Hi there, Today I gave my puppy two rawhide chews - 1-2 hours apart. On both occasions he chewed the sticks to around 2-3 inches and I believe he swallowed them whole.He doesn't seem to be exhibiting any discomfort and is asleep. I've now read that rawhides can cause intestinal blockages as they are not digested in the stomach. Should be overtly concerned? The chews were bought for sole purpose of detering him from chewing things he shouldn't chew... Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
How big were the sticks? If they were like the little, twisted cigarettes, then I wouldn't be too worried, but do keep a close eye on any change of behaviour in the pup. I don't like the bigger rawhide chews as they can choke a dog. Have a look at stuffed Kongs, keeps a pup very happy and no danger,
Many thanks Stacia, Yes, they were like twisted cigarettes. I'm keeping an eye on him - so far so good. As you suggested I'm going to keep to stuffed Kongs.
This morning he went about doing his biological business as usual, no anomalies were detected. Which is a relief. We've cleaned out the garden and now are sifting through the compost to root out stones and the like. A few days ago he grabbed a hold of something in his mouth, in the garden, and went tearing into his crate (he tends to do this when he finds something he really shouldn't have!). I followed him in (big crate) and found, to my horror, he was mouthing a piece of glass! I tactfully distracted him with a piece of cooked chicken breast (his fav treat) and took took the 1 1/2 inch piece of glass away. How on earth he managed to find that is beyond me... He defo is a worry, but oh is he loved by all in my household - especially my Mum. She has a tendency to randomly bursts into tears when she's with him. She wells up with emotion every now and then, by which she picks him up like a little baby and gives him a smattering of kisses! He on the other hand (usually in deep sleep when this occurs) lets out what sounds like a puppy groans of dismay! Sorry, got carried away again
They tend to give up picking up stones as they grow. Bit alarming about the glass, but you went the right way about it by swopping with chicken, otherwise the 'prize' becomes even more valuable Best your Mum doesn't pick him up for cuddles when an older dog and asleep as he could snap!
Mt Grumpy is right, but try not to worry - just keep a close eye on him for any lethargy or very watery poos and get straight to the vet if you see either. I have had this kind of worry many times with my Tatze, she is a master at eating things she shouldn't - and I am very very careful what she has access to! (One time it took ten days for her to throw up a lead she'd swallowed whole!!)
midge burped up a wooden chip fork (never saw her pick it up) in front of a room full of horrified family. Rory ate a treat bag plus treats and it wasn't one of mine. To this day I still don't know were he got it or who it belonged to I don't use this type of treat bag. It was a big mystrey when he sicked it up. Over they years I learnt to just watch and see when they have swallowed something which may cause a problem its an anxious time but they either digest or throw back up. Just watch out things like straining when they poop or runny poops or just quiet behavior i take mine to the vets if they get like that. Welcome to the wonderful world of what labradors put in their tummies I think they are like sharks and will give anything a try
I used to be a veterinary nurse. The things we removed from Labrador's stomachs were crazy, but the worse one and I'll never forget was 52(!!) balloons!!!
