Where are the socks? – The things dogs eat

Some dogs are poor eaters that have to be coaxed into every bite. And then there are the dogs that eat everything that comes under their nose with a 100 per cent hit rate. Vets are repeatedly amazed at what comes to light during operations that are often lengthy and painful.

The patient does not always survive

Many dog owners assume that their animals, once they have been to the clinic, have become more sensible. Wiser the second time, once they have already swallowed something. However, you should by no means rely on this. If the dog likes to swallow socks, to stick with the classic example, it will do it again and again. Dogs do not associate the ensuing, sometimes painful visit to the practice with the swallowed object.

They do what dogs simply like to do

In this way they also gulp down coins, poisonous chestnuts, rings, bandages, stones and buttons. The list is extremely long. This may sound curious at first, but it is in truth a catastrophe, since not everything can be seen on the X-ray image. On top of this, some dogs, for example, dismantle their cuddly toy and eat the contents in the process. This mouthful of polyester then invisibly blocks the digestive tract.

Pay attention to what kind of bone the dog is chewing

These can be toxic chew bones or cooked beef marrow bones, which then splinter. The same degree of danger also applies to the unfortunately fashionable deer hooves. Everything has only one aim, namely, once swallowed, to block the dog's intestine or at least to jam the jaw beforehand in the oral cavity.

• Avoiding small parts that could be swallowed
• Doing without splintering bones and risky chew items
• Regularly checking toys for damage
• An immediate visit to the practice if a foreign body is suspected

Fewer dangers when dog owners pay closer attention

Rubber ducks and squeaky toys are often not only carcinogenic but, when broken up, absolutely dreadful for the digestive tract. Some people say that such a thing would not happen to their animal. Others say that the dog is, after all, descended from the wolf, which eats fur and bones. However, as so often, it comes down to the details. It is our responsibility to provide a safe environment so that such emergencies do not arise in the first place.

This article serves as general information and to raise awareness of sources of danger in everyday life with a dog.