated retching
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Abdominal pain or a hunched posture
• Difficulty passing stools or diarrhoea
• Pawing at the mouth
• Excessive drooling
• Changes in behaviour
If you think your pet may have swallowed something they shouldn't, contact your veterinary practice as soon as possible. Don't wait for symptoms to appear, and don't try to make your pet vomit unless specifically advised by a vet.
❤️ A few simple precautions can help keep curious noses and paws safe – supervise play, keep tempting objects out of reach and regularly check toys for damage.
What’s the strangest thing your pet has ever tried to eat? 👀😂