'May not cause obvious symptoms': The hidden backyard hazard that could kill your dog

It's an unexpected backyard hazard most pet owners wouldn't think twice about; but for one woman, it brought about a shocking near-tragedy that has left her rattled.

Lee-Anne McCormack knew something was amiss when her beloved French bulldog, Chunk, began acting out of sorts.

Concerned, she rushed the uncharacteristically lethargic, shaking pup to their local emergency clinic – where vets then made a shocking discovery.

X-rays taken of Chunk's "really puffy" abdomen revealed an accumulation of foreign objects – the source of which was later revealed to be a common variety of backyard vegetation.

A staggering 39 palm seeds – believed to have been dropped into McCormack's backyard from a neighbour's overhanging palm tree – had lodged themselves in Chunk's stomach, after the curious dog saw fit to treat them as a snack.

Now, Dr Ben Mills of Sydney Animal Hospital has issued a stark warning to pet owners, advising them to audit the contents of their garden to prevent similar near-death mishaps for their own pets.

"Palm seeds and garden debris can accumulate in a dog's stomach overtime and may not cause obvious symptoms until they create a life-threatening blockage," Dr Mills warns.

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He also notes that certain breeds – particularly Frenchies – are notorious for their "eat first, ask questions later" mentality.

For that reason, these so-called "vacuum" dogs are at a much higher risk of ingesting garden debris that can then lead to fatal intestinal obstructions.

Dr Mills urges owners to regularly inspect their yards, and be vigilant about what their dogs may be picking up.

He also advises owners noticing symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal swelling or shaking to take their pet to the emergency vet immediately.

Thankfully, McCormack acted fast the second she noticed Chunk acting "off" – potentially saving his life as a result.

Following intensive surgery to remove the blockage, the relieved owner has now revealed that her beloved pup is finally on the mend.

"He's recovering well," she says. "If you saw him today, you wouldn't even know he had major surgery."

But while the pooch is now in the clear, his family will be keeping a much closer eye on their backyard – ensuring no more forbidden snacks are within Chunk's reach.

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