Dog Swallowed Something? Signs of GI Foreign Bodies and What to Do

Animal Emergency & Specialty of Chattanooga | June 3, 2025

If you’re a dog owner, chances are you’ve caught your pup chewing on something they shouldn’t—maybe a sock, a stick, or the corner of your favorite throw pillow. Most of the time, it ends with a scolding and a quick cleanup. But sometimes, dogs don’t just chew. They swallow.

When dogs ingest objects that aren’t meant to be eaten, these items can get stuck in their digestive tract and cause serious problems. In the veterinary world, we call these GI foreign bodies—and they’re a surprisingly common reason for emergency visits.

 

What Is a GI Foreign Body in Dogs?

A gastrointestinal (GI) foreign body is anything a dog swallows that doesn’t belong in the stomach or intestines and can’t pass through the digestive system normally. While some objects can move through on their own, others can cause blockages, irritation, or even life-threatening complications.

Common foreign objects dogs swallow include:

  • Socks and underwear
  • Corn cobs
  • Bones
  • Small toys or toy pieces
  • String, ribbon, or yarn
  • Rocks and sticks
  • Plastic, wrappers, or bottle caps

Dogs, especially puppies or curious breeds, aren’t always picky about what they put in their mouths. If it smells interesting, they’ll probably try to eat it.

 

Why GI Blockages Are a Big Deal

If a foreign object gets stuck, it can block the flow of food and water through the digestive system. Worse, it can tear or puncture the stomach or intestines, leading to infection or internal bleeding. In severe cases, it can even cut off blood supply to parts of the gut.

This is why prompt treatment is important. Left untreated, a GI obstruction can quickly become a life-threatening emergency.

 

Signs Your Dog May Have Swallowed Something

Some signs can be easy to miss at first, especially if you didn’t see your dog swallow anything. Keep an eye out for these symptoms:

  • Repeated vomiting (especially after eating or drinking)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy or general “off” behavior
  • Abdominal pain (you might notice restlessness, whining, or a hunched posture)
  • Straining to poop or changes in stool
  • Drooling more than usual
  • Discomfort when picked up or touched around the belly

If you notice these symptoms—especially if they happen suddenly or after your dog was caught chewing on something suspicious—contact your veterinarian immediately.

 

How Vets Diagnose and Treat GI Obstructions

When a vet suspects a foreign body, the first step is usually an exam and abdominal X-rays. In some cases, an ultrasound or special contrast imaging is needed to find the object and figure out if it’s stuck.

 

Treatment options depend on the object’s location and how long it’s been there:

  • If the item is still in the stomach and hasn’t moved, it may be possible to remove it with an endoscope.
  • If it’s farther along in the intestines, surgery is usually required to remove it safely.
  • After surgery, most dogs need a few days of recovery at the vet’s office, including IV fluids, pain relief, and close monitoring.

The good news? Most dogs do recover well after treatment—especially if the issue was caught early.

 

How to Prevent Your Dog From Swallowing Foreign Objects

You can’t stop your dog’s curiosity, but you can lower the risk of them swallowing something dangerous.

  • Keep laundry, trash, and small objects out of reach.
  • Use toys that match your dog’s chew strength and size.
  • Check toys often for signs of wear or breakage.
  • Avoid giving bones, corn cobs, or items that can splinter or block the gut.
  • Teach commands like “leave it” or “drop it” to help interrupt problem chewing.

 

Final Thoughts

Dogs have a talent for getting into trouble—but with a little prevention and a lot of awareness, you can help keep them safe from one of the most common and potentially dangerous pet emergencies.

If your dog ever shows signs of distress or has eaten something questionable, don’t wait and see. A quick call to your veterinarian can make all the difference.

 

Need Help? Contact Our Veterinary Team

If you think your dog swallowed something or is showing signs of a possible intestinal blockage, don’t wait—call us today. Our veterinary team in Chattanooga, TN, is here to provide fast, expert care when your dog needs it most.