Dogs tend to eat unusual things. When a dog ingests foreign material or foodstuffs too large to pass through the esophagus (the throat), the esophagus can become blocked. Small-breed dogs, especially terriers, are most apt to have esophageal foreign bodies. Esophageal foreign bodies cause mechanical blockage, swelling, and death of the throat tissue.
Symptoms and Types
- Retching
- Gagging
- Loss of energy
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Excessive salivation, drooling
- Regurgitation
- Restlessness
- Trouble swallowing
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent gulping
Causes
Obstruction of the esophagus occurs with objects that are of a size, shape, or texture that will cause them to get stuck in the esophagus.
Below are images that show what to do if your dog is choking. If you can’t remove the object that is lodged in your dogs throat seek emergency care immediately.
