If a dog eats a single small magnet, it may pass through the gut without problems, but magnets are far more dangerous than most swallowed objects. If a dog swallows two or more magnets, or a magnet plus a piece of metal, they can attract each other through the walls of the stomach or intestines, pinching the tissue between them until it dies and tears open. Large magnets can also cause a blockage. Call your veterinarian right away if your dog has eaten a magnet, even if they seem fine, and don't try to make your dog vomit unless your vet tells you to.
What are the symptoms of swallowing a magnet?
If your dog has swallowed a magnet, look for these symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
Other warning signs include abdominal pain (such as a hunched posture or not wanting to be touched), drooling, straining to poo, or a swollen belly. Keep in mind that a dog can seem completely normal for a while even when magnets are causing damage inside.
If you detect any of these symptoms, or you know or suspect your dog has swallowed a magnet, contact your veterinarian immediately. They’ll most likely want to do an x-ray to locate the magnets in the GI tract.
What are the risks of leaving a magnet in the stomach?
Leaving a magnet in the stomach can cause serious health problems including:
- Blockages in the intestines
- Tearing of the intestines
- Infections
- Severe digestive issues
Ingesting a foreign object, such as a magnet, can be very dangerous. If the object lodges in the esophagus, it can cause obstruction, perforation, or even death. If it becomes stuck in the stomach, it can lead to inflammation, ulceration, or perforation of the stomach lining.
In addition, multiple magnets can attract each other across loops of intestine, cutting off the blood supply to the tissue trapped between them. This can cause holes (perforations) and a life-threatening abdominal infection called peritonitis. As a result, it is always best to seek veterinary attention immediately if your dog has swallowed a magnet.
Is there any long-term impact for a dog eating a magnet?
Usually not, as long as a single small magnet passes through the digestive system without causing any problems. However, if the magnet is large or if the dog ingests multiple magnets, it can cause an obstruction or perforation. If this happens, the dog may need surgery to remove the magnets and repair or remove damaged sections of intestine, and recovery can take weeks.
In severe cases, especially when treatment is delayed and peritonitis has set in, the damage can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to keep magnets away from dogs and to seek veterinary care if your dog ingests one.
How can I prevent my dog from swallowing a magnet?
The greatest thing you can do to prevent your dog from consuming a magnet is to keep them out of reach. Keep any toys or objects with magnets out of your pet’s reach. Be especially careful with small, powerful neodymium magnets found in desk toys, magnetic building sets and some jewelry. It is critical that you contact your vet as soon as possible if you think your dog has eaten a magnet, since magnets can be deadly if ingested. You may help protect your dog from danger by following these simple recommendations. We share more general tips in how to stop your dog from scavenging at home.
Will a magnet show up on xray?
Yes, a magnet will show up on the xray. Magnets are made of metal, which shows up as bright white objects on an x-ray. Your vet may take more than one x-ray, from different angles or a few hours apart, to count the magnets and see whether they are moving through the gut.
What is the treatment for a dog who ate a magnet?
Treatment depends on how many magnets your dog swallowed, how big they are and where they are. If a single small magnet is still in the stomach, your vet may be able to remove it with an endoscope (a camera with grabbing tools passed down the throat) under anesthesia, without surgery. Sometimes a single small magnet that has moved further along can be monitored with repeat x-rays as it passes.
If there are multiple magnets, or there are signs of a blockage or perforation, surgery will be necessary to remove the magnets and repair any damage that has been done.
Are dogs attracted to magnets?
There is no evidence that dogs are attracted to magnets themselves. Dogs, and especially puppies, simply explore with their mouths, and magnets are often small, shiny, smooth and fun to chew. Fridge magnets shaped like food, or magnets that smell of their owner's hands, can be extra tempting. If your dog chews household items in general, see how to stop your dog from chewing electrical wires.
Wrapping up
Swallowed magnets are an emergency, especially when there is more than one. Call your vet right away, even if your dog seems fine; an x-ray will show how many magnets there are and whether they can be removed with an endoscope, monitored, or need surgery. You can help to prevent your dog from swallowing a magnet by keeping them out of reach of any toys or objects that contain magnets. Taking some simple precautions can help to keep your dog safe from harm.
