Once in a lifetime of a pet owner, he or she will surely experience a dog which has eaten something that is not food. Dogs, especially Shih Tzu are very curious and intelligent little beings that has the personality to nose around when introduced to a new object or environment. Though this is a normal doggy attitude, being too inquisitive sometimes gets these pooches into trouble. So what do you do when you suspect that something was lodged into your Shih Tzu’s esophagus?
First and foremost, do not give anything to your dog – either an emetic or a laxative. If you are going to palpate the neck up until the stomach, do this very cautiously or better yet, do not even touch your dog. You must know how to recognize the signs of foreign body ingestion. Check for vomiting, salivation and abdominal pain. If the incidence has been an hour or so, your dog will show lethargy and changes in behavior. He or she might go around in circles in a crunched back – a sign of pain and discomfort. Other dogs, which may not feel the pain caused by the foreign body can act their normal self but exhibits constipation or bloody diarrhea. Toxins, found in batteries or metal objects can cause hemorrhage in the digestive tract leading to tinge blood on feces. If ever your Shih Tzu has ingested sharp objects such as chicken bone or paper clips, fresh blood is seen in feces – as if there is a wound with oozing blood coming from it and staining the stools. These are only reminders to keep in mind when you suspect foreign body ingestion; but the most important thing to do is see a veterinarian immediately so an xray can be done to be able to check and confirm the presence of the object. In this way, the vet can eliminate other possible causes and give your dog immediate treatment. This is considered an emergency case, so whatever time it is, contact medical help as soon as possible. To prevent this from happening again, make sure to dog proof your home of small objects that he might ingest and give stuffed toys or teethers that will take up your Shih Tzu’s time as he or she plays around the house.
