Some dogs (especially puppies) will put anything in their mouths. This can sometimes result in dangerous items being ingested. Knowing when your dog has eaten something potentially dangerous is important so that you can get treatment quickly if necessary. Below is a guide on how to tell whether your dog has eaten something it shouldn’t. 

Common bad things that dogs eat

There are a few bad things that dogs may ingest. These include:

• Toxic foods: There are many human foods such as grapes, chocolate and onions that are toxic to dogs. You should be very careful when handling these foods around dogs.

• Obstructive objects: Some dogs may attempt to swallow large items whole, which may cause choking or a bowel obstruction. This could include toys, bones or stones. Puppies are very prone to eating such items, which is why they need close observation.

• Sharp objects: Sharp objects could cause cuts and tears to your dog’s insides if ingested. This could include anything from a bone to a broken christmas bauble. 

• Poisonous plants: You should be wary of certain plants in your garden such as daffodils, tulips and ivy. Such plants can be toxic to any dogs that may try to eat them. Again, puppies are most likely to eat these plants.

• Household chemicals: Curious dogs that get hold of bottles of household chemicals could also get poisoned. This includes the likes of detergents, bleaches and anti-freeze (such chemicals should always be locked away or stored out of reach if you have a dog). 

• Animal faeces: Yes – some dogs like to eat other animals’ poo. This isn’t just gross but also dangerous, as it can expose dogs to parasites and bacterial infections. 

Signs your dog has eaten something bad

There are lots of signs your dog may have eaten something bad. These include:

Choking/breathing difficulties

Dogs may get items stuck in their airways, causing trouble breathing. If you cannot get the item out using this method, you should seek veterinary treatment immediately. In other cases, sores on the mouth or an allergic reaction may cause breathing difficulties as a result of eating something bad.

Lack of appetite/nausea/vomiting

Both poisoning or an obstruction may cause nausea, which will put your dog off eating. Vomiting meanwhile is a clear sign that your dog is not well (sometimes this may solve the problem – if they continue to behave sick after, you should see a vet). 

Unusual bowel movements/excessive flatulence

You should also pay attention to what’s coming out the other end. Many dogs get the runs after eating foods they shouldn’t. Constipation can meanwhile be caused by an obstruction. Unusually coloured poop is also something to be wary of – this dog poo colour chart could diagnose any tummy issues your dog is having. Excessive flatulence could also be a sign your dog has eaten something bad. See a vet if you notice these symptoms.

Excessive thirst

Dogs may drink lots of water if they are feeling sick or if they eaten something that irritates their mouth (such as spicy foods). If this is accompanied by any of the other symptoms, consider seeing a vet.

Low energy

This is an important symptom to look out for. A dog may eat something mildly toxic (such as a small amount of chocolate), get the runs but otherwise not be impacted. However, in other cases a dog may eat something very toxic (such as a large amount of chocolate or grapes) and get very lethargic, possibly vomiting and having the runs. In this case, you should see a vet immediately.

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