What have you swallowed now?

Byline: Chloe Glover News Reporter [email protected]

RUBBER chickens, Barbie dolls and riding crops have been named as some of the weirdest dogs' dinners.

They are part of a mind-boggling list of the most unusual things found in dogs' stomachs by vets at Vets4Pets.

It's a list that make eating one's homework sound a lot more believable. The company compiled the list after carrying out a survey in its practices across the UK, including its Hudders-field branch in New Hey Road, Oakes.

The most controversial item is in at number one- the underwear of someone who is not the owner or their partner.

Underwear and socks are not uncommon items that dogs can eat, but it's highly unusual to find out they don't belong to the owner or their partner," said Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets.

"On those occasions the vet's role is simply to remove the item and ensure the dog is fit and well before returning them to their owner."

At number two is a 21-inch riding crop, which was ingested by an overexcited boxer dog in Newton Abbot. An unlucky carpet eating dog from Keighley who kept pulling at the thread found itself on the examination table with a carpet thread that was hanging out of its mouth and also out of its rear.

And it was a rubber chicken that was removed from the stomach of a small terrier from Harrogate, which amazingly came out fully intact.

Among other more unusual items found was Christmas tinsel, needle and thread and, the middle of an eaten corn on the cob.

A whole baked potato, a baby's dummy teat and a Barbie doll head without hair were the others that made dogs feel suddenly unwell.

Dr Stacey said: "Dogs can often consume items left lying around the house, garden or outdoors, so it's important that owners are aware of what their pet is doing, in case of an emergency.

"Golf balls, ping pong balls and pebbles are commonly found, often requiring surgery to remove them, but the list we've compiled demonstrates that dogs can find a huge variety of items to eat."

"In all the cases we've highlighted the skill of the veterinary teams have ensured a happy ending, well certainly for the dog, but by highlighting these items we're hoping to make owners aware that their pets can eat almost anything.

"Like all pets, dogs have certain dietary requirements and it's important that receive a balanced healthy diet, which doesn't include items such as chocolate, chicken bones or grapes."

Tell us your views at: www.examiner.co.uk Strange things pets eat A REAL DOG'S DINNER 1 - Underwear of owner's 'non-partner' 2 - Riding crop 3 - Carpet thread running from mouth to bottom 4 - Needle and thread 5 - Whole baked potato 6 - Rubber chicken (whole) 7 - Christmas tinsel 8 - Corn on the cob middle 9 - Baby's dummy teat 10 - Barbie doll head (without hair)