Warning for dog owners of common dog toy
A warning has been issued to dog owners after a dog from the UK is lucky to be alive after swallowing two tennis balls during a game of fetch.
The fun loving dog, Loki, had a very lucky escape. Loki's owner first realised something was wrong when he mysteriously got sick after playing and refused to eat.
Tennis balls can wear down dogs' teeth and cause pain and difficulty chewing, according to a vet
Loki was soon rushed to the vet hospital where vets discovered the two tennis balls in his stomach.
Loki's owner Amy said she knew something was wrong quickly after his favourite ball game.
“It was only when Loki refused to eat, and started being sick, we realised something was wrong. He was still active and playful, but it’s not like Loki to pass up some food," she said.
Emergency surgery was needed fast, with vets managing to remove both balls from Loki's stomach intact.
The Vet, Catherine Burke, who treated Loki at a pet hospital said he was very lucky to have the balls discovered when he did.
"Loki’s situation was a case of life-or-death - without surgery, he would likely have died," she said.
"One of the balls was lodged in his stomach, preventing him from keeping food down."
Catherine also used the near-tragedy to warn others about the dangers tennis balls could have for their dogs
“If this does happen, try to keep calm and if safe to do so, you can attempt to remove it from the back of the mouth.
"However it can be very slippery and difficult to remove. If you can’t remove it, contact your vet immediately for an emergency appointment.
“Tennis balls are covered in a felt layer; which has the appearance of yellow-green fuzz and is abrasive which means it has a sandpaper-like effect.
"Over time it can wear down your dog’s teeth and cause pain and difficulty chewing.”
Instead of tennis balls, toys and balls specifically designed for dogs are recommended. You can also see our teeth bone toy here.
Other warnings include any ball chosen being the right size to avoid potentially fatal choking incidents or intestinal blockage.
This should mean the ball should be big enough to be grabbed with the teeth and carried, but not fit perfectly in the dog's mouth.
