Rescue dog eating small things that shouldn't be eaten :(

[JudgeMental]

Day 2 with Lurcher/Collie rescue dog. She is 12 months old (possibly a little younger)

Whilst walking her I have noticed her picking up small inaminate objects such as stones etc. which I thought to be a little odd.

Now I've just caught her mouthing a medium sized dice she picked up from the coffee table! I told her to drop it and held out my hand but she quickly swallowed it!

What do I do?

ETA: Culprit below, looking a lot less worried than I do;

Edited by JudgeMental on Saturday 29th December 14:05

[Piersman2]

Do a sweepstake on which number it lands on when it comes through.

[Du1point8]

i would assume talking to vets, then get an x-ray to see what else is hiding inside.

[JudgeMental]

Vets it is then

[Superficial]

I wouldn't rush her to the vets yet, just keep an eye out to make sure it passes.

She needs to be taught a strong leave it command (imo all dogs should) so that she doesn't continue to hoover things up on her travels. A safe room at home for when you aren't around to supervise would be useful too. Well done for rescuing

[bexVN]

Phone vets for advice. My worry is that if she has eaten a few objects over a short period this could cause issue, They may even be able to feel them as she's so slim.

One dice on it's own may pass through but I don't think I'd chance it knowing she has also eaten stones. These things can sit in the stomach then cause a problem sometimes weeks later.

Your bigger problem is stopping her. These sort if dogs can be repeat offenders and it's a concern. Muzzle will be needed on walks. In the house is harder and will require patience and a lot of caution.

Gorgeous dog btw. She looks nearer 9-10 months in that pic

[JudgeMental]

Thanks. I got her ready to run to the vets when lo and behold, there was the dice (plus quite a bit of saliva) on her bed

I am going to have to monitor her closely though.

I also think she is about 9-10 months, judging by her eyes and teeth.

She was brought in as a stray (no collar, tag, chip etc.) and just a bag of bones.

Broke my heart earlier when I saw her fetch a wrapper out of the rubbish sack and sneak it back to her bed, even though she had a bowl full of dog biscuits there

Old habits die hard.

[bexVN]

Phew

Do you think she ate the stones on the walk or just picked them up and dropped them again?

I'd start working on her getting used to you opening her mouth. Do it frequently, no fuss, just a few secs at random times starting off by only sl opening her mouth or even just lifting her lips up if she isn't keen on her mouth being opened then, as soon as she seems comfortable with this, start opening her mouth when she's got something in it, like a treat, don't remove the treat just let her get used to her being ok with you around her mouth with food. Just for seconds then quick pat on the head, good girl and let her carry on. In between all this teach her the drop command. This is timing based so if she picks up something as she drops it on her own say drop and praise her. It's difficult to explain without showing you!! I did all the above with my whippet who is a food thief. The drop command works most of the time, they can be a stubborn breed but he has absolutely no issues with me opening his mouth, removing items from it etc and he was starved as a pup. Hope some of that helps and is not too confusing!!

Edited by bexVN on Saturday 29th December 19:55

[JudgeMental]

Excellent idea! I will start this straight away.

I don't know if she ate any of the stones, though she didn't appear to swallow or gulp and I'm encouraged by the fact she eventually 'returned' the dice

[bexVN]

Yes definitely a relief. Jimmy has done that to me a couple times with plum stones. Middle of the night vomited them up and I hadn't even realised he'd eaten them!! Could have been a different story if he hadn't!