My dog has swallowed a hook. What should I do? A Guide to Hook-related injuries in Dogs.

The Dry season is finally here, or at least attempting to be, so as the waters run off (in reality they have already run off), we start to see a range of hook related issues in our dogs. Can I just say out from the start, hooks and dogs don't mix. If you want to go fishing, it's probably best to leave your dog behind. They'll scare the fish away, or at worst, attract a loving six metre salt water handbag (or for those not in the know - a crocodile!!). But our biggest concern is hooks and dogs. Dogs can either get them hooked in a paw, in a lip, or even worse, swallow them.

So what can we do if we are far away and our dog gets a hook related issue?

Here is a quick guide on what to do. First of all, Don't Panic!! Try to get veterinary attention or seek veterinary advice for the individual circumstance. If no vet is around or you have no phone access, do the following:

- If the hook is caught on a paw or lip, and if the dog lets you, cut the hook in half and push the sharp point forwards. Do not pull it back as the barb will catch the tissue. Be careful to not get bitten or hooked up. Regardless, if the hook is removed, seek veterinary attention, as a tetanus shot will be likely required, and a course of antibiotics may be needed.

- If the hook is swallowed and there is no string coming out of the dog's mouth, give the dog food to help coat the hook. In some cases the hook will pass through its system and eventually out into the dog's poo. This should be done under veterinary monitoring and x-rays may be needed to monitor its progress. If it gets stuck, surgical removal may be required
- However, if there is string hanging out, this is a veterinary emergency. Whatever you do, DO NOT PULL THE STRING. Also do not cut the string. Under careful veterinary management, it is possible in most circumstances to remove the hook without the need for surgery (unless it is multiple barbs or hooks). The string

allows the vet to gently manipulate the hook from the dogs stomach using specialised equipment. If you happen to pull the string, it could lodge the hook in the stomach wall or even worse, the oesophagus which could lead to complicated surgery. So please leave the hook alone.

So hopefully this gives you a good guide if this emergency should ever occur, but avoidance is always the best option. So leave your beloved fur friend at home if you decide to go fisihing. Your dog will appreciate not having to be driven to the vet in the middle of the night, and it will be a lot more helpful on the hip pocket.