In case your naughty hound has swallowed an AirPod, you’re probably feeling two issues: aggravated and fearful. Whereas we will’t aid you out with the primary one (that’s between you and your canine), we will hopefully put your thoughts comfy in regards to the second.
Generally, AirPods will cross by way of your canine with out incident, and so they would possibly even nonetheless work. After all, you could not wish to use them after that individual journey.
Every time a canine swallows one thing they shouldn’t, there may be all the time a danger of obstruction or irritation. With a tool like an AirPod, there may be an extra concern in regards to the batteries inside. We have now all heard horror tales in regards to the inner harm attributable to swallowed batteries, and though AirPods do include small batteries, the probability of them inflicting an issue is kind of low.
In case your canine has swallowed an AirPod and is exhibiting any indicators of discomfort, ache, nausea, or vomiting, don’t hesitate to cellphone your vet. If they’re appearing fully glad and effectively, learn on to seek out out what it is best to do subsequent and what indicators to be watching out for.
What Are AirPods?
Though Apple would in all probability be horrified, we’re going to use “AirPod” to discuss with any wi-fi headphones, no matter model. The thought of tiny, wi-fi, easy-to-lose headphones appeared fully 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 a variety of AirPods simply ready to be swallowed by a mischievous hound.
There may be solely somewhat variation between manufacturers and variations, with most AirPods measuring round 1½ inches lengthy and not more than half an inch in diameter. Every AirPod comprises a tiny lithium-ion battery, which is so tough to entry that it is advisable to ship it to the producer to get replaced, which is why most individuals simply change them fully.
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 break, which is nice information for canine (and their homeowners).
My Canine 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 canine? To find out this, we have to ask two questions:
- How massive/small is your canine?
- Did they chew the AirPod or swallow it entire?
Canine Dimension
The smaller the canine, the extra probably it’s that an AirPod could change into lodged within the intestines, inflicting a blockage. If this happens, it’s extremely probably that your canine will want surgical procedure to take away the machine. In bigger canine, the earpiece is extra prone to cross by way of the gastrointestinal tract over the following 24 to 48 hours.
Chewed vs. Swallowed
If the earpiece has been swallowed entire, relying on the scale of your canine, it should probably cross by way of the digestive tract comparatively unscathed. In case your canine has chewed the AirPod, it’s attainable that the battery could also be uncovered. Lithium batteries may cause electrochemical burns to the esophagus, abdomen, or intestines, significantly in the event that they get lodged within the lining of those organs. As a result of 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 attainable.
The sharp edges of chewed-up AirPods can even trigger bodily trauma to the esophageal or intestinal lining. Nevertheless, this danger is kind of low, and the liner of the intestine is harder than you would possibly assume.
When to Contact the Vet
In case your canine eats or swallows one thing they shouldn’t, our recommendation is all the time the identical: If unsure, dial your vet. They’ll be capable to advise you based mostly in your particular circumstances and resolve in case your canine must be seen, so don’t be afraid to name for assist.
In case you resolve to observe your canine at house, listed below are some indicators that your canine wants pressing veterinary consideration:
- Vomiting or problem swallowing
- Coughing, panting greater than ordinary, or problem respiration
- Salivating or exhibiting indicators of mouth discomfort
- Lethargy or inappetence
Any of those indicators can point out an issue attributable to the swallowed machine, and that is thought-about an emergency.
What About Different Batteries and Units?
We now know that AirPods pose a comparatively low danger if swallowed, however what about comparable units or different batteries? Let’s take a look at another small gadgets that would trigger issues in case your canine decides to show them right into a snack.
Button Batteries
Button batteries, also called coin cell batteries or watch batteries, are generally present in transportable units similar to calculators, wristwatches, automotive key fobs, small distant controls, and even some canine toys and light-up collars. Their small measurement makes them simple to swallow, and so they land many people and animals within the hospital. Button batteries might be both alkaline or lithium, each of that are doubtlessly dangerous.
- Broken alkaline batteries leak corrosive materials and may trigger electrochemical burns in the event that they change into lodged within the esophagus or intestines.
- Lithium batteries are usually not corrosive however may cause extra critical electrochemical burns.
In case your canine has eaten certainly one of these batteries, and even in the event you assume they could have, name your vet instantly.
Cylinder or Rectangular Batteries
These are those that are available in sizes like AAA, D, or 9V, and so they can be alkaline or lithium-based. The best hazard from these batteries happens when canine 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 inner harm if swallowed.
In case your canine has chewed certainly one of these batteries, don’t panic. Attempt to decide if they’ve swallowed any or the entire battery, then cellphone your vet urgently. Even when these batteries are swallowed with out exterior harm, they nonetheless pose a danger of inflicting an obstruction, so veterinary care remains to be suggested.
Listening to Aids
Canines consuming listening to aids is a surprisingly frequent occasion. Happily, they pose even much less of a danger than AirPods, as most listening to aids use zinc-air batteries, which should not have the corrosive or electrochemical properties of alkaline or lithium batteries. Some newer listening to aids include a tiny lithium battery like AirPods, so the dangers from swallowing these are the identical as with AirPods.
My Canine Swallowed an AirPod—Ought to I Make Them Vomit?
Completely not. It would look like a good suggestion to get the article out as shortly as attainable, however in instances like with AirPods the place the potential danger is because of contact with the battery, making your dog vomit could actually do more harm than good.
The most effective factor to do is contact your vet or the Animal Poisons Hotline for recommendation. Relying in your state of affairs and what your canine has eaten, they might suggest monitoring them, or they might advise you to take your canine to the vet instantly.
Remaining Ideas
The small measurement of AirPods makes them a typical goal for inquisitive canine, and your dog wouldn’t be the first to swallow one. More often than not, these tiny units don’t trigger any hurt, however this may range from case to case, and it is best to all the time err on the facet of warning.
Whereas AirPods will normally make their method by way 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.
Featured Picture Credit score: Muhammad Baqa, Shutterstock