Our Vets are Available 🟢
Dial A Vet Logo
🐾 Pet Health
Blogs
Dog HealthCat HealthVeterinary ServicesPet Health
ask a vet
Ask A Vet Q&A - Free!Vet Tips - By Our Vets!
resources
Free Symptom CheckerDial A Vet NZFind a Local Vet ClinicGlossary
about DIAL A VET
Terms & Conditions
Privacy PolicyEditorial GuidelinesNewsletter
View all Blogs
Over 6,000 Articles
View All Q&A
5,000+ Answers
💵 Pricing📖 How it Works📧 Contact
Chat to a Vet

Question:

Puppy with some type of foreign body pieces in stomach on xray

I'm really worried about my little pup, Max. We just got back from the vet, and his x-ray showed some strange foreign body pieces in his stomach. I don't even know where or how he got into something like that. He's been throwing up a bit and hasn’t had much of an appetite. I feel like such a terrible pet parent right now. Has anyone else dealt with this? The vet mentioned potential surgery, and I’m kind of freaking out. I’d love to hear if anyone has been through something similar with their dog and how it turned out. Any advice on what to expect would be super helpful. Thanks so much!

Answer:

Hello! It sounds like you're going through a stressful time, and I’m here to help. Finding unknown objects in a puppy’s stomach on an X-ray is certainly concerning, but let's discuss what this might mean and what you can do next.



Puppies are naturally curious and love to chew on everything, from toys to sticks, and sometimes they end up swallowing things they shouldn’t. These foreign objects can sometimes pass through easily, but other times they can cause blockages or irritation in the stomach or intestines.



At home, keep a close eye on your puppy’s behavior. If they seem to be their usual playful self and are eating, drinking, and pooping normally, that’s a good sign. However, be on the lookout for warning signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, or abdominal pain. These symptoms might indicate the object isn't passing or is causing a blockage, which needs immediate attention.



In the meantime, ensure your puppy isn't chewing on anything else and provide plenty of fresh water. Encourage them to eat a little to help move things along, but avoid giving any over-the-counter medications unless advised by a vet.



For your peace of mind and your puppy’s safety, I highly recommend setting up a video consult with one of our vets on Dial A Vet. We can provide a more tailored plan and discuss whether any further action is needed. Wishing a quick resolution for your little one!

Answered by

Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet

June 23, 2025

  Book A Vet Consultation
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely. For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our content guidelines.
🧠 Related Pet Owner Questions
Dog may have eaten bone on walk
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Is Tidy Cat unscented and Fresh step unscented good cat litter?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cat over grooming for 1.5 years: allergies or compulsive behavior? Allergy test positive pics on a different post
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Afraid to have my cat's dental cleaning done this week due to risk of anesthesia death. What are some questions I should ask before committing?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Money Magazine
Australia's Leading
Online Vet
TrustPilot:
Excellent
Real Vets

Thousands of Pet Owners across the Globe rely on Dial A Vet for peace of mind.

Real questions, vet reviewed answers and quality care.

Trusted by 40,000+ users
4.7/5
dog in grass
Ina
Pet Owner

It was so easy, I needed some eye drops for my dog and thinking about going to the vet on a weekend made me nervous about the cost involved. Dial A Vet was a much simpler, cheaper option with faster results. Within 10 minutes of the call, I had the medicine I needed for my dog without an expensive consultation.

25 May 2025
Joanne
Pet Owner

A great fast efficient service with a qualified vet who was lovely and helpful. Thank you Samantha. I was able to sort my dog at 6pm on a Sunday night for $49 - amazing. Highly recommend.

12 May 2025
Lisa
Pet Owner

What an amazing service, at my wits end as I knew my beautiful dog had an ear infection, could not get into the vet for 4 days. Never knew there was vets online until I googled. Within 15 minutes on a Sunday I was taking to beautiful Samantha who diagnosed and treated our Jasper. Only $49. She trusted that we knew our boy and gave us lots of advice. I will definitely be using dial a vet every time and sharing with all my friends and family. Absolutely fantastic kind caring service. 11/10

7 April 2025
The logo for Dial A Vet, the online vet company.

With Dial A Vet, expert veterinary advice is just a tap away. Get fast vet consultations, trusted care, and personalized pet support - anytime, anywhere, all year round.

Dial A Vets uses software that is HIPAA compliant and SOC - 2 Certified.

support@dialavet.com.au

dial a vet owner with cat
dial a vet pet owner with dog in a orange top
colourful pet owner with their dog
40k+
Pet Owners
Fluffy stuff
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy policy
Company
How It WorksPricingBlogFree Online VetOnline VetPet Symptom CheckerFind a Local Vet ClinicAsk A Vet: Q&AGlossary
NEW ZEALAND
Speak to A Vet NZ
Our Social Links