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My dog ate a plastic fork. What should I do? Is a vet visit needed?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 1 year and 3 months old | 70 lbs

My dog just ate the top part of a plastic fork. Should I take her in to the vet

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 21st, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Depending on the size of Koda and how big the piece of fork was that she ate, will determine if she will potentially have problems or not. She will most likely be fine. At this point, I would just monitor. What you will want to monitor Koda for are decreased appetite / activity, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain. These symptoms would indicate a potential problem from ingesting the piece of fork. Problems would include an intestinal obstruction or some type of laceration / puncture to the intestines as it passes through the GI tract. Koda will most likely pass this in her stool. I would watch her bowel movements for the next 24-48 hours to ensure that it has passed. If she is completely normal in 48 hours still, I would bet that she will be ok! I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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26Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on September 19th, 2022

    If the fork was only slightly nibbled on, I would just keep an eye on Dora. Signs of issues to look out for include vomiting, diarrhea, painful abdomen, blood in the stool or vomit, or attempting to vomit/pass stool without being able to. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to seek veterinary care right away.

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