If curiosity killed the cat, dogs that survive sticking their noses into unsavoury places are often left battered and bruised as their owners foot the bill.
RSPCA Pet Insurance has sifted through the latest Aussie claims data to unearth the most shocking household items and toxic substances that dogs have scoffed down.
The list includes baby nappies, hearing aids, soft contact lenses, batteries, human medication, fishing hooks and even pieces of concrete.
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One claim even saw a Labrador swallow an entire dish cloth without chewing, while another found a Golden Retriever had chewed up an aluminium can and a pair of reading glasses.
Then there was the French Bulldog that swallowed a scrunchie, a Goldendoodle that ingested a nappy, a Miniature Dachshund that needed emergency vomiting triggered after chewing a baby’s dummy, and an English Staffordshire Bull Terrier that found its way into used sanitary pads from the bin, leaving the vet concerned they could expand internally.
Dog making a mess. Credit: Supplied
No, this is a not a nursery rhyme or a Dr Seuss tale.
These are real claims that have forced dog owners to bear both the financial and emotional burden of seeking care for their beloved family members.
Brad Smith, CEO of RSPCA Pet Insurance, said ingestion-related claims often involve scans and emergency care costing well into the thousands.
“We regularly see claims involving emergency surgery, overnight hospitalisation, scans and intensive treatment, with some claims reaching up to $13,500,” he said.
“Many pet owners are shocked by how quickly a curious pet can swallow something dangerous and how rapidly those costs can escalate.”
Dogs can easily access dangerous household items. Credit: Supplied
Mr Smith lamented the fact owners are often only alerted to the danger once symptoms of their pets’ misadventure emerge.
Such incidents can lead to internal damage, seizures, organ failure, and a host of intensive veterinary treatments.
TV vet Dr Katrina Warren — dog mum to Chilli — said it’s worth keeping a closer eye on breeds that are particularly fond of following their noses.
“Some dogs are naturally more opportunistic than others, especially breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Beagles and Staffies that are well known for eating almost anything they can get hold of,” she said.
“I know of pets swallowing everything from corn cobs and lego, to golf balls and diamond earrings. These sound funny at first, but they can become life-threatening very quickly.”
Dr Katrina Warren’s dog Chilli. Credit: Supplied
Dr Warren said corn cobs are the “biggest culprit” due to their size and shape, as they can become lodged in the stomach or intestines.
She encouraged owners to “pet proof” their homes by looking beyond just what’s sits at their pet’s eye level, and consider what else may be within reach should they have a particularly snoopy pooch on their hands.
“Keep laundry, batteries, children’s toys, medications and rubbish bins securely out of reach,” she suggested.
“Avoid leaving bags, lunchboxes or food unattended and supervise pets around toys, as damaged toys, squeakers and loose stuffing can pose a serious choking or intestinal blockage risk.”
