If your dog has eaten a shoelace, monitoring them closely for signs of distress or discomfort is essential. While some dogs may be able to pass the shoelace without issue, others may experience complications such as blockages in their digestive system. If you notice any symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy, it is recommended that you take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Surgery may sometimes be necessary to remove the shoelace and prevent further health issues. As a responsible pet owner, it is always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional medical advice when in doubt about your pet’s health.
It is not uncommon for dogs to eat funny things. You probably had some laughs over this before, but it’s also very annoying if your dog eats something you care about. Having the pet eat a shoelace is incredibly irritating, and the accessory can be removed from your dog’s stomach in many different ways. Find out how to handle the situation in this guide!
Dog Ate Shoelace – What To Do?
1. Make Sure The Dog Is Okay
It is essential to ensure the dog is okay before you start pulling anything out of his mouth. If the shoelace has come loose and entrapped your pup’s tongue, for example, it may be hard to tell whether he can breathe.
If you are at all unsure about this, then take him to a veterinarian right away. He might need emergency treatment, an animal behaviourist, so you should not waste time on this step!
The vet will help you with knowing what the next steps should be. They might also advise you on calming your dog down in case he panics when something touches his mouth (or, more specifically, when someone tries to pull something out).
2. Take Off Any Clothing That May Have Been In Contact With The Shoelace And Wash It, Including Hands
Remove any clothing that may have been in contact with the shoelace and wash it, including your hands. If you’re worried about any traces of blood or other substances on your clothes, throw them out immediately!
This is because toxins from poisonous insects, such as scorpions or snakes, can be transferred to your dog if he has eaten part of its dead body and licked himself. So make sure nothing from the outside world can touch his mouth.
3. If The Shoelace Is Anything But A Simple Lace (A Lace Made Of Elastic Threads), Cut It Into Smaller Pieces
If the shoelace is anything but a simple lace (a lace made of elastic threads), cut it into smaller pieces.
Not only will this make it easier to remove what is in the stomach, but it is also more comfortable for your dog when pulling it out. If possible, cut a part of the shoelace with no knots or beads.
Know More: When To Stop Soaking Puppy Food?
If you can’t get to the scissors right away, use clippers instead and try not to cause too much discomfort for your furry friend!
4. Maintain A Calm Atmosphere Around Your Dog While Removing The Lace
When removing laces from your dog’s fur, it is essential to maintain a calm atmosphere. Dogs can sense when their owners are stressed or anxious, and this can make the experience more uncomfortable for them. To calm your dog, approach the situation with a relaxed demeanour and speak to them soothingly. You may also want to have some treats on hand to reward them for their cooperation. Slowly and gently work on removing the laces, being careful not to tug or pull too hard on their fur. If your dog becomes agitated or uncomfortable at any point, take a break and try again later. Remember, maintaining a calm atmosphere is vital to keeping your dog comfortable during the lace removal.
5. Give The Dog Some Water Or Milk
Give the dog some water or milk to help soothe his stomach and make him feel better after eating something he shouldn’t have eaten! If you have dog treats on hand, those might also help in a situation like this.
If you have friends or relatives nearby with dogs, consider asking if they can lend you some of their pet’s favourite treats to make your dog more comfortable! It will also help to distract him from the fact that something is going on.
6. Pull The Shoelace Out Very Slowly And Carefully, Depending On How Far It Is In His Stomach
Pull the shoelace out very slowly and carefully, depending on how far it is in his stomach. If the object is only halfway down his throat, you might be able to pull it out without even touching your dog’s mouth. This is not the case, and you need to touch him, try putting a piece of cloth or bandana around your hand to protect him and keep his mouth as calm as possible.
If he starts trying to bite you, don’t be afraid of hitting him on the nose with a rolled-up newspaper so that he will stop this behaviour.
7. Look For Signs Of Vomiting Or Diarrhea
If you can’t find the lace, or if it is impossible to remove all of it, try to watch for signs of vomiting and diarrhoea. These could be symptoms that the shoelace has made its way further up in your dog’s body.
Vomiting will eliminate excess pressure, and diarrhoea will handle any remaining pieces that may have been missed. But don’t worry too much about this step, as a shoelace rarely goes so far into a dog’s stomach that it starts digesting itself.
Give the dog some time after this ordeal has passed before feeding him anything else! After having something stuck in his stomach, it might take some days before he feels comfortable eating again. But after that, he will most likely return to his old self again, and you can laugh about this once in a while!
8. If You Find These Signs, Call A Veterinarian Immediately
If you find these signs, then call a veterinarian immediately. The characters are – vomiting and diarrhoea, increased activity, and more panting than usual. In this case, it might not only be the shoelace that caused these problems but also an illness in his stomach. You should always take your dog to a veterinarian beforehand if your dog is ill.
Be sure to mention that your dog has eaten shoelaces, and this is what he could be experiencing. After the vet has checked your pup, give him plenty of rest after such a tough day! Retraining lousy eating habits will be hard enough work for both of you. Take it easy on him! He knows he shouldn’t have eaten something he wasn’t supposed to eat in the first place.
