How long does it take for a dog to pass a screw? A Step-by-Step Guide

Go To The ER If Necessary

Your veterinarian may recommend taking your dog to the emergency room.

One reason is that your dog might need an endoscopy to remove the screw before it gets too far. Or, your dog might need to be monitored for symptoms such as vomiting, reduced or no appetite for over 24 hours, and abdominal discomfort.

Additionally, to determine the location of the screw in your dog’s body, your veterinarian may also recommend getting radiography.

Feed Bread To Your Dog

If your veterinarian advises that your dog will be able to pass out the screw safely, there are a few things that you need to do to facilitate it.

The easiest way to do so is by increasing your dog’s fiber intake by feeding them bread. Additionally, you can give your dog a spoon of coconut or olive oil. Pumpkin and apple cider vinegar is also good when it comes to facilitating your dog’s poop.

How Long Does It Take a Dog to Pass a Screw?

On average, It takes about 11-24 hours for a dog to pass an ingested screw. If there is no intestinal blockage, the screw will keep moving along the digestive tract. However, if there is a partial or a total blockage, your dog will start experiencing a series of symptoms.

The bigger the object, the longer it takes for it to completely go through the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, if the screw ingested by your canine is tiny, it may pass out with feces in approximately 10 hours. However, if the screw is big, it will take at least one whole day for the screw to pass. In some cases, foreign objects may take weeks in the digestive tract of a dog, causing little to no symptoms!

Furthermore, if your pup is not getting better hours after ingesting a screw or the symptoms appear to be worsening, call your vet immediately. Radiological imaging (x-ray) will likely be carried out to know where the screw is lodged. If the screw is causing the intestinal blockage, emergency surgery will be done to get rid of the screw. But if your pooch is only showing mild symptoms, the vet would likely induce vomiting or place your pooch on a high fiber diet.

My Dog Ate a Foreign Body! Now What?

Has your dog eaten a screw? Are you worried the screw will make him sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the problem of dogs eating foreign objects and what you need to do next. Let’s get started!