Accidental Ingestion: Here’s What Dogs Swallow + How To Prevent It

Did you know that ”accidental ingestion’ – basically your dog swallowing something they shouldn’t – was a top claim type this past year? And we don’t just mean the usual suspects like chocolate. In fact, harmful foreign bodies can range from items in your pantry through to toys, medication and clothing.

In this article, we look at why this is such a common issue for dogs, what the most common hazards are, and how to minimise the risk to your pup.

The top accidental ingestion hazards

As mentioned, accidental ingestion was a top insurance claims for dogs. This covers all kinds of claims, from dogs who ate something poisonous and needed to be treated with drips or medication; through to dogs who had an obstruction and were choking; and dogs who needed surgical removal of objects from their trachea or stomach.

We even had a recent claim for a Labrador who ate a pool cover and needed surgery to remove it. But more on that later!

These were the top 5 culprits:

1. Chocolate
2. Plants
3. Poison
4. Medication

Also on the list is a catch all ‘foreign body’ that includes all sorts of things dogs shouldn’t ingest. If you’re wondering what ‘foreign objects’ these could include, the list is vast. Our claims manager cites some examples:

• Socks/ underwear
• Hair ties / scrunchies
• Tennis ball
• Rocks
• Kitchen twine
• Shoes /slippers
• Sanitary pads / tampons

The reality is that accidental ingestion of foreign bodies can have a wide variety of ramifications. This depends largely on what’s ingested. Dog and cat choking incidents are certainly one reason pets are rushed to the vet after eating something they shouldn’t, but poisoning/toxicity and obstructions further down the digestive system are more common.

Remember: if it fits in your dog’s mouth it can be a choking hazard. Speaking of accidental ingestion, read more about pet accident insurance.

Why accidental ingestion in dogs is common

Why do pups often chew on and swallow things they shouldn’t? On reason is that they’re natural explorers, and they do so especially with their mouths. Dogs rely heavily on their sense of taste and smell to investigate the world around them. This curiosity often leads them to chew or swallow things they shouldn’t, whether it’s a dropped pill, a bit of chocolate, or even something as bizarre as a sock.

Another factor is that dogs can’t tell what’s safe or dangerous. That tasty-looking raisin cookie or a colourful packet of gum might seem like a treat to them, even though it could be toxic. Add to this their love for scavenging and their occasional “eat first, ask questions later” attitude, and you’ve got a recipe for trouble.

The top accidental ingestion culprits

As mentioned, chocolate, plants, poison and medication are some common hazards. Below, we take a closer look at each one.

Chocolate

On top of being poisonous to dogs, chocolate is a common accidental ingestion hazard for dogs because it’s everywhere—especially in homes with people who love sweet treats. Dogs are drawn to its rich smell and taste, and since many pet owners don’t realise how harmful it can be, it’s often left within easy reach. Think about holidays like Easter, Christmas, or Halloween when chocolate is abundant and not always stored securely. These are perfect opportunities for a curious dog to grab some!

Dogs also have a knack for sniffing out hidden treats. Even if you stash chocolate in a bag, drawer, or cupboard, a determined dog might find a way to get to it. Combine their love for scavenging with how common chocolate is in households, and it’s easy to see why it’s a top culprit for accidental ingestion.

Plants

Your dog’s natural curiosity (or boredom) can lead them to sampling plants in your house or in the garden. Not only can swallowing large plant parts, husks or fronds lead to blockages in their intestines, but some plants are poisonous to dogs.

Here are just a few common household/garden plants that pose a hazard:

• Aloe Vera
• Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
• Philodendron
• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) (pictured below)
• Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
• Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
• Sago Palm
• Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant)

To cover your bases, read about poisonous plants  and  a great resource to bookmark is this A – Z guide of toxic plants and flowers for pets.

Foreign bodies like toys

Foreign bodies, specifically dog toys, can sometimes be dangerous for your pet. Dog toys are often a cause of accidental ingestion, and sometimes are swallowed and need to be surgically removed. Of course, some toys present greater risks than others which is why it’s important to choose them carefully.

The first one you need to be aware of are rawhide toys, which can cause dog choking episodes when they get stuck in the throat. This is because dogs often chew off large chunks which can be choking hazards or cause blockages. Plus, they can cause digestive problems and allergies due to the chemicals and flavourings used in rawhide chews.

Secondly, stuffed or braided toys can be dangerous too. For dogs who tend to chew and destroy things, the stuffing or materials are often too easily accessible. This leads to dogs tearing the toys or shredding them up and swallowing large amounts of the material. Of course, this can be a dog choking hazard. But they can also ingest the toy materials with seemingly no issues. However, sometimes  they need to be surgically removed because your dog can’t pass them.

Pssst.. are you currently experiencing the frenetic puppy chew mode? Here’s our teething puppy survival guide to help get you through.

Poison + medication

Accidental poison ingestion includes things like rat poison, weed killer and slug bait to household cleaning products and antifreeze. These substances, even in small amounts can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid heart rate, and seizures in your dog. In worst case scenarios, poisons can be fatal to dogs.

Human medication and supplements are also a common ingestion hazard – and that includes essential oils. While we do our best to stash these items away, our dogs can be masterminds in sniffling them out and gobbling them up. Read here about a PD pup named Hazelnut who ate 30 human heart medication pills. Click on ‘My dog ate my pills what should I do?‘ for more on her survival story.

7 ways to minimise accidental ingestion

Here are other must-know, practical tips to lessen the chance that your pup might eat and swallow something that can cause them trouble:

1. Dog/puppy proof your home

Think of it like baby-proofing but for your dog! Keep anything harmful—like medications, cleaning products, or human foods like chocolate—stored securely in high cupboards or locked cabinets. Dogs are clever, so don’t underestimate their ability to jump or nudge open a door. Here’s how to puppy proof your home.

2. Secure your trash

Dogs love exploring bins for tasty (but often dangerous) scraps. Use dog-proof bins or keep them behind closed doors to stop any scavenging.

3. Be careful with plants

As mentioned, make sure your houseplants and garden are dog-friendly. Research what’s toxic to dogs and keep those plants out of reach or out of your home altogether.

4. Mind food and drink

Never leave human food unattended. Dogs are fast and sneaky, especially when something smells delicious. Be extra cautious during parties or holidays when tempting treats might be everywhere.

5. Train “leave it” command

Teaching your dog a solid “leave it” command can be a lifesaver. It’s especially useful during walks if they try to grab something harmful. Here are more dog training tricks to add to their repertoire.

6. Watch them outside

While on walks or in the garden, keep an eye on what they’re sniffing or chewing. Dogs can find hazards like wild mushrooms, karaka berries, or discarded food.

7. Use bitter sprays

If your dog has a habit of chewing on furniture, wires, or plants, non-toxic bitter sprays can help deter them.

8. Educate guests

Let visitors know not to leave their food, drinks, or belongings (like handbags with medications) within your dog’s reach.

9. Emergency plan

Keep your vet’s contact info handy and know what to do in case of accidental ingestion of foreign bodies. Being prepared can make a huge difference.

Insurance for accidental ingestion and more

Even if you are a top-of-the-class parent, pets still sometimes get themselves into trouble. If they’ve swallowed something they shouldn’t, pet insurance can help greatly both financially and emotionally.

By taking out an online insurance policy via our quick and easy process, you’ll have protection for those times when things don’t go quite to plan. Get one month of FREE pet insurance when you sign up – click below to get a quote.