What Causes Intestinal Blockage in Dogs?
When a dog suffers from an intestinal or bowel obstruction, it means something is preventing food and water from moving through the digestive tract. This not only disrupts nutrient and fluid absorption but can quickly become life-threatening—sometimes within just a few days.
Main Causes of Intestinal Blockage
The most frequent culprit is the ingestion of foreign bodies. Dogs are notorious for swallowing things they shouldn’t. Here’s what commonly gets stuck:
- Toys (especially small or broken pieces)
- Balls
- Bones
- Rocks
- String, rope, yarn, ribbons
- Cloth items (socks, underwear, dish towels)
- Tampons
- Fruit pits
- Other non-food items found around the house or yard
Linear objects, such as string or ribbon, are especially dangerous because they can cause the intestines to twist or even saw through the intestinal wall. If you ever see a string hanging from your dog’s mouth or rear end, don’t pull it—this could cause severe internal injury.
In older dogs, another common cause is intestinal tumors or masses. Other possible reasons include:
- Strictures or adhesions from previous surgery
- Hernias
- Intussusception (when one segment of intestine telescopes into another)
- Torsion of the intestines
- Severe intestinal parasite infestation
- Inflammation
Certain breeds—like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers—are more prone to eating things they shouldn’t. Young large-breed dogs are at higher risk overall, but any age or breed can be affected.
The Symptoms You Might Notice
If your dog has an intestinal blockage, you’ll likely see some combination of these signs:
- Persistent vomiting (may contain blood or fecal material; sometimes unproductive)
- Diarrhea—or sometimes constipation and inability to pass stool
- Lack of appetite (anorexia)
- Lethargy and weakness
- Painful or swollen abdomen; may whine or act aggressively if touched there
- Bloating and dehydration
- Drooling excessively; burping more than usual; dry heaving/gagging
- Unusual postures—stretching out or assuming a “prayer position” to relieve pain
- Weight loss in chronic cases
If you notice these symptoms and suspect your dog has eaten something unusual—or if you’ve seen them swallow a foreign object—contact your veterinarian immediately.
The Diagnostic Process: How Vets Find Blockages
Your vet will start with a physical exam focused on the abdomen. Blood work helps assess how much the blockage has affected your dog’s system. Imaging tools like abdominal X-rays and ultrasound are standard for locating blockages. Sometimes contrast studies (where a special dye is given) or endoscopy (using a camera on a flexible tube) help pinpoint exactly where the problem lies.
Treatment Options for Intestinal Blockage in Dogs
If the object swallowed is small, smooth, and not hazardous—and if your dog isn’t showing severe symptoms—a vet might monitor with repeated imaging to see if it passes naturally. This is rare and should only happen under veterinary supervision.
If symptoms worsen or the object doesn’t move along quickly enough—or if imaging reveals a complete obstruction—surgical intervention is necessary.
- Surgery involves making an incision in the abdomen to remove the object and repair any damage to the stomach or intestines. If tissue death (necrosis) or perforation has occurred, some sections may need removal.
If facilities allow and the object is in the stomach/upper intestine, endoscopy might be used instead of open surgery.
Your dog will likely receive intravenous fluids before surgery to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Pain management, antibiotics, and anti-nausea medications help with recovery.
The Road to Recovery After Surgery
- The first three days after surgery are critical for monitoring complications like infection (sepsis), wound breakdown, or low protein levels.
- Your dog’s activity should be limited for at least a week; they may need to wear a cone to prevent licking at stitches.
- A bland diet helps ease their digestive system back into action before returning gradually to regular food. Hydration remains crucial throughout recovery.
The Prognosis: What Affects Survival?
The outcome depends on how long the blockage was present before treatment began, your dog’s health status beforehand, where exactly in the GI tract the object was lodged, what kind of object it was, and whether complications like rupture occurred. Quick diagnosis and prompt surgery give your dog their best chance at full recovery.
Prevention Tips: Keeping Your Dog Safe from Obstruction Risks
- Keep all non-food items out of reach—especially those that are easy to swallow.
- If giving toys/bones/rawhide chews, supervise playtime closely; choose products too large to swallow whole.
- Avoid letting your dog scavenge trash indoors or outdoors.
- If you have a repeat offender who likes eating odd things (a pica-prone pup), be extra vigilant about their environment!
A Few Extra Insights for Dog Owners:
- An obstruction can be partial (causing milder symptoms) but may progress rapidly to complete blockage—don’t wait if you’re suspicious!
- If you see linear objects protruding from your dog’s mouth/rear end after suspected ingestion—never pull them out yourself!
- Batteries, sharp items, or toxins require immediate vet attention even if no symptoms appear yet.
