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My dog swallowed a popsicle stick. Is it dangerous? What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 5 years and 10 months old

My 90 lb black lab just swollowed a Popsicle stick. What should I do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 14th, 2016

If Hennighn just swallowed the stick, you can take into into the vet right away for them to induce vomiting. The only concern with this is that it could get stuck in the esophagus, which would be a bad complication. The other option is to wait and see if he digests and passes the stick. Dogs do eat wood, and often pass it without problem. You will need to monitor his feces and his behavior. The stick should pass within 24-48 hours. If he starts vomiting, having diarrhea, stops eating, or becomes very lethargic, then it is likely that the stick is stuck, and he will need to see a vet right away. Hennighn is a big dog, and Labs often eat things they aren't supposed to, so I wouldn't be surprised if he passed it on his own. Give him a slice of whole wheat bread now, and with every meal, to give him more fiber and encourage the stick to pass along. The bread now will help cushion the stick as it passes through the intestinal tract. If the stick passes, you have no worries, just keep monitoring the feces for it. Hope this helps, and good luck :-)

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67Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on

    Poor pup! If you're sure he swallowed it whole, this is definitely concerning, since it's unlikely that an entire Popsicle stick will be able to pass through his intestines without getting stuck or causing a perforation. So if this is the case, I would recommend taking him to an emergency vet right away - he/she may opt to induce vomiting if they feel it's safe, or if they have an endoscope they can sedate him and remove it from his stomach. If he chewed up the Popcicle stick before swallowing it, then this is less worrisome - there is a good chance that the pieces may pass through without any problems, depending on how big they are. It would still be safest to have him checked out by a vet tonight if possible, since it may still be a good option to induce vomiting to get the pieces out.

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    18Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 6th, 2019

    Poor Max! I recommend you call your vet and have Max seen right away, as this could be a problem if the stick gets stuck or punctures/ perforates part of the gastrointestinal tract. If you notice him not eating and drinking normally over the next few days, or if he develops vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, I recommend having him seen by a vet again right away in case he is dealing with any internal injuries.

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    3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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