When my dog swallowed a ribbon, I was scared and confused. I had no idea what I could do or what the consequences of this mistake might be. After researching the topic, I was relieved to find that there are steps owners can take to help their pup if they ever find themselves in the same situation. In this article, I will explain why dogs swallow ribbons, the dangers of this behavior, and what to do if your dog swallows a ribbon.
Why Dogs Swallow Ribbons
Dogs sometimes swallow ribbons, which is a dangerous behavior that can lead to serious health issues. There are a few possible reasons why a dog might swallow a ribbon. One possible reason is that they may be bored or seeking attention. A ribbon may look like a fun toy that they want to play with, and they may simply not understand the potential harm it can cause.
Another possible reason is that they may be trying to cover up something they stole or destroyed and think the ribbon will hide the evidence. Finally, some dogs may chew and swallow ribbons due to anxiety or stress, which can be caused by many different triggers. Regardless of the reason, it is important to discourage this behavior and seek professional help if it continues.
What Happens When Your Dog Swallowed a Ribbon
The ribbon is dangerous inside a pet’s stomach. The following are three things that could happen if your dog ate ribbon:
- The ribbon irritates the stomach wall. It could lead to vomiting as the stomach tries to get rid of the foreign object. If it makes its way out of the mouth, then your pup will be a-okay.
- The best consequence of swallowing string-like objects is having them pass through the gastrointestinal tract. The dog defecates the linear foreign body with no damage. Read What Soft Dog Poop Means.
- A bad consequence of swallowing string-like objects is getting stuck in the gastrointestinal tract. The small intestines may climb up the foreign object. The intestines push on it and the ribbon acts like a sharp object cutting the intestine. It’s just like a line of wire-cutting cheese. Peritonitis can occur if the small intestine becomes infected or inflamed. Peritonitis is life-threatening.
What Veterinarians Recommend When Pet Owners Say My Dog Swallowed a Ribbon
Veterinarians tell pet owners who say “My dog swallowed a ribbon!” to bring their pup into the office immediately. While a linear foreign body may make its way out of the body, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
If foreign body ingestion happens after hours, take your pup to the closest emergency veterinarian. It doesn’t take long for the linear object to make its way to the small intestines. A puppy may suffer from the digestive tract effects of the swallowed ribbon even faster, so time is of the essence.
The emergency vet will likely recommend surgery to remove the string from the stomach or digestive tract. The good news is that the surgery won’t take long, so you can take your pup home as soon as it’s over.
How Much Is the Vet Bill for Intestinal Blockage
The cost of intestinal blockage depends on many factors. A dog suffering from foreign body ingestion may need an exam, medications, and surgery. If surgery is required, anesthesia, operating room, and hospitalization costs increase the amount of the vet bill. Checkups also may be needed. The total cost of intestinal blockage can range from $800 to as much as $7,000.
Reduce the Risk of Unintentional Swallowing of Ribbons
The best way to keep foreign body ingestion happen is to keep it away from your furry friends. During Christmas, make sure your furry friends are away from the area of your home where you’ll be using ribbon.
It’s especially important to keep a new puppy away from a Christmas Tree as puppies love to play and chew on ribbons along with sharp objects like glass bulbs and lights.
An unfortunate consequence of some robe toys is swallowing the string it’s made out of, so keep an eye on your dog or new puppy when playing with them. As rope toys start to fall apart, make sure to throw them away to reduce the risk of swallowing string.
Now, you know what to do when after your dog swallowed a ribbon. Dog Ownership Guide hopes you and your favorite furry friend will be okay.
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