Dog ate chocolate?

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Dog ate toy.

Species: Dog
Breed: Trouble
Age: Less than 3 mon
Yes, he's at it again.
Last night, 9 pm, I bought him a toy penguine to chew on. He ate a 3" x 2" section of the black "furry" material covering it.

Taken to emerg. Induced vomiting. About 1/3rd of it came out (in tiny squares). Given his chewing style he likes to yank at it so I'm thinking the remainder may also be in squares.

This morning he was very active as he normally is, ate breakfast, no vomiting.
(but no stool).

Question - does this mean he is likely ok from now on or could it still get stuck in his small intestines?

Thanks,.

Jay


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Oh for crying out loud...why do dogs do things like this? I can't imagine looking at a piece of a plastic/rubber toy and thinking mmmmm....let's eat that!

I'm glad that what came out was in tiny squares. If this is the case you should see it coming out in his stool in the next 24-48 hours. I usually recommend feeding a bran muffin or adding a 1/4 tsp of bran to his food to help bulk up his stools and get the pieces moving through.

There always is a possibility of something getting stuck in his intestines, but this is a really small piece. I think even if the whole thing was in there, it would probably pass through. So, even if the remaining 2/3 of the toy was intact it should go through just fine. But, most likely it's in little pieces and should be even easier.

As you likely know, watch him closely and look for vomiting, diarrhea, or straining to defecate.

I would be very surprised if he had a problem.

Dr. Marie.


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Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Customer reply:

Thank you. Is the fact he has no vomiting and good energy, appetite today a good sign or is every day to be taken on it's own?


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Yes, this is definitely a good sign. I truly think Max is in your life just to teach you patience! LOL!



Customer reply:

Very Zen


Customer reply:

He was active this morning, ate breakfast (which he doesn't normally).

12 noon, active but ate half meal. Poo contained 1" long threads from the material.

6pm, less active (stopped after a few fetch runs), ate dinner (with treats), poo had more of the threads but no patches. No vomiting so far, poo is normal.

Should I just wait and see?

Thanks,

Jay



Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

I think we should just wait for now. It wouldn't surprise me if he is feeling a "little off" as these pieces move through his intestines and cause him some inflammation.

But, he's got normal stools and no vomiting so I wouldn't be too worried.

I bet you Mr. Penguin (or what's left of him makes an appearance in the next 24 hours).



Customer reply:

Ive already spoken to the franchise owner and the store (Global Pets).

A penguin the size of a toilet paper roll where the furry coat is actually a thin layer of material over an inner layer. One good yank and it comes off like tape.

http://www.barkerandmeowsky.com/product.asp?lt=d&deptid=7303&sec=dogs&pfid=BAM02664

Supposedly an 8/10 on toughness.


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

I've seen so many toys that were labelled as "indestructable" that got destroyed in minutes by a dog. Usually those dogs are either Goldens or Labs.



Customer reply:

Yes they are the worst. My previous dog was a lab. Bit down so hard on the nylabone he broke the large molars and required root canal


Customer reply:

Well it's been 48 hours now.
Throughout he's been very active, eating very well, drank and peed normally. No vomiting. Has had his normal 2 poos/day, all large and solid.

Aside from the threads last night there's been no sign of the cloth.

Is it still prudent to wait? How long should it take?
Is he in any danger?

Thanks,

Jay


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

These are the cases that make owners bite their fingernails.

There are a few possible things going on.

It's possible that the penguin was chewed up into tiny tiny pieces that came out inside of his stool and you may not have seen them.

It's also possible that the plastic/rubber was dissolved in his stomach acid so we may never see it again.

Or it's possible it's still making its way out.

There really isn't much we can do now other than to monitor him. An xray is not likely to show much at this point.

I know it's frustrating but as long as he is eating and active I'd just keep an eye on him for now.

Dr. Marie.



Customer reply:

Actually it's just a 3x2" swatch of the black fur material that he ingested.

A) my dissection days have taught me how to hunt for things. There is no way the cloth escaped my poking.

B) After 24 hours, his stool had a collection of loose threads suggesting stomach acid wouldn't dissolve the plastic.

C) I guess it's still making its way out. It took 6 days for a rock to clear his large intestines previously.

There's 6 cups a day of food going in and lots coming out.



Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

LOL...you are now an expert at sorting through dog poop. Congrats!

It's really unlikely that a 3"x2" piece of material is going to cause him major problems.



Customer reply:

(whispers) I think you're right.


Customer reply:

The package has been delivered.


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

That really made me laugh! You should clean it up and send it to the manufacturer!

Glad to hear everything came out ok.

Dr. Marie.



Customer reply:

no pun intended.

Have a good weekend

Jay


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Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.