Most dogs will eat just about anything, even those things that aren’t meant to be edible.
While some of these items may pass with no worry, there are some, especially magnets, that are a cause for concern.
Dangerous Types of Magnets
Small, weak magnets may not be any more dangerous than other foreign objects dogs may consume. However, rare earth magnets (especially neodymium magnets) which are strong magnets, pose a very significant hazard to dogs! This type of "earth" magnet can be found in mobile phones, video systems, ID badges, and even some jewelry.
One magnet, even small weak fridge ones, can cause problems, such as obstruction or irritation of a dog’s digestive tract. But the real danger happens when two or more magnets or a magnet and another metal object are swallowed by a curious pooch.
The Dangers of Magnetic Attraction
Magnets are known for their ability to do two things — repel and attract. What they do at any particular time depends on which ends are facing each other.
Remember the old saying, “opposites attract?” Well, when magnets or a magnet and a metal object in different but juxtaposed areas of the digestive tract (typically the intestines) get close enough, they tightly bond to each other. In doing so, they crush and interfere with the blood supply to the tissues caught between them.
Eventually, if the problem isn’t detected and dealt with in time (within a few hours), this crushing will lead to death of (intestinal) tissue and a resulting spillage of intestinal contents into a dog’s abdomen — a condition known as “bowel perforation” and “(septic) peritonitis.” Dogs with peritonitis have a 30-68% chance of dying.
These are extremely painful and dangerous conditions, both requiring life-saving surgery to correct.
Signs of Intestinal Blockage or Perforation
When blockages, tears, or perforations occur, they are extremely painful, so your dog will exhibit signs of pain, such as restlessness, whining, or refusal to be touched.
You may also see changes in your dog’s appetite and behavior (aggression, avoidance, licking or chewing at their belly).
Other signs include gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting or diarrhea, weakness, lethargy, fever, and abdominal swelling.
It's important that if you know or suspect your dog ate a magnet(s) you have them seen by a veterinarian immediately, as your dog could be in serious danger and die within hours.
How It Is Diagnosed
Your veterinarian will take a detailed medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. Additionally, they will likely recommend lab tests, such as complete blood count, blood chemistry, urinalysis, abdominal X-rays (multiple views), and possibly an abdominal ultrasound.
The information they obtain from these procedures will help them determine if your dog’s health is compromised in any way because of the position of the magnet(s). It is rare that "a wait-and-see approach" will be recommended, as the movement of the magnets in the intestinal tract could change your dog's prognosis at any time. Your veterinarian will have all the information to help make the appropriate decision with you.
Please, please, please, keep all magnets well out of reach of your pets and bring them immediately to the veterinarian should they ever swallow a magnet(s). The earlier it’s caught, the easier (and less costly) it often is to deal with, and the more comfortable it is for your dog.
