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My dog ate a plastic bottle cap. Should I be concerned about blockage?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 3 months old | 13 lbs

My dog just ate a plastic water bottle cap that was previously chewed and wasn't a full non chewed cap. Half of it was chewed away. Should I be worried?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Priyanka Thakkar, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 31st, 2017

It depends on the size of the cap ingested. The biggest concern would be it getting stuck in the intestinal tract which would require surgery to get out. It may be better to take Jax in to induce vomiting. If he ingested it in the past 1 hour then there is a good chance he could vomit it back out. A veterinarian can give a injection that works well to induce vomiting.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Your dog is a small dog, so the answer is yes, it could still cause gastrointestinal problem and even intestinal blockage. you will need to monitor hi, if he starts vomiting, having diarrhea or being lethargic you must take him to the vet right away.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on February 7th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I would call your Vet and discuss making Ze vomit. That way if he vomits it up there is no worrying to do. If he just ate it, you have time. Otherwise he MAY pass it, he might not. You would need to watch for vomiting, lethargy and not eating. Check every poop for the cap, so that means going outside with him or walking him on a leash. You are in the clear if you find it in the stool.

I hope this helps and I wish Ze the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

My dog ate a bottle cap. What are the dangers? Should I call the vet?

It will either pass through or it could potential get stuck and cause an obstruction. If she chewed it in pieces than it will likely pass through without getting stuck. It may cause some inflammation in her intestines and you may notice some diarrhea. If she starts vomitng, becomes lethargic, or stops eating than she needs to be seen right away.

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My dog ate a plastic bottle cap. What symptoms and when to worry?

It could take between 1-4 days until you notice symptoms, if the cap gets stuck in the intestines it could cause a blockage, you will need to monitor him for vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite and lethargy. if any of those symptoms persist, you will need to take him to the vet ASAP.

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My puppy ate a plastic cap and vomited it. Is he okay now?

It is great news that your puppy vomited the cap up. Now you will not have to worry about a foreign body and intestinal blockage! The plastic cap may have caused some gastritis and/or esophagitis (inflammation of the stomach and esophagus) which may cause some reflux and GI upset. If Bertie is eating and drinking well you should have nothing to worry about. If she stops wanting to eat or continues vomiting, you may want to take her in to see your vet so she can be prescribed some gastroprotectants. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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My dog ate a bottle cap and is throwing up. Vet visit needed?

If he is eating and drinking normally, and does not throw up after he eats, he may be ok. The only way to know for sure is to take him in for xrays. Your vet may want to do a barium study to actually see if the cap is still somewhere in his GI tract, as plastic often does not show up on a regular X-ray. There is a chance that he has passed it or will pass it in his stool. If he keeps throwing up, or starts acting lethargic and puny, or doesn't want to eat, you can't wait any longer and need to see your vet. Hope that helps!

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My dog might have swallowed a bottle cap 4 days ago. What now?

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