Puppies have a way of finding and eating things you didn’t even realize were within reach. A piece of banana? Probably not your biggest concern. A missing sock? That’s a different story.

So how do you know when to watch your puppy at home and when it’s time to call the vet? We asked Dr. Doug from Juno Veterinary to walk us through some of the most common things puppies get into, from grass and people food to socks and toy stuffing, and what puppy parents should do next.

One rule to remember: If you’re not sure what your puppy ate, how much they ate, or whether it could be dangerous, call your vet. The right next step can depend on your puppy’s size, what they swallowed, how much they swallowed, and how long ago it happened.

Quick Guide: What Should I Do If My Puppy Ate Something?

My Puppy Ate Grass. Should I Be Worried?

A small amount of grass generally isn't a reason to panic. Grass-eating is relatively common in dogs, and if your puppy has only eaten a little and otherwise seems like themselves, Dr. Doug says it may simply be something to monitor.

What matters is what happens next. If your puppy starts vomiting repeatedly, stops eating, becomes unusually tired, or you're concerned about what may have been on the grass, contact your veterinarian.

My Puppy Ate Banana. Is Banana Safe for Dogs?

If your puppy managed to snag a small piece of banana, Dr. Doug says you generally don't need to panic. A small piece can be okay for a puppy. As with any new food, however, keep portions small and watch for digestive upset.

The banana peel is a different situation. If your puppy swallowed part or all of the peel, contact your vet for guidance, particularly if you have a small puppy or they swallowed a large piece.

My Puppy Ate Chocolate. What Should I Do?

Call your vet. 

Not all chocolate contains the same concentration of the compounds that are toxic to dogs, which means the risk depends on factors including the type of chocolate, how much was eaten, and your puppy's size. If you can, keep the wrapper or packaging and tell your veterinarian:

• What type of chocolate your puppy ate
• Approximately how much is missing
• When they ate it
• Your puppy's approximate weight
• Whether the product contained any other ingredients

My Puppy Ate a Grape or Raisin. What Should I Do?

Call your vet right away. 

Grapes and raisins can be toxic to dogs and have been associated with acute kidney injury. Because the response can vary between dogs, it's important to contact your veterinarian even if your puppy seems completely normal after eating one.

Dr. Doug notes that your vet may recommend an examination and blood work depending on the situation. 

My Puppy Ate Garlic. Is Garlic Toxic to Dogs?

Call your vet. 

Garlic belongs to the Allium family and can be harmful to dogs. Depending on how much your puppy ate and their size, your veterinarian may recommend monitoring, testing, or treatment. This includes garlic in different forms, so tell your veterinarian exactly what your puppy ate if you can.

My Puppy Ate Onion. What Should I Do?

Call your vet.

Like garlic, onion belongs to the Allium family. Onion exposure can cause gastrointestinal irritation and damage to red blood cells in dogs, with the level of risk depending partly on the amount consumed.Your veterinarian may want to perform blood work or recommend other next steps based on your puppy and the amount they ate.

My Puppy Ate a Chicken Bone. What Should I Do?

Call your vet for guidance.

Bones can become lodged in the esophagus or gastrointestinal tract, and bone fragments can cause other complications. Don't assume that because your puppy swallowed the bone successfully, everything is ok. Tell your vet what type of bone they ate, approximately how large it was, how much they ate, and when it happened. Your vet can determine whether your puppy needs to be examined or monitored.

My Puppy Ate a Sock. Is This an Emergency?

Call your veterinarian immediately or contact an emergency veterinary clinic.

A sock isn't toxic, but that doesn't make it harmless. Objects like socks can become stuck in the gastrointestinal tract and cause an obstruction. In some cases, your veterinarian may be able to intervene before the object travels farther through the digestive tract. This is one situation where you don't want to wait to see whether the sock comes out on its own.

My Puppy Ate Part of a Toy or Toy Stuffing. What Should I Do?

Call your vet.

What happens next depends on factors like what your puppy swallowed, how much is missing, and the size of your puppy. A tiny piece of material and a large piece of a toy aren't necessarily going to carry the same risk. Foreign objects that can't move normally through the digestive tract can potentially cause an obstruction.

If possible, bring or photograph an identical toy, or what's left of the one they chewed, so your vet has a better idea of what may have been swallowed.

My Puppy Ate Part of a Pen. What Should I Do?

Call your vet.

Pens can contain multiple materials and break into pieces of different shapes and sizes, so this is another situation where your veterinarian should help determine the next step. If you still have the pen, keep it nearby when you call so you can explain which pieces are missing and approximately how much your puppy may have swallowed.

My Puppy Ate Sand. What Should I Do?

Contact your vet immediately, especially if your puppy ate more than a small incidental amount.

Swallowing significant amounts of sand can potentially lead to sand impaction, where accumulated sand causes a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract. This can happen when puppies intentionally eat sand or accidentally swallow larger amounts while playing, digging, or repeatedly picking up sandy toys. Tell your veterinarian approximately how much your puppy may have swallowed and when it happened so they can tell you what to do next.

What Are the Signs My Puppy May Have an Intestinal Blockage?

Signs associated with gastrointestinal foreign bodies or obstruction can include:

• Vomiting or repeated attempts to vomit
• Loss of appetite
• Low energy or lethargy
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal swelling
• Changes in behaviour or obvious distress

If you know or suspect your puppy swallowed a foreign object and they begin showing any of these signs, seek veterinary attention.

What Information Should I Have When I Call the Vet?

The more information you can give your veterinarian, the easier it is for them to assess the situation. Before you call, try to figure out:

• What did they eat? Be as specific as possible.
• How much? Estimate what's missing.
• When did it happen? Even an approximate time helps.
• How big is your puppy? Their weight can make a difference.
• Are they showing any symptoms? Note vomiting, low energy, lack of appetite, pain, or unusual behaviour.
• Do you have the packaging or object? Keep wrappers, ingredient lists, toys, or remaining pieces nearby.
  

Should I Make My Puppy Throw Up?

Not unless a vet specifically tells you to. What your puppy swallowed can change whether inducing vomiting is appropriate or safe. Instead of trying to treat the ingestion yourself, call your vet or an emergency veterinary clinic and follow their instructions.

When in Doubt, Make the Call

Puppies are fast, curious, and still learning what is, and definitely isn't, food. Even with a puppy-proofed home, there's a good chance they'll eventually get their mouth on something they shouldn't.

Sometimes, like a small piece of banana or a little grass, there may be no reason to panic. Other times, what looks like a small mistake can require quick veterinary attention. If you know your puppy ate something potentially toxic or swallowed a foreign object, don't wait for them to start feeling sick before asking for help.

*This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always contact your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about your puppy's health.