What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Razor Blade - Emergency Steps

What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Razor Blade - Emergency Steps

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What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Razor Blade

Finding out your dog has eaten a razor blade can be an incredibly scary situation for any pet owner. Razor blades can cause severe internal damage and injury if swallowed. It's important to remain calm and take quick action if you believe your dog has consumed a razor.

Signs Your Dog May Have Eaten a Razor

Some signs your dog may have swallowed a razor include:

  • Finding razor blades or packaging missing
  • Seeing blood in your dog's saliva or vomit
  • Your dog is vomiting or retching
  • Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
  • Abdominal pain or tenderness
  • Weakness or lethargy
  • Strange breathing patterns

If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms after having access to razor blades, it's important to act fast. Don't wait to see if symptoms improve on their own.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Dog Swallowed a Razor

If you suspect your dog swallowed a razor blade, here are some steps to take right away:

  1. Prevent Further Injury - If you see your dog swallow a razor, don't reach into their mouth to retrieve it. This could cause lacerations to their mouth or throat.
  2. Contact Your Vet - Call your vet or emergency vet clinic immediately. They will advise you on next steps.
  3. Monitor Your Dog Closely - Check their gums for paleness or blue color. Look for increased heart rate or labored breathing. Watch for signs of pain or discomfort.
  4. Avoid Food & Water - Don't give your dog any food or water, as it can increase risk of internal injury.
  5. Travel to the Vet - Unless otherwise instructed, take your dog to the vet right away. Bring the razor packaging if available.

Diagnosis & Treatment

At the vet, they will likely do a physical exam and palpate your dog's abdomen to check for pain or swelling. They may recommend:

  • Blood tests - To check for signs of infection or internal injury.
  • Abdominal x-rays - To potentially locate the razor blade and check for perforations.
  • Endoscopy - A camera scope inserted into the throat to potentially retrieve the razor.

Based on your dog's symptoms and diagnostic results, the vet will decide on a treatment plan. This could include:

  • IV fluids - To prevent dehydration and maintain blood pressure.
  • Medication - Antibiotics, pain relievers, antacids.
  • Surgery - If the razor has caused severe injury or perforation.
  • Endoscopic retrieval - Using a scope and grabber to extract the razor.
  • Monitoring and supportive care - If the razor has passed through the GI tract.

Caring For Your Dog After a Razor Ingestion

After swallowing a razor blade, your dog will need extra care and observation. Be sure to:

  • Give any prescribed medications as directed.
  • Feed a bland diet to allow GI tract healing.
  • Prevent strenuous exercise or play that could cause further injury.
  • Monitor their stools for signs of blood or the passing of the razor.
  • Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or decreased appetite.
  • Keep follow up vet appointments to ensure they are healing properly.
  • Call the vet if you have any concerns post-treatment.

Preventing Razor Ingestion

To help avoid your dog getting access to razors in the future:

  • Keep razors securely stored in cabinets or drawers.
  • Properly dispose of old razors in the trash, not the recycling.
  • Avoid leaving razors unattended on bathroom counters or in shower stalls.
  • Use child-proof or pet-proof latches on drawers and cabinets.
  • Keep bathroom doors closed to block access to razors.
  • Clean up any dropped blades immediately.
  • Consider using an electric razor or beard trimmer instead.
  • Supervise dogs when they are loose in your home.

When to Seek Emergency Help

In some cases, you may need to get emergency veterinary treatment for your dog right away. Seek emergency help if your dog shows any of these symptoms after ingesting a razor:

  • Heavy bleeding from the mouth or rectum
  • Violent vomiting or heaving
  • Very pale gums or tongue
  • Collapsing or losing consciousness
  • Crystal clear vomit that looks like egg whites
  • Severe belly swelling or bloating
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Signs of shock like weakness, rapid heart rate, or trembling
  • Little to no energy, extremely lethargic

If your dog shows any of these warning signs, bring them to emergency veterinary services right away. Time is critical when treating potential internal bleeding or other life threatening conditions.

The Bottom Line

While extremely dangerous if swallowed, following proper first aid steps and seeking prompt veterinary care can allow for a good outcome if your dog ingests a razor blade. Prevention is also key - be sure to keep all razors safely stored and out of your dog's reach. With quick action and care, your furry friend can make a full recovery.

FAQs

How quickly do I need to get my dog to the vet if they eat a razor blade?

You should get your dog to the vet immediately if you believe they have swallowed a razor blade. Don't wait to see if symptoms improve. The razor can cause severe internal lacerations and damage, so time is critical for treatment.

Will my dog need surgery if they eat a razor blade?

Your vet will determine if surgery is needed based on your dog's symptoms and diagnostic results. Surgery may be required to stop internal bleeding or repair perforations. But in some cases the razor may pass through or be retrieved endoscopically without needing surgery.

Are razor blades toxic to dogs?

The main danger from dogs swallowing razor blades is physical injury, not toxicity. However, some razor blades may contain trace amounts of chemicals that could cause minor toxicity. The cutting edges pose the greatest risk of physical harm.

Can I induce vomiting if my dog eats a razor?

No, you should never induce vomiting if your dog swallows a razor blade. Trying to vomit up a razor could potentially cause further internal lacerations or damage to their esophagus or stomach.

How can I prevent my dog from eating razors?

Keep all razors stored safely in drawers or cabinets your dog can't access. Properly dispose of old blades so they aren't left in wastebaskets. Never leave razors unattended within reach. Use child locks and supervise your dog when loose in the home.

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