How Frequent and How Serious is the Problem of Dogs Swallowing Rubber Bands?
Dogs like to explore with their noses and their mouths. Often, the things they are exploring are the very things they should not have in their mouths. There are many household objects that dogs frequently swallow, and each one presents its own unique risk to your dog.
Some are toxic, presenting poisoning hazards. Others present internal puncturing risks. Other items, like rubber bands, present a choking hazard and risk of intestinal blockage.
Rubberbands are ubiquitous and are easily dropped on floors or left in places that our dogs can easily access.
Veterinarian Dr. Greg Cunningham of Detroit Dover Animal Hospital has this to say regarding pets choking on rubber bands, “The material gets stuck in the intestine, and the intestine works upon it. The term’s called plication, and it can lead to a rupture of the intestine track.”
Signs That Your Dog Has Swallowed a Dangerous Object
Often, people do not see their dogs eat anything that might cause them to be at risk of choking or intestinal blockage. So, it is important to be aware of indicators that your dog may have swallowed a dangerous object. Some signs of distress are more obvious than others. Here are some important signs and symptoms to watch for that can alert you that your dog may have ingested a hazardous object:
Just a change in your dog’s disposition may be the only clue that something is not right with your dog and that he or she may have swallowed a rubber band or some other dangerous object. If you suspect that something is wrong with your dog and that he/she may have ingested a rubber band or other hazardous object, you should respond urgently.
Time is of the essence if your dog has swallowed an object that may be harmful or fatal to him or her. Quick action can enable your veterinarian to more easily extract the item your dog has ingested before it reaches the intestines. Once ingested items reach the intestines, they cause a potentially fatal blockage that may require urgent surgery to remove.
So, if you suspect your dog has swallowed a rubber band, call a veterinarian immediately. Signs of complications from consuming a rubber band or other dangerous object appear very quickly in dogs, typically within24 to 48 hours.
Tip 5: Use muzz Poisoning les in extreme cases
If you’ve tried everything you possibly can and you’ve failed, a muzzle might be the final solution. Your dog doesn’t have to be aggressive before you consider going for a muzzle.
If your dog constantly puts its life in danger by eating everything, then physically preventing it from ingesting every object is a good option. Muzzles can prevent your dog from eating rubber bands, rocks, worms, and other items that could harm it.