Foreign Body Dangers in Dogs and Cats:
Why Ingesting Toys, Bones, and Strings Can Be Life-Threatening
"Nik nac patty wack, give a dog a bone… uh oh!"
That silly nursery rhyme takes a serious turn when curious pets swallow objects that don’t belong in their stomachs. Dogs and cats explore their world with their mouths, and while a little chewing is natural, swallowing the wrong thing can quickly become an emergency. These incidents are known as foreign body ingestions, and they are among the most common—and most dangerous—reasons pets visit emergency hospitals.
At EPIC Vets, we see firsthand how something as small as a sock or as shiny as a piece of ribbon can cause life-threatening complications. Understanding the risks, warning signs, and treatment options can help you act fast if your pet gets into trouble.
What Counts as a Foreign Body?
Anything that isn’t digestible food can be considered a foreign body. Pets rarely discriminate, and their favorite “toys” are often the ones that put them at the most risk.
Common Foreign Bodies in Dogs
Bones – Especially cooked bones, which splinter easily.
Toys – Squeakers, rubber chunks, or plastic pieces.
Clothing items – Socks, underwear, towels.
Food wrappers and corn cobs – Common culprits from the trash.
Stones, sticks, and mulch – Picked up during playtime.
Common Foreign Bodies in Cats
String, ribbon, or yarn – Cats can’t resist batting and chewing.
Hair ties, rubber bands, and twist ties – Tiny but dangerous.
Holiday décor – Tinsel and ornaments.
Needles and thread – Particularly hazardous because of sharp points.
Small toys – Anything that jingles or rolls.
Signs & Symptoms of a Foreign Body
Every pet is different, but common red flags include:
Repeated vomiting or gagging
Loss of appetite
Lethargy or hiding
Abdominal pain (whining, hunched posture, reluctance to move)
Straining to defecate or diarrhea
Drooling or pawing at the mouth
Cats with “linear” foreign bodies (like string or ribbon) may also show:
Excessive swallowing
Lip smacking
Visible thread in the mouth or rectum
If you notice these signs, don’t wait to “see if it passes.” Time is critical.
Why This Is Always an Emergency
When something becomes lodged in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract, the body cannot push food and liquid through. This can:
Cause a blockage that prevents digestion.
Lead to pressure necrosis, where blood flow is cut off and surrounding tissue dies.
Result in intestinal perforation, allowing bacteria to leak into the abdomen.
Trigger sepsis, a life-threatening infection.
Even small items can spiral into a crisis within hours. That’s why foreign bodies are considered a true veterinary emergency.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Foreign Bodies
At EPIC, our doctors and technicians use a variety of diagnostic tools to confirm the presence and location of a foreign body:
Physical exam – Feeling for abdominal pain or masses.
X-rays with Radiologist Review – Helpful in spotting bones, rocks, or metal objects.
Ultrasound – Used for softer items like fabric or plastic.
Bloodwork – To evaluate dehydration, infection, or organ stress.
Treatment Options
Once a foreign body is confirmed, the treatment plan depends on the size, shape, and location.
Endoscopy (pictured left) – If the item is in the stomach or upper intestines, a scope may be able to remove it without surgery.
Gastrotomy/Enterotomy (surgery) – Required for items lodged deeper in the intestines or causing blockage.
IV fluids and supportive care – Pets are often dehydrated or in shock, so stabilization comes first.
Pain and nausea medications – To keep your pet comfortable before and after the procedure.
In cases where necrosis or perforation has occurred, the surgical team may need to remove damaged portions of the intestine.
Recovery & Prognosis
Most pets recover fully with prompt treatment. Recovery includes:
Several days of rest and restricted activity.
Pain management and antibiotics.
A bland diet until the digestive system heals.
Follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.
Prevention Tips for Pet Owners
Pet-proof your home. Keep trash cans sealed and laundry off the floor.
Choose safe toys. Avoid toys that can be torn apart or swallowed.
Supervise playtime. Especially with bones, strings, or chew toys.
Decorate cautiously. Keep tinsel, ribbons, and ornaments out of reach.
Feed smart. Never give cooked bones or leftover corn cobs. (pictured right)
How EPIC Vets Can Help
At EPIC Vets, our emergency team is trained to handle foreign body cases quickly and effectively. We provide:
24/7 emergency care for urgent cases.
Advanced imaging (X-rays, ultrasound) for accurate diagnosis.
On-site surgical expertise when removal is necessary.
Intensive post-operative care, including hospitalization and monitoring.
Client education, so you know how to keep your pet safe at home.
Our priority is always to stabilize, treat, and return your pet safely home to you as quickly as possible.
Final Thoughts
Foreign body ingestions are stressful, scary, and all too common. While prevention is best, knowing the signs and acting fast could save your pet’s life.
So next time you think about giving your pup that leftover bone, remember:
“Nik nac patty wack, give a dog a bone… uh oh—maybe not!”
And if your dog or cat ever swallows something they shouldn’t, trust the experienced team at EPIC Vets to provide the expert care they need.