Vet or wait it out?

[Anonymous]

My dog ate a good amount of ‘tinsel’ from an artificial Christmas tree a few days ago (did not realize until it showed up in his poop). Individual confetti type pieces, not long strands. Anyways, for the past few days, he’s vomited several times, has been eating grass and ‘licking his lips’ a lot. Eating and drinking normally (maybe even drinking more) and is playful/energetic, also has been pooping/peeing on his normal schedule. Should I go to the vet for this or just wait it out?

[Anonymous]

I’ve never had a dog, but I’m seriously considering adopting one. Forgive my ignorance, but can’t you call your vet and ask them if your dog should be seen? I’m asking because when I’m not sure if my child needs to be seen by her pediatrician, I call and get advice from a nurse. Is that something you can do with veterinarian offices?

[Anonymous]

If there were long strands going in I would definitely go in - stringy things are dangerous because they can get wrapped around.

[Anonymous]

Call your vet and relay the symptoms. The vomiting is concerning. I would also look into his mouth to see if there's something stuck there, because he's licking his lips.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If there were long strands going in I would definitely go in - stringy things are dangerous because they can get wrapped around.

To clarify - not long strands - more like inch long, extremely thin confetti like pieces. They have showed up in his poop.

[Anonymous]

Call.

[Anonymous]

Definitely take him in.

[Anonymous]

If you don’t care about him dying, wait. You are looking at a multi thousands of dollars surgery at worst. At least get an extra to see if there is a blockage. Those things probably have lead in them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you don’t care about him dying, wait. You are looking at a multi thousands of dollars surgery at worst. At least get an extra to see if there is a blockage. Those things probably have lead in them.

They shouldn't have lead. That was used decades ago when we had lovely tinsel that hung well instead of the plasticky stuff now. Having seen a small dog I had poop out an entire diaper (from my nephew when we were visiting) it's amazing what their bodies can deal with, but a call to the vet would be a good idea.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you don’t care about him dying, wait. You are looking at a multi thousands of dollars surgery at worst. At least get an extra to see if there is a blockage. Those things probably have lead in them.

Don’t be dramatic. Pets often swallow things they shouldn’t with no expensive consequence apart from discomfort.
OP should call her vet and go from there.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. Appointment scheduled for tonight. Feel like I’ve just been slammed financially the last few months - one more thing to deal with!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks. Appointment scheduled for tonight. Feel like I’ve just been slammed financially the last few months - one more thing to deal with!

Good luck, OP! Hope everything works out!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Call your vet and relay the symptoms. The vomiting is concerning. I would also look into his mouth to see if there's something stuck there, because he's licking his lips.

Lip licking can indicate dehydration (not unusual after vomiting) and/or nausea, but sounds like he's otherwise feeling well. Has the vomiting stopped?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Call your vet and relay the symptoms. The vomiting is concerning. I would also look into his mouth to see if there's something stuck there, because he's licking his lips.

Lip licking can indicate dehydration (not unusual after vomiting) and/or nausea, but sounds like he's otherwise feeling well. Has the vomiting stopped?

Last time was yesterday morning. Lots of grass eating since then, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks. Appointment scheduled for tonight. Feel like I’ve just been slammed financially the last few months - one more thing to deal with!

Good luck, OP! Hope everything works out!

Thank you!