My Dog Swallowed an AirPod: Risks, Signs & Next Steps (Vet Answer)

If your naughty hound has swallowed an AirPod, you’re doubtless feeling two issues: irritated and nervous. While we will’t provide help to out with the primary one (that’s between you and your canine), we will hopefully put your thoughts comfy concerning the second.

In most instances, AirPods will cross by means of your canine with out incident, they usually may even nonetheless work. Of course, you might not need to use them after that specific journey.

Whenever a canine swallows one thing they shouldn’t, there may be all the time a threat of obstruction or irritation. With a tool like an AirPod, there may be an extra concern concerning the batteries inside. We have all heard horror tales concerning the inside harm attributable to swallowed batteries, and though AirPods do comprise small batteries, the chance of them inflicting an issue is kind of low.

If your canine has swallowed an AirPod and is displaying any indicators of discomfort, ache, nausea, or vomiting, don’t hesitate to cellphone your vet. If they’re appearing utterly completely happy and nicely, learn on to search out out what you must do subsequent and what indicators to be watching out for.

What Are AirPods?

Although Apple would most likely be horrified, we’re going to use “AirPod” to check with any wi-fi headphones, no matter model. The concept of tiny, wi-fi, easy-to-lose headphones appeared utterly absurd when AirPods first hit the market in 2016—absolutely this was an invention destined to fail. By 2023, over 100 million folks worldwide owned AirPods, with an identical quantity having wi-fi earphones of different manufacturers.¹ That’s lots of AirPods simply ready to be swallowed by a mischievous hound.

There is barely somewhat variation between manufacturers and variations, with most AirPods measuring round 1½ inches lengthy and not more than half an inch in diameter. Each AirPod comprises a tiny lithium-ion battery, which is so tough to entry that you could ship it to the producer to get replaced, which is why most individuals simply substitute them utterly.

There aren’t any charging ports or wires, because the earpieces cost wirelessly of their case, and they’re normally fairly powerful and resistant to wreck, which is sweet information for canines (and their homeowners).

My Dog Swallowed an AirPod—What Now?

So, we all know that AirPods are small and durable, with tiny, difficult-to-reach batteries, however how does this have an effect on the danger to our canines? To decide this, we have to ask two questions:

Dog Size

The smaller the canine, the extra doubtless it’s that an AirPod might develop into lodged within the intestines, inflicting a blockage. If this happens, it’s extremely doubtless that your canine will want surgical procedure to take away the system. In bigger canines, the earpiece is extra more likely to cross by means of the gastrointestinal tract over the subsequent 24 to 48 hours.

Chewed vs. Swallowed

If the earpiece has been swallowed complete, relying on the scale of your canine, it would doubtless cross by means of the digestive tract comparatively unscathed. If your canine has chewed the AirPod, it’s potential that the battery could also be uncovered. Lithium batteries may cause electrochemical burns to the esophagus, abdomen, or intestines, notably in the event that they get lodged within the lining of those organs. Because AirPod batteries are so tough to entry, it’s unlikely that even a chewed earpiece will end in them being freed, however it’s nonetheless potential.

The sharp edges of chewed-up AirPods can even trigger bodily trauma to the esophageal or intestinal lining. However, this threat is kind of low, and the liner of the intestine is more durable than you may assume.

When to Contact the Vet

If your canine eats or swallows one thing they shouldn’t, our recommendation is all the time the identical: If doubtful, dial your vet. They will be capable to advise you based mostly in your particular circumstances and determine in case your canine must be seen, so don’t be afraid to name for assist.

If you determine to watch your canine at residence, listed here are some indicators that your canine wants pressing veterinary consideration:

Any of those indicators can point out an issue attributable to the swallowed system, and that is thought of an emergency.

What About Other Batteries and Devices?

We now know that AirPods pose a comparatively low threat if swallowed, however what about comparable gadgets or different batteries? Let’s take a look at another small gadgets that might trigger issues in case your canine decides to show them right into a snack.

Button Batteries

Button batteries, also referred to as coin cell batteries or watch batteries, are generally present in moveable gadgets similar to calculators, wristwatches, automotive key fobs, small distant controls, and even some canine toys and light-up collars. Their small measurement makes them straightforward to swallow, they usually land many people and animals within the hospital. Button batteries may be both alkaline or lithium, each of that are probably dangerous.

If your canine has eaten one in all these batteries, and even when you assume they may have, name your vet instantly.

Cylinder or Rectangular Batteries

These are those that are available sizes like AAA, D, or 9V, they usually will also be alkaline or lithium-based. The biggest hazard from these batteries happens when canines chew and harm them, inflicting the liquid inside to leak. This liquid may cause extreme tissue harm and necrosis within the mouth and surrounding areas and end in devastating inside harm if swallowed.

If your canine has chewed one in all these batteries, don’t panic. Try to find out if they’ve swallowed any or the entire battery, then cellphone your vet urgently. Even if these batteries are swallowed with out exterior harm, they nonetheless pose a threat of inflicting an obstruction, so veterinary care continues to be suggested.

Hearing Aids

Dogs consuming listening to aids is a surprisingly widespread occasion. Fortunately, they pose even much less of a threat than AirPods, as most listening to aids use zinc-air batteries, which would not have the corrosive or electrochemical properties of alkaline or lithium batteries. Some newer listening to aids comprise a tiny lithium battery like AirPods, so the dangers from swallowing these are the identical as with AirPods.

My Dog Swallowed an AirPod—Should I Make Them Vomit?

Absolutely not. It may appear to be a good suggestion to get the article out as rapidly as potential, however in instances like with AirPods the place the potential threat is because of contact with the battery, making your dog vomit could actually do more harm than good.

The neatest thing to do is contact your vet or the Animal Poisons Hotline for recommendation. Depending in your scenario and what your canine has eaten, they could suggest monitoring them, or they could advise you to take your canine to the vet instantly.

Final Thoughts

The small measurement of AirPods makes them a typical goal for inquisitive canines, and your dog wouldn’t be the first to swallow one. Most of the time, these tiny gadgets don’t trigger any hurt, however this could fluctuate from case to case, and you must all the time err on the facet of warning.

While AirPods will normally make their approach by means of the digestive tract with out incident, if problems do happen, they are often extreme, so don’t hesitate to contact your vet or a veterinary telemedicine service for recommendation.

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Featured Image Credit: Muhammad Baqa, Shutterstock