What do you do when your dog ate at stuffed animal toy?

[Doglover8180]

I "think" my dog (retriever - 50lbs) ate one of my cat's toys. It was a stuffed fish - cloth fish with that toy stuffing that they put in pet toys inside. It was about 3 inches long and probably 1 and 1/2 inches wide. I can't say for sure that she ate it - but it has gone missing and the house has been torn upside down trying to find it. And the dog really likes tearing these fish apart. I think she consumed the entire thing. I don't want it to cause a blockage and have to endure expensive surgery to get it out - any ideas on what is the best thing to feed her/give her or do to help pass it without problems? :sad::shrug7:

[TBEventer2002]

I would be more worried about her ingesting something toxic than anything else. Believe it or not, they DO make toys that have toxic pieces!

Next would be to watch for any dietary changes (stops eating, not as excited about food, etc.). At the first sign of vomiting or diarrhea, she MUST go to the vet. I think I know the type of stuffing you are referring to, and in a large breed dog it typically passes fine.

If it helps, the Dobie I fostered for a while took about three days before he finally pooped out my underwear. ;)

So, you can always call your vet to make sure, but we would tell you to watch for vomiting/diarrhea, lethargy, not eating, etc. Good luck!

[Doglover8180]

Do you think it would be better to feed her wet or dry dog food these next few days to help it pass out?

[meems]

I don't think it's appropriate for this situation since you're not positive if and for sure not on when, but for future reference..if you need to make a dog throw up, pour salt down their throat, reg old table salt (was told this by my vet when my golden ate the string from a turkey roast), it works immediately, so do it outside! I've also heard peroxide has the same effect, but can only confirm that salt is ok.

[TBEventer2002]

I don't think it's appropriate for this situation since you're not positive if and for sure not on when, but for future reference..if you need to make a dog throw up, pour salt down their throat, reg old table salt (was told this by my vet when my golden ate the string from a turkey roast), it works immediately, so do it outside! I've also heard peroxide has the same effect, but can only confirm that salt is ok.

DO NOT DO THIS! Salt is VERY bad!!! And do not make your dog EVER throw up without first consulting a vet! This can be very dangerous! Making a dog throw up an item can make that item lodged in the throat and block airways. In the OP's situation, making the dog throw up is NOT advised!

[TBEventer2002]

PS, your dog's normal food would be best to feed as then you will know for sure if she refuses to eat. If you change her food, she might resent it and you will have false symptoms. ;)

[zydeco]

I wouldn't worry too much about it. Unless your dog stops eating. (As other poster stated.) My dogs will hide things for later. :shrug7: Some times they will remember about the treasures some times not. Take the ham hock bones buried in the flower beds for example! I actually think they were trying to grow pigs.

I would check with vet before giving a dog peroxide. You should know a dose and don't use the hair bleaching type of peroxide!

[meems]

DO NOT DO THIS! Salt is VERY bad!!! And do not make your dog EVER throw up without first consulting a vet! This can be very dangerous! Making a dog throw up an item can make that item lodged in the throat and block airways. In the OP's situation, making the dog throw up is NOT advised!

I did this PER my vets advice.

[cupunlvr]

I did this PER my vets advice.

that is bad advice and if I were you I would find another vet! salt is very dangerous to dogs, you are lucky your dog is OK

[meems]

that is bad advice and if I were you I would find another vet! salt is very dangerous to dogs, you are lucky your dog is OK

Rolleyes...it goes in & comes right back out...instantaniously! It worked excellent for what we needed to do for her. I think I'll stick with my vet, thanks.