What to Do If Your Dog Swallowed Something He Shouldn’t

Did your dog swallow something? Don’t panic! Whether it’s a rock, sock, toy, or even a coin, dogs are naturally curious and sometimes eat the wrong things.

What seems harmless at first can quickly become dangerous if the object gets stuck or causes an intestinal blockage. Acting quickly can make all the difference.

Here’s a veterinarian-approved guide on what to do in the first two hours after your dog swallows something.

Common Objects Dogs Swallow

Foreign object ingestion is one of the top 10 dog emergencies vets see every year. So, you’re definitely not alone! Veterinarians frequently treat dogs who swallow:

Socks and underwear (classic!)
Small toys or toy parts
Bones or food wrappers
Coins or jewelry
Stones or sticks
String, ribbon, or dental floss
Corn cobs, fruit pits, or bottle caps

0–30 Minutes: Confirm What Happened

If you saw your dog swallow something, you’re already one step ahead. The first thing to do is stay calm and call your veterinarian or an emergency vet clinic for immediate guidance.

Your vet will want to know:

What object did your dog swallow (toy, bone, sock, etc.)?
How long ago did it happen?
Your dog’s breed, size, and age.
Was the item sharp, stringy, or potentially toxic?

Never try to pull something out if it’s partially stuck in your dog’s mouth or anus, especially if it’s a string, thread, or ribbon. Pulling can cause severe internal injury.

If you’re unsure whether your dog actually swallowed something, don’t wait for obvious symptoms. Keep a close eye on them and continue to the next section—early detection is key.

30 Minutes–1 Hour: Watch for Signs of Obstruction or Distress

If your dog ate something but you’re not sure whether it’s causing trouble, monitor for the following signs—they often mean the object is lodged in the throat, stomach, or intestines:

Pawing at the mouth or gagging
Persistent coughing or choking sounds
Excessive drooling or lip licking
Refusing food or treats
Bloated or painful abdomen
Straining or inability to poop
Lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea

Some small objects (like tiny rubber balls or coins) can pass naturally, but others (like bones, socks, rocks, or dental floss) can cause dangerous gastrointestinal blockages or tears. Even if your dog seems fine at first, symptoms might appear hours or even days later. If you suspect your dog swallowed something, always call your vet. They can advise if an X-ray or ultrasound is needed.

1–2 Hours: Follow Veterinary Instructions Carefully

If your vet confirms that your dog swallowed a foreign object, they’ll guide you on the next steps depending on what it was and how your dog is doing. Typical vet recommendations may include:

Inducing vomiting (only if safe and ingestion was recent)
Obtaining radiographs or other imaging to locate the object
Performing an endoscopy to remove the item from the stomach without surgery
Performing surgery if the object is lodged in the intestines or is causing a blockage

If your dog is vomiting repeatedly, in severe pain, or refusing food, don’t wait—head straight to the emergency vet.

Remember, the best way to protect your dog from swallowing things is to keep small objects out of reach!