How to check a dog for an esophageal foreign body?

A dog with a foreign body in the esophagus usually shows symptoms like vomiting, drooling, inability to swallow, coughing, or breathing difficulty. The owner can use a flashlight in a bright environment to look closely at the dog’s throat; if a foreign object is found, try gently moving it with a finger or cotton swab to see if it can be shifted.

If the dog has the above symptoms but the owner cannot see the object, take the dog to a veterinary hospital for an X-ray. The X-ray shows the object’s position and size and helps the vet decide how to remove it.