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11 Most Bizarre Objects Vets Have Surgically Removed from Dogs

By: Dina Fantegrossi
Dina Fantegrossi is the Assistant Editor and Head Writer for HomeLife Media. Before her career in writing, Dina was a veterinary technician for more than 15 years.Read more
| April 1, 2025

If you’ve ever had a dog, you know they have a special talent for getting into things they shouldn’t. One second, your pup is innocently sniffing around, and the next, they’ve swallowed something that requires an emergency trip to the vet. While it’s common for dogs to gulp down socks, toys, and the occasional shoe, some cases leave even the most seasoned veterinarians scratching their heads. Here are some of the most bizarre things ever found inside our four-legged friends—some of which might just make your jaw drop!

1. A Set of Steak Knives

Yes, you read that right. One particularly ambitious pup managed to swallow not one, not two, but an entire set of steak knives! Miraculously, the dog survived after a delicate surgery. Let this be a lesson: no matter how sharp their instincts are, dogs don’t know better when it comes to real blades.

2. An Entire Light Bulb

You’d think the shape, texture, and obvious fragility of a light bulb would deter a dog from chowing down. But one canine proved otherwise, gulping down an entire bulb. Thankfully, the glass remained intact, and a vet safely removed it before it could do serious damage.

3. A Garden Gnome

We all love a good lawn ornament, but one dog took that love to a whole new level—by eating one. The ceramic gnome had to be surgically removed, proving that some dogs will literally bite off more than they can chew.

4. A Set of False Teeth

It’s always good to have a backup set of dentures—unless your dog decides to make them their new favorite snack. One dog owner had to explain to their dentist why their spare set of teeth ended up in their pup’s stomach instead of their mouth!

5. A Bag of Coins

Talk about expensive taste! One golden retriever was rushed to the vet after gobbling up an entire bag of loose change. The X-rays looked more like a treasure hunt than a medical scan. Fortunately, the vet was able to retrieve the “fortune” without any lasting harm.

6. A TV Remote Control

Ever wonder where your lost remote went? If you have a dog, you might want to check their X-ray. One mischievous pup decided to become the channel changer by swallowing an entire remote control. Needless to say, the buttons were no match for the dog’s digestive system.

7. A Christmas Ornament

Holiday cheer can be dangerous when dogs mistake decorations for edible treats. One festive pup swallowed a Christmas ornament, sending their owner straight to the emergency vet. Luckily, no holiday magic was lost—just a very expensive lesson learned.

8. A Bottle of Gorilla Glue

This one’s especially dangerous. When ingested, Gorilla Glue expands inside the stomach, creating a solid mass that requires immediate surgery. One dog learned this the hard way, but thanks to a quick-thinking vet, they made a full recovery.

9. A Whole Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is a summer BBQ staple, but it’s also a notorious culprit for blockages in dogs. One unlucky pooch managed to swallow the entire thing, leading to an emergency surgery that saved the day (and the dog’s digestive tract).

10. A Rubber Ducky

Bath time fun turned into a vet visit when a curious canine swallowed a rubber ducky whole. The squeaky little friend had to be surgically removed before it could cause a serious blockage.

11. A Tennis Ball—Intact!

Dogs love tennis balls, but one adventurous pup loved theirs a little too much. Instead of playing fetch, they decided to swallow the entire ball! A careful surgery ensured the pup was back to playing safely in no time.

Protect Your Pup From Their Own Curiosity

Dogs don’t always make the best dining decisions, and as these stories prove, their curiosity can sometimes lead to expensive and life-threatening situations. While we can’t always predict what they’ll try to eat next, we can be prepared for unexpected vet bills.

Dogs Eat the Darndest Things

While we love our dogs for their quirky personalities, their adventurous appetites can be downright dangerous. Whether it’s a garden gnome or a steak knife, these bizarre cases highlight just how unpredictable (and sometimes costly) pet ownership can be. Keeping an eye on what your dog gets into is important—but having a financial safety net for unexpected emergencies? That’s just plain smart.

Be sure to review coverage, exclusions, and pre-existing condition rules to find the best pet insurance for your pup’s needs.

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Interested in learning even more about all things dogs? Get your paws on more great content from iHeartDogs!

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