Whenever you notice your dog chewing on something, be sure to inspect the item to determine if it is an errant item. An eraser may look harmless, but it can cause serious problems for your dog.
Symptoms of a dog eating an eraser
Symptoms of a dog eating an eraser may not be apparent, but can be a sign of a more serious problem. It is a known fact that dogs will eat just about anything. However, some things are better left out of their reach. This is especially true when it comes to items that are potentially harmful to your pet.
For example, a large piece of foam could block your dog’s intestines. This is a dangerous and even life-threatening situation. While you shouldn’t worry about it too much if your dog is a runner, you might want to watch for signs of intestinal obstruction in a pet that isn’t active.
Another important symptom to watch for is vomiting. Vomiting can be a sign of abdominal obstruction, and if your dog is vomiting after eating an eraser, it’s time to call your vet.
Other symptoms to look out for include a swollen belly, diarrhea, and constipation. If your dog is vomiting, it’s important to find out if he swallowed a magic eraser or another item, and if it was the correct one.
Signs of a gastrointestinal blockage
Whether your dog has swallowed an eraser or not, it is important to learn about the signs of a gastrointestinal blockage. Dogs can develop GI blockages for several reasons. These include eating foreign objects, swallowing tumors or parasites, and a variety of other causes.
The symptoms of a gastrointestinal blockage vary from pet to pet. Some dogs may have mild symptoms while others may suffer from severe problems. If your dog is showing signs of a GI obstruction, it is best to seek immediate medical attention.
Your vet may want to do a physical exam and perform blood work and urine tests. He or she will also palpate your dog’s abdomen for any signs of obstruction. He or she may also perform an x-ray or ultrasound to further evaluate the situation.
The most common symptom is vomiting. Your vet may induce vomiting if it is safe to do so. Alternatively, your veterinarian may choose to perform an endoscopy. This is a procedure that involves inserting a small tube with a camera into your dog’s stomach. The procedure will allow your veterinarian to evaluate the blockage and possibly remove it surgically.
Bucky Balls are a dog’s favorite magnet
Originally manufactured by Maxfield & Oberton, Bucky Balls are tiny spherical magnets. They come in sets of 216, weighing about 108 grams. You can use them for holding documents, papers, and even photos on the fridge. They also make great pen & pencil caddies. They are available in black nickel plating or gold plating, depending on your needs.
They are also great for fidgeting and building fun structures. But, they are not meant to be eaten. Swallowing multiple Buckyballs can create stomach-turning injuries. Doctors may need to remove part of the intestine in order to remove the magnets.
Children may also swallow the magnets. While the CPSC has stated that there have been no reported fatalities, they have indicated that 22 children have been injured by Buckyball magnets since 2009.
Parents should be vigilant about children’s exposure to magnets. The CPSC has also issued a voluntary recall of Buckyball magnet sets. The magnets in these sets contain 475.2 million individual magnet pieces.
Pica can endanger your dog’s health
Often, pica in dogs is a result of stress or anxiety. If you suspect your pet is suffering from pica, it is best to consult a veterinary behaviorist as soon as possible. A certified behaviorist can identify stressors and recommend treatments.
Pica is a type of eating disorder, which causes dogs to consume non-food items. Pica can be caused by several factors, including boredom, stress, anxiety, and other psychological conditions. It may also be a result of a gastrointestinal obstruction.
Pica can cause your dog to swallow objects that are dangerous. An object that is ingested can be toxic, or even cause an intestinal blockage. If your dog is exhibiting symptoms of pica, your veterinarian will need to perform a urinalysis, blood work, and a gastrointestinal (GI) examination. They may also need to perform a GI tract X-ray to detect a blockage.
Pica in dogs is often a problem for adult dogs. In younger dogs, the behavior is often exploratory. They may tear off pieces of objects as they play, or unintentionally swallow items.