Yes, the dog did eat my homework, but also my phone, shoe, earrings, net curtains…
Battersea reveals the strangest things that dogs have swallowed
A 20 pound note, a mobile phone, and a pair of earrings are things you would expect to find inside a handbag, not your pet dog. But a new survey by Battersea Dogs & Cats Home reveals some of the more unusual objects our four-legged friends have accidentally consumed.
On the list of unusual items people’s hungry hounds have digested are a balloon, tube of glitter, a rubber duck, three magnets, 110 tea lights, an industrial fisherman’s glove, net curtains and a baby shoe.
The world famous animal charity carried out a survey following the arrival of a six month old stray Mongrel who had swallowed a wooden kebab skewer whole. The skewer was discovered when it worked its way through the dog’s system and was found protruding from its side. Patrick, named because he arrived at Battersea on St Patrick’s Day, had to undergo an emergency operation by Battersea’s veterinary team to remove the skewer, which fortunately had not caused any internal damage. Patrick isn’t the first dog to arrive at Battersea with a foreign object found inside him, and in the past Battersea’s vets have had to remove many items from dogs including a toy bus, a corn on the cob and a squeaky toy.
However, the charity is warning dog owners to be extra careful it their companion has a habit of eating items it shouldn’t, which could potentially be fatal to an animal. Ali Taylor, Head of Canine Welfare Training at Battersea explains: “Try not to leave things lying around if your dog has a habit of picking them up. If your dog has gotten hold of something it shouldn’t don’t attempt to chase it around the house trying to retrieve it from his mouth, as your dog may see this as a game and give him all the more reason to swallow it. Instead try exchanging the item your dog has in its mouth for his favourite treat or toy. If your dog has eaten something it shouldn’t and you are worried, consult your vet immediately.”
The story of Patrick and the skewer can be seen in ITV’s Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs this Thursday night at 8.30pm on ITV.