New research by vets has found that a few dogs in the UK have been causing problems in the relationships with their owners because of unusual cravings.
When Vets4Pets surveyed its veterinary practices to find the most unusual items found in a dog’s stomach, one of the most odd was underwear that belonged to someone other than the partner of the owner.
The survey was carried out among Vets4Pets practices across the UK after the practice in Newton Abbot had to remove a 21-inch riding crop from a boxer dog.
“Underwear and socks are not uncommon items that dogs can eat, but it’s highly unusual to find out they don’t belong to the owner or their partner,” said Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets.
“Of course dogs can often consume items left lying around the house, garden or outdoors, so it’s important that owners are aware of what their pet is doing, in case of an emergency.
“Golf balls, ping pong balls and pebbles are commonly found, often requiring surgery to remove them, but the list we’ve compiled demonstrates that dogs can find a huge variety of items to eat, with or without their owner’s knowledge.”
But the warning from vets extends beyond the more unusual items, with sticks causing one of the most common reason dogs to visit the vets.
Top ten most unusual items:
- Underwear of owner’s ‘non-partner’
- Riding crop
- Carpet thread running from mouth to bottom
- Needle and thread
- Whole baked potato
- Rubber chicken (whole)
- Christmas tinsel
- Corn on the cob middle
- Baby’s dummy teat
- Barbie doll head (without hair)
