My dog ate a lollipop stick. Could it harm his stomach or gut?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It really depends on what was in the lollipop. If the lollipop had some sort of gum or filling, it can cause an obstruction in her intestines. If she also ate the stick, that may cause problems such as a perforation, especially if the stick was plastic. The sugar content may make Hazel slightly hyper or shaky as well. I recommend bringing her to the vet if you are worried, as any of the conditions above are easier to treat the earlier they are diagnosed. You can also watch her for vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Good luck with Hazel!

A small amount of plastic and a wooden popsicle stick is unlikely to cause an issue. I'd recommend monitoring for any vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite and contacting your veterinarian if you see these signs.

If Hennighn just swallowed the stick, you can take into into the vet right away for them to induce vomiting. The only concern with this is that it could get stuck in the esophagus, which would be a bad complication. The other option is to wait and see if he digests and passes the stick. Dogs do eat wood, and often pass it without problem. You will need to monitor his feces and his behavior. The stick should pass within 24-48 hours. If he starts vomiting, having diarrhea, stops eating, or becomes very lethargic, then it is likely that the stick is stuck, and he will need to see a vet right away. Hennighn is a big dog, and Labs often eat things they aren't supposed to, so I wouldn't be surprised if he passed it on his own. Give him a slice of whole wheat bread now, and with every meal, to give him more fiber and encourage the stick to pass along. The bread now will help cushion the stick as it passes through the intestinal tract. If the stick passes, you have no worries, just keep monitoring the feces for it. Hope this helps, and good luck :-)

The good news is that usually corn dog sticks don’t cause too much trauma in terms of the sharp edges. Sometimes, they don’t even eat any, they just chew it. If Pax is acting great, give him a slice of bread which can stick to the sharper pieces and ease their passing. That being said, it can still cause some vomiting or diarrhea and if you see these, or if you see lethargy or any other concerning signs, it time to take Pax to your vet.

Jax should be just fine if you don't notice any vomiting within the next several days. Young dogs often eat things they shouldn't, and it's important to keep everything off the floor that you don't want chewed on. Large Kong treats stuffed with peanut butter are a good, safe chew toy option. Also, make sure he's getting a lot of attention and exercise. Good luck!

Oh that wasn't good Sadie ate that! The problem with it is that could potentially get stuck in her GI tract or cause perforation of the intestines. Given that it's a small piece of wood, hopefully it should pass ok, but I will give you some things that may help. Give her a slice of whole wheat bread now, as it will form a ball of ingesta around the stick. You can give her this slice of bread with every meal, and keep an eye on her and her feces. If you see any blood in her feces, or she has diarrhea, anorexia, vomiting, or lethargy, that means the stick could have perforated her intestines or caused an obstruction, and Sadie will need to see a vet right away. It can take up to 72 hours for this to pass.

Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your question about Heidi. Do NOT induce vomiting, the wooden shards from the stick could damage her esophagus on the way out. Give her half a slice of whole wheat bread now, and one with every meal. This may form a ball of ingesta around the stick, and cushion it as it passes through the Gi tract. Monitor her closely, and if you see vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, or blood in her feces, take her into the vet. I hope this helps!