Question:
We have a 9-month-old mastiff who likes to eat lots of things. He usually vomits after a while. He recently ate a small squeaky toy.
How long should I wait for him to poop it out? Or should I induce vomiting? If so, what can I use? And how can I prevent him from chewing on things?
F.B.F., Portsmouth, Va May 09, 2011
Answer:
Your young dog probably developed this habit when he was teething from licking and chewing people's hands and ears to shoes and kids' toys. In a situation like yours, treat it as an emergency and go to a veterinary hospital without delay. Such swallowed items can cause potentially fatal intestinal obstructions, and may also contain toxic metals and plastic. As a first-aid measure, try to immediately induce vomiting with diluted hydrogen peroxide or a weak baking-soda solution poured down the dog's throat. This should not be done if any caustic substances may have been swallowed.
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