Let’s say you’re getting ready for a night out. You’ve laid out your outfit and gotten ready. All that’s left is the jewelry, but you find yourself missing an earring and a guilty-looking pup sorting by the bed. Do you panic?
What Do You Do if Your Dog Ate an Earring
If your dog might have eaten an earring, the safest thing to do is call your veterinarian. While a small stud earring in a large-breed dog is likely to pass right on through, a large, statement earring could lead to an obstruction or trauma to the esophagus or intestines.
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Risks if Your Dog Ate an Earring
The good news is that most dogs that eat an earring will have no issues, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. There are some things to be aware of, though. Large earrings could become an intestinal obstruction, especially if your dog ate multiple. These earrings could block normal movement through the intestines and require exploratory surgery to remove them. It could even be a choking hazard.
When swallowed, the hardware on an earring, such as the post or ear wire, can perforate the intestinal walls or scratch the esophagus.
If the earrings were made of a material like zinc, you also run the risk of zinc toxicity. Too much zinc can cause hemolytic anemia, where your dog’s body destroys their red blood cells.
Signs That Your Dog Ate an Earring
If you’re dealing with a foreign body obstruction, some signs to be aware of include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Inappetence
- Stretching out abdomen or “downward dog” type position
- Vocalizing
- Painful when the abdomen is touched
Complications like zinc toxicity include:
- Lethargy or weakness
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Pale gums
- Weak pulses
- Icterus or yellowing of the gums or sclera (whites of the eyes)
Treatment if Your Dog Ate an Earring
Your veterinarian should examine your pup to see if they might have eaten an earring. You should also consider if there’s anything else your dog might have gotten ahold of, as this information could impact treatment.
Your veterinarian will likely suggest radiographs (X-rays) to look for the earring in your dog’s abdomen. Knowing where it is helps guide the development of a treatment plan. For instance, if the earring is in the colon and isn’t made of something toxic for your dog, it should pass through.
Some possible outcomes or treatment recommendations include:
- If it’s a small earring and just swallowed, your veterinarian might induce vomiting with apomorphine or Clevor.
- If the earring is in the stomach, your vet might be able to remove the earring using an endoscope.
- Your vet might suggest exploratory surgery.
Your dog might need support care if they have signs of an obstruction or vomiting, such as fluid therapy and anti-nausea medication. If your veterinarian thinks it’s safe to let the earring pass through your dog’s gut, you have a very unpleasant task ahead of you. You must check your dog’s stool to see when the earring passes.
Conclusion
While most earrings will pass uneventfully through your dog’s gastrointestinal system, these fun accessories can cause complications like vomiting, anemia, or esophagitis. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect (or know!) that your dog ate an earring for help.
Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock
