Dangers to dogs and cats from children’s toys under the Christmas tree

Water beads (hydrogel beads, water beads) for crafting or as fillers

Even small amounts of these microbeads can be very dangerous due to their enormous swelling capacity. By absorbing water in the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. tract, the volume of each bead can increase 400 times and lead to an intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. obstructionobstruction refers to the blockage or narrowing of a hollow organ or canal, which hinders the normal flow of liquids or gases. In dogs and cats, an obstruction can occur in the digestive tract, airways, or urinary tract and often requires immediate medical treatment.. Since the swelling occurs gradually, only non-specific symptoms initially appear, such as restlessness (abdominalThe term “abdominal” refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. pain) or Vomiting. The beads are difficult to detect radiologically.

Alarm symptoms: repeated Vomiting, abdominalThe term “abdominal” refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. pain, bloated abdomenThe abdomen, also known as the abdominal cavity, is the part of the body located between the rib cage and the pelvis. It houses several important organs, including the stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines, and spleen., loss of appetite, no defecation, fatigue.

Magnetic balls (magnetic construction kits, strong magnets, neodymium)

It becomes critical if more than one magnet is swallowed or a metal part at the same time. The magnetic attraction is also effective through the intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. wall and can lead to the compression of two intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. sections. The pressure disrupts or prevents blood flow in this intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. area. Death of the intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. wall in this area and a perforationA perforation is a rupture or hole in the wall of a hollow organ, such as the gastrointestinal tract or bladder, which can lead to the release of contents into the body and severe infection. Perforations are Emergencies that require rapid veterinary intervention in dogs and cats. (breakthrough) into the abdominalThe term “abdominal” refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. cavity can result. According to a study in England, surgery was necessary in approximately 40% of cases in children. The course of the disease is insidious, as initially only very minor and non-specific symptoms often occur.

Alarm symptoms: Vomiting, abdominalThe term “abdominal” refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. pain, apathyApathy refers to a state of indifference and reduced interest or lack of emotional involvement in activities or events that would normally arouse interest., Fever, “hunched posture”, Refusal to eat, pressure pain, pale mucous membranes.

Button cells in many toys

After being swallowed, button cells cause serious injuries within a short time in the mouth, esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis)., or stomach due to chemical and electrical reactions. Within hours, mucosal burns, edemaAn edema is a buildup of fluid in the body’s tissues, leading to Swelling. Edema can be localized or generalized and is often a sign of an underlying condition., and necrosisNecrosis is the Death of tissue in a living organism, caused by factors such as injury, infection, or lack of blood supply. Necrotic tissue can cause Inflammatory conditions and further health problems. (death of tissue) can occur. This is followed by Bleeding and ulcerativeUlcerative refers to the condition or process that leads to the formation of ulcers. Ulcers are open Wounds or Lesions that can form on the skin or mucous membranes, are painful, and often heal slowly. lesions that can lead to a perforationA perforation is a rupture or hole in the wall of a hollow organ, such as the gastrointestinal tract or bladder, which can lead to the release of contents into the body and severe infection. Perforations are Emergencies that require rapid veterinary intervention in dogs and cats. (breakthrough) or a fistulaA fistula is an unnatural channel or connection between two organs, or between an organ and the body’s surface, that can arise from disease, injury, or surgical procedures. In dogs and cats, fistulas can be a cause for concern and may require treatment. (short-circuit connection, e.g. to the tracheaThe trachea, or windpipe, is a tubular organ that carries air from the upper respiratory tract to the bronchi in the lungs. It consists of ring-shaped pieces of cartilage that ensure it remains open.). Later, infections, adhesions, stricturesStrictures are pathological narrowings of tubes or ducts in the body that impede the normal flow of fluids or other substances. In dogs and cats, strictures can occur in the urethra, esophagus, or bile ducts and require medical treatment. due to scar tissue, and other consequences threaten, depending on the location.

Alarm symptoms: salivation, difficulty swallowing, Gagging, mouth pain, Futterverweigerung, Vomiting, Cough/breathing problems.

Water beads ingested in larger quantities, magnetic balls and button cells represent a real emergency!

What can the pet owner do?

• Immediately veterinarian/emergency service even without symptoms and be able to say as clearly as possible: What? How much? When? For water beads, estimate the amount (dry or already swollen?). For magnetic balls, clarify the number if possible (is the set complete or are parts missing?). For button cells: When was it swallowed?

• Secure remnants: take packaging, same beads/magnets/battery type or photo with you.
• Secure/keep the animal calm, do not leave anything lying around, keep other animals/children away.
• If visible in the mouth and easily and safely accessible: carefully remove. If the animal has only chewed on a battery: briefly rinse the mouth with water, if possible and stress-free (do not “flood”, do not force).

What should the pet owner not do?

• Do not “just watch” or wait for symptoms such as Vomiting or constipationConstipation is another word for infrequent bowel movements where the stool is hard and difficult to pass. In dogs and cats, this can be caused by diet, lack of exercise, or underlying health issues. if it is one of these 3 things.
• Do not induce Vomiting (no home remedies, no salt, no “finger in the throat”). With button cells, regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems. can also cause renewed burns in the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis)..
• Do not feed or give fluids without veterinary instructions so that it “goes down”.
• Do not give any medication without veterinary instructions, also do not give any oil or laxativesLaxatives are medications that ease the passage / transit of stool through the intestines. They are used in dogs and cats to treat constipation by softening the stool or stimulating bowel movements..