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My dog ate a bottle cap. What are the dangers? Should I call the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 11 months and 26 days old

My dog, ravyn, ate a bottle cap....What will happen to her? Is it serious?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 8th, 2016

It will either pass through or it could potential get stuck and cause an obstruction. If she chewed it in pieces than it will likely pass through without getting stuck. It may cause some inflammation in her intestines and you may notice some diarrhea. If she starts vomitng, becomes lethargic, or stops eating than she needs to be seen right away.

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68Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    The bottle cap will either pass or become struck in her GI tract. You can monitor and see if it's passes, but keep in mind that if it doesn't, it will be a surgery to get it out. You could also take her to your vet to induce vomiting to get the cap out that away. If you chose to monitor her, check her poop each time she goes for the bottle cap. If she begins to vomit, stop eating, develops diarrhea, or becomes very lethargic, then you will need to take her to your vet right away as it might mean the bottle cap has caused an obstruction.

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    34Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    That is not good, depending on the size of your dog it may cause an obstruction. Please take your dog to a vet or Pet ER immediately, before the bottle cap has time to leave the stomach. Your vet or a vet clinic may be able to retrieve the bottle cap with an endoscope.

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    23Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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