Is This Normal? Finder · Eating and drinking

My puppy swallowed a sock or a toy. What should I do?

By Dr. Steve Pelton, DVM

The short answer

Call your vet now, even if he seems completely fine. Swallowed things can get stuck, and string, thread and ribbon are especially dangerous. Don't try to make him throw up at home unless your vet or poison control tells you to.

Why it happens

A puppy's gut is narrow, and socks, toy chunks and corn cobs don't always fit through. String is worse, because it can bunch the intestine up as it moves, which is why nobody should pull on it.

Which door?

CALL TODAYCall your vet right away, even if he seems fine.
GO NOWHe's vomiting, retching, not eating, has a sore belly or is straining.

When to call

Tick what fits and see which door you're at.

CALL TODAYYou saw something go down and he seems fine
GO NOWVomiting, retching, not eating, a sore belly or straining after he might have swallowed something
GO NOWHe ate a poison. Call poison control or your vet on the way

Your door: WATCHWATCH

Nothing ticked and he's bright, playful, eating and drinking? Keep an eye on him, jot down what you see, and call in the daytime if it doesn't settle.

What helps

If string is hanging from his mouth or his rear end, don't pull it
For a poison, bring the package or a photo of it

Under 16 weeks, a toy breed, or not done with his shots? Move everything one door closer to GO NOW.

GO NOW means: Head to your vet, if they're open and can see him right away, or to the nearest emergency clinic. Call on the way so they're ready for you.

Not sure which door you're at? That's a call. Call your vet.

Worried right now? Check the Three Doors list, from most urgent down, and stop at the first door that fits.

Is this an emergency?

General education, not veterinary advice. Your vet's plan for your puppy comes first.