9. Call Your Vet To Schedule An Appointment If They Are Open Today (If Not, Try Tomorrow)
If you want to stay calm and avoid further issues on your own, you can do little if your dog has eaten a shoelace. But when it comes to the next steps of this situation, calling your vet is mandatory! So call your veterinarian right now, even though it might be late or during the night.
You might have to go through a few attempts before reaching someone who can help you with your problem. If that’s the case, keep trying till you get someone.
If they tell you they are closed for today but open Tomorrow, schedule an appointment as soon as possible! Knowing that someone will take care of any issues that might arise quickly will ease both your and your dog’s nerves.
The Dog Chewed on The Leather Boots
Dogs naturally desire to chew, and those anxious may need to chew even more. Giving your dog a toy like a rawhide to occupy themselves might thus be good for them. It can also be hard for a dog to resist the urge to chew on shoes that have already broken down, such as leather boots.
Sometimes, the leather smell is enough to drive the dog crazy but make sure you do not mistake this desire for aggression. Dogs’ hunting instincts naturally draw them to leather, causing them to be attracted to shoes and boots, even outdoors.
However, there is no need to allow your dog to chew on every leather article they can get their teeth on. Instead, you can use a leather boot to let your dog chew safely.
How to Take Care of The Dog in The Right Way?
Caring for a dog is a big responsibility but can also be gratifying. To ensure that your furry friend stays healthy and happy, there are several things you can do. First and foremost, provide them with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise. Regular visits to the vet for check-ups and vaccinations are also important. Additionally, providing your dog with mental stimulation through playtime and training can help prevent boredom and destructive behaviour. It’s also essential to keep your dog clean and groomed, which includes regular baths, nail trimming, and brushing their fur.
Finally, give your dog plenty of love and attention – they’re part of the family! By following these tips, you can take care of your dog correctly and enjoy a happy and healthy relationship with your furry friend. The best way to care for a dog will vary depending on the dog. However, tips that can be useful when taking care of a dog include:
Feed Your Dog Regularly
Dogs need food to stay healthy and should be given a meal at least once daily. If your dog is a working animal, provide them with food specifically designed for working dogs.
Keep Your Dog Safe
Please keep your dog safe from harm by keeping it inside when it’s cold, or danger lurks around. Ensure you groom them well and ensure they have all their shots up to date.
Crate Training Your Dog
Some dogs may be better off living in a crate, while others may not need it at all.
Exercise Your Dog Regularly
Give Your Dog Plenty Of Love
Above all else, remember that caring for a dog comes down to giving those lots and lots of love!
FAQs
1. Why Is It Dangerous For Your Dog To Swallow A Shoelace?
Ans: The intestines may be wrapped around by shoelaces. Shoelaces can scrape against the digestive tract, causing small tears in the bowel wall. When ingested, shoelaces cause sharp intestine bends that may rupture, leading to fatal peritonitis.
2. What Did I Do When My Dog Ate Shoelaces?
Ans: If your dog eats a shoelace, don’t panic. Avoid vomiting with 3-4 ml of hydrogen peroxide by pouring it down the dog’s throat. Use this as an emergency measure if the dog shows signs of choking, such as pawing at his mouth or rubbing his face on the ground. Bring your dog to a vet if you cannot induce vomiting and there is no choking sign.
3. How To Help A Dog That Swallowed A Shoelace?
Ans: Use hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting. Do not use your fingers to induce vomiting, which can cause tissue damage. Hydrogen peroxide is not an emetic; the foaming action will induce vomiting.
4. Why Do Dogs Eat Shoelaces?
Ans: If your dog is hungry or teething, it can eat shoelaces. This can be a serious problem if your dog is an obsessive chewer. The medical condition, Pica, is when dogs crave non-food items like plastic, aluminium foil, and even stones. Chewing on these objects can cause ulcers or blockages in their intestines.
5. What To Do When A Dog Swallows Lace?
Ans: Induce vomiting if the dog is still conscious after vomiting any food that could be aspirated. If that isn’t possible, try to find your dog a veterinarian who can help dislodge the item.
Conclusion
If your dog has eaten a shoelace or any foreign object, it is essential to take the necessary steps to ensure their health and well-being. While it may not always be required to rush to the vet, it’s better to err on the side of caution and seek professional advice if you have any concerns. Depending on the size of the object and your dog’s overall health, it may pass through its system without issue, but there is also a risk that it can cause blockages or other complications. So, if you are unsure whether or not your dog needs veterinary attention after eating a shoelace or any foreign object, don’t hesitate to seek expert advice. Remember that prevention is critical – keep small things out of your dog’s reach to avoid such incidents in the first place.
If you see your dog with his mouth open for longer than usual while looking at something on the ground, pick it up and remove anything he might have grabbed onto before allowing him to chew on it. You’ll also want to supervise when they eat their food and play outside so they don’t find any other shoelaces! I hope now you know what to do if your dog eats shoelaces.
