No, it’s dangerous for your dog to eat your kid’s retainer.
That’s Going to be a Problem
Not only is replacing a demolished retainer a pain in the rear and expensive, your pooch risks choking or suffering an intestinal obstruction if she/he eats this orthodontic device.
Intestinal Obstruction
Let’s be super clear about what an intestinal obstruction in an animal is. It’s a ton of acute pain for Fido and a huge vet bill for Fido’s person. At the least, your vet will take an X-ray and likely have to perform surgery. Can you imagine what kind of holy war that retainer of pointed plastic and piercing wire is going to wage on its way down, through, and out…well…it’s not coming out the traditional way… thus the surgery.
Like Bees to Honey
Why does it seem like most dogs can find a retainer in a dental haystack. It’s a weird attraction the two possess. If you have teens and dogs, you know canines are secretly obsessed with retainers and always, always sniff them out. If you are lucky, your dog will only gnaw on it a little. That’s why it’s important to keep those retainers in closed cabinets and/or drawers. LOL!!! And yes, we know what reminding teenagers about that sort of stuff gets us. The easiest retainer prey occurs when your kid removes the retainer and places it on the nightstand or the bathroom counter. Like a wounded elk, it flings itself into your dog’s mouth the second the humans leave for work.
The Signs of Intestinal Blockage
If you think your dog has snagged the retainer, your going to have to go on full bathroom watch. This is the opposite of a tornado watch. You have to have eyes on your dog as they do their outside duties. Is your dog straining to void or having diarrhea? Look for signs they are restless, or experiencing tummy pain. Call your vet if you suspect your pup has indeed eaten the retainer.