Socks top the list of the most common surgically removed item from pets’ gastrointestinal tracts, according to Veterinary Pet Insurance. Underwear and pantyhose followed.
The most common surgically removed items are:
- Socks
- Underwear
- Pantyhose
- Rocks
- Balls
- Chew toys
- Corn cobs
- Bones
- Hair ties/Ribbons
- Sticks
Other frequently ingested objects include nails, sewing needles, and nipples from baby bottles. Pagers, hearing aids, drywall, snail bait, batteries, rubber bands and toy cars have also been reported.
“It’s no secret that cats are curious and dogs like to chew on things,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. “Unfortunately, those traits can motivate pets to chew on, bite, or swallow items they shouldn't. Some of these objects will pass naturally, but others have a tendency to become lodged in pets' gastrointestinal tracts, resulting in pain, vomiting, or internal injury. In those cases, surgery may be a necessity."
In order to prevent dogs from eating potentially harmful objects, items should be kept where pets are unable to retrieve them. In addition, dog owners should take note of pets’ chewing tendencies, VPI officials recommend.