After Swallowing Coins, a Puppy Dies
DOG DEATH – A puppy named Panda tragically passed away after swallowing coins.
The story gained attention on TikTok after Panda’s owner, Joana Patty Loyola, shared her experience. Panda accidentally swallowed three P1 coins, which were discovered through an x-ray after the dog began to show signs of illness. Despite undergoing surgery to remove the coins, Panda developed an infection and distemper, ultimately succumbing to her illness on September 7.
Dr. Mitzi Padrinao, president of the Philippine Animal Association, provided insights into why puppies are particularly prone to swallowing foreign objects. According to Dr. Padrinao, puppies often experience itchy gums as their teeth grow and naturally look for things to chew on. However, when owners try to take these objects away, dogs can misinterpret the action as a threat and may swallow the item in an attempt to protect it.
“Yung ngipin nila nagpapalit yan eh. So [in] 6 months, medyo makati ang galagid, so ang tendency is lahat ng makikita nila ngangatngatin. Ang aso, once na sinaway mo, akala aagawin natin yung nginangatngat nila. Ang tendency, lulunukin nila,” Padrinao said.
Dr. Padrinao also listed common symptoms in dogs that have swallowed small items, including vomiting after eating, bending their head downward while raising the back half of their body, and straining to defecate. These signs can indicate an obstruction, and pet owners need to take immediate action.
To prevent such incidents, pet owners are encouraged to create a safe, pet-friendly environment by removing any small objects that could be swallowed, such as coins, small toys, or small bones. Pet owners should regularly check their living spaces to ensure their pets do not have access to these potentially dangerous items.
According to GMA News, if a pet is suspected of swallowing something small, Dr. Padrinao advises taking the dog to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible. In many cases, veterinarians can administer laxatives to help the dog pass the object naturally, avoiding the need for surgery.