Emergency Guide: Dealing with Pet Ingestion of Foreign

Firstly, why do pets like cats and dogs accidentally ingest foreign objects?

1. Unconscious Swallowing

Cats and dogs may inadvertently swallow items they are carrying in their mouths. They might have initially intended to merely hold onto something, but a reflexive swallow can occur without them realizing it.

2. Inability to Differentiate Edible from NonEdible

Pets, much like curious children, are drawn to smells they find appealing and may want to taste them without knowing whether they are safe to eat. This can lead to them mistaking packaging papers for a treat, or accidentally consuming items like onionflavored dishes and chocolate, which are appealing due to their strong aroma.

Should your beloved pet accidentally ingest something they shouldn't, it's crucial to seek veterinary care immediately.

Items That Are Not Safe for Pets to Eat:

Onions (including garlic and chives)

Chocolate

Grapes

Sugarfree gum containing xylitol

Human medications

Shellfish

Houseplants

Snack wrappers

Toys

Strings (including unraveling towels and blankets)

In the event that your pet ingests any of these items, please contact a veterinary hospital immediately. Do not attempt to treat the situation at home. Be sure to clearly communicate the details to the veterinarian, such as the time of ingestion, the type of item consumed, and the amount.

Recently, there has been a dangerous recommendation online to induce vomiting in pets by making them drink large amounts of saltwater after accidental ingestion. This practice is highly inadvisable as it can lead to salt poisoning and cause even more severe complications.

Measures Taken by Veterinary Hospitals:

When it comes to treating accidental ingestion, veterinary hospitals generally follow three main approaches: items that can be physically removed, items that cannot be removed, and methods to promote excretion. These include:

Inducing vomiting

Opening the stomach to remove the item

Using absorbents

Applying mucosal protectants to prevent absorption

Administering diuretics to promote excretion

Through intravenous fluid therapy to dilute blood concentration and stimulate urination

In any case, the most important action for pet owners is to rush to the vet as soon as possible rather than attempting to treat the pet at home.

Therefore, to prevent accidental ingestion, it's essential to keep potentially harmful items out of reach of cats and dogs during our daily cleaning routines, effectively eliminating the risk of ingestion from the source.