The scrunchie, a hair accessory created by Rommy Hunt Revson, rose to fame in the 1980s, faced ridicule in the early 2000s, and has made a strong comeback in the 2020s. These small, handy hair ties are now a common sight in bedrooms, bags, and bathrooms, but their size makes them a tempting plaything for dogs, who may accidentally swallow them. If your dog has ingested a scrunchie, try not to panic. In most cases, the scrunchie will pass through the digestive tract, but there are potential risks to be aware of, so knowing what to watch for is important.
What Happens When a Dog Swallows a Scrunchie?
For most dogs, unless they are very small or the scrunchie is unusually large, the scrunchie will likely move through the digestive system over time. Items that cannot be broken down by stomach acid may stay in the stomach for a day or two and take a few more days to pass through the intestines. However, if more than 4-5 days have passed since your dog swallowed the scrunchie, it’s time to contact your vet. In some cases, a swallowed scrunchie can cause a blockage in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. Dogs that are very small, have health issues, or a history of intestinal problems or surgery are at higher risk of complications, and you should contact your vet immediately if your dog falls into any of these categories.
Signs of an esophageal obstruction include regurgitation (food or water expelled without abdominal effort), difficulty swallowing, exaggerated swallowing movements, drooling, and gagging or coughing. Signs of a gastric (stomach) or intestinal obstruction may include loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort or pain, a rigid abdomen, vomiting, drooling, passing little to no feces, panting, and dehydration (indicated by tacky gums or a prolonged skin tent). If the scrunchie gets stuck in the colon, you may notice signs of constipation, such as repeated squatting and straining to defecate. It will likely pass eventually, but your dog may need an enema or lubrication to help.
Will My Dog Need Surgery?
If your dog develops an obstruction from the swallowed scrunchie, surgery is a likely outcome. First, your vet will perform x-rays or an ultrasound to determine the location of the obstruction and the best course of treatment. Sometimes, administering intravenous fluids and lubricating medications may help the scrunchie pass, but if there is no chance of it moving through the digestive tract on its own, surgery will be necessary to remove it. Left untreated, an obstruction can lead to intestinal rupture and potentially deadly peritonitis, so prompt veterinary care is crucial.
Should I Make My Dog Vomit?
If you have just seen your dog swallow a scrunchie (or any other non-food item), the first step is to contact your vet. The advice will depend on factors like your dog’s age, health, size, and the size of the scrunchie. Never attempt to make your dog vomit at home unless specifically instructed to do so by your vet. Your dog may regurgitate or vomit the scrunchie on their own, so it’s important to supervise them closely to avoid missing the fact that the scrunchie has been expelled.
What Else Should I Watch Out For?
The most important things to monitor are whether your dog is eating, drinking, and toileting normally, and if they seem bright and energetic. If your dog appears unwell, lethargic, or uncomfortable at all, contact your vet right away. If your dog is acting normally, ensure they stay hydrated. The longer the scrunchie takes to travel through the intestines, the drier it may become, making it harder to pass. Providing plenty of water can help move the scrunchie through the digestive system more smoothly.
Should I Feed My Dog?
Do not give your dog any food until you have spoken to your vet. If your dog is showing no signs of discomfort or obstruction, feeding them small, frequent meals can help keep their digestive tract moving and speed up the passage of the swallowed scrunchie. It also allows you to monitor if your dog is still willing to eat and if they are digesting food properly.
Conclusion
If your dog has swallowed a scrunchie, staying calm is key. In most cases, the scrunchie will be small and soft enough to pass through the digestive tract, but it’s always best to contact your vet for specific advice and instructions. They may recommend bringing your dog in to induce vomiting, administer fluids and medication, or simply monitor them closely. If your dog has any health issues, is very small, or has had previous intestinal surgery, speaking with your vet immediately is essential, as these factors can significantly impact the recommended course of action.
