Oral foreign bodies are common in dogs, with severity of the problem depending on the object and its location. Young, curious dogs, and those who chew or chase sticks, are most at risk.

Foreign bodies in the mouth can cause symptoms such as drooling, pawing at the mouth, and bad breath. Always seek veterinary advice for mouth problems.

Overview

What are oral foreign bodies in dogs?

Dogs use their mouths to pick things up, explore and catch things. So getting something stuck in their mouth will always be a risk.

• Common items include bone or stick fragments, fibres, pieces of toys, and decaying food.
• Objects can get wedged between teeth, across the roof of the mouth, or under the tongue.
• Sharp or hard objects can damage the mouth, while food objects trapped between teeth will decay.
• Untreated foreign bodies can lead to inflammation, pain, infection, abscesses, and bad breath.

Symptoms

Symptoms of oral foreign bodies in dogs

Symptoms arise from tissue damage and discomfort.

• Pawing at the face, drooling, bleeding, and bad breath.
• Eating difficulties: eating on one side, dropping food, or not eating at all.
• Gagging and retching happen if the object moves to the back of the throat.

Risk

Dogs at higher risk of having a foreign body in the mouth

All dogs are at risk, but factors like age, breed, personality, and lifestyle can increase risk.

High-risk dogs:

• Puppies.
• Dogs who chew or chase sticks.
• Dogs with poorly aligned or missing teeth.
• Dogs that eat bones, especially brittle, cooked or chicken bones.

Complications

• Sharp objects can penetrate gums, tongue, cheeks, and even the hard palate, potentially reaching the nasal cavity or throat; strings can dig into the tongue and extend to the stomach.
• Oral foreign bodies may move deeper, carrying infection and inflammation away from the mouth.
• Abscesses in the mouth and throat; sepsis.
• Nerve damage.
• Gum and tooth decay.

Diagnosis

 Diagnosis of oral foreign bodies in dogs

• Finding an oral foreign body can be challenging, especially if the dog is in pain.
• May require sedation or general anaesthetic for thorough examination.
• Vets perform a full physical exam, including inside the mouth and under the tongue.
• Imaging techniques like X-rays, ultrasound, CT, MRI, or endoscopy help locate the foreign object.

Vet treatment

Treatment of oral foreign bodies in dogs

• Vets will remove the foreign body and treat any complications.
• Simple removal of small items may not require an anaesthetic.
• Complex removals carried out under anaesthetic; possible stitching and wound repair.
• Medication: anti-inflammatories for pain and swelling; antibiotics for infection.

Home treatment

Homecare for dogs who had a foreign body in the mouth

Once the foreign body is removed and your dog goes home, here’s what you should do:

• Follow your vet’s instructions for medications and give them at the correct time and dose.
• Provide plenty of water and feed soft foods in small, easy-to-swallow portions.
• Remove chewable toys to prevent further injury.

What not to do

• Easily seen oral foreign bodies can sometimes be removed at home.
• Avoid removing lodged or hard-to-reach objects to prevent stress or injury.
• Improper removal attempts may push the object further, causing more harm.

Prevention

Prevention of oral foreign bodies in dogs

• Avoid throwing sticks; use a ball or Kong instead.
• Supervise when introducing new chews or toys, and replace broken toys promptly.
• Feed a healthy diet and avoid raw or cooked bones; choose appropriate kibble.
• Maintain dental health with daily teeth cleaning and regular mouth checks.

When to worry

When to worry about an oral foreign body in dogs

Call your nearest vet without delay if your dog is:

• Retching or gagging violently
• In severe pain
• Bleeding heavily from their mouth
• Unable to open or close their mouth

Seek veterinary advice if your dog is:

• Having difficulty eating
• Pawing or rubbing at their mouth
• Developing bad breath
• Losing weight