Let’s face it — pets eat some weird things. I’ve caught my boxer mix Lally chewing on things like wicker baskets and even the cord of my vacuum cleaner. My other dog, Moose, is more of a licker than a chewer, but I’ve seen him licking the comforter, the floor, and even the walls.
Like I said, weird taste.
Younger animals are more likely to sample non-food objects than older ones are — some veterinarians think that’s just the curiosity of the young. Eating strange things may also be a throwback to wild animals that eat the entire body of their prey. But with some pets, it just seems to be a case of “I saw it, so I ate it.”
Common items that are eaten by pets include:
- Bones, fruit pits, and other food waste.
- Socks and underwear.
- Stones.
- Toys — and not just dog toys. Anything that’s in range can be chewed and swallowed.
Just about anything that can fit in the mouth can be swallowed, but some things are more dangerous than others.
- Diapers, tampons, and sanitary napkins can expand as they absorb liquid — this can cause a serious obstruction in the digestive system.
- Pointy items like needles, bottle caps, and safety pins can damage internal organs on the way through the digestive system.
- Coins can be toxic if swallowed — for example, pennies minted after 1982 contain zinc that can be hazardous to your pet’s system.
- Batteries can cause obstructions — but can be even more dangerous if they leak their contents.
- Most household glues are relatively safe if ingested. The one exception is Gorilla Glue. This glue expands in the digestive tract, causing a blockage that will require surgery to correct.
If you see a thread hanging from your pet’s mouth (or from the other end), resist the urge to pull. Your veterinarian may be able to follow the line to whatever is on the other end.