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Bowel obstruction in dogs, also known as a gastrointestinal blockage, is a common canine problem. Dogs are naturally curious, and many dogs have a desire to eat or chew almost anything. All dogs are at risk for potential GI blockages, but young dogs are especially vulnerable. Puppies tend to be more eager to put every object into their mouths. After all, puppies are often teething and looking for something to chew.
Here鈥檚 what to know about a bowel instruction in dogs, including what to do if you suspect one has occurred.
What Is a Bowel Obstruction in Dogs?
A bowel obstruction is a complete or partial blockage in the stomach or intestines, which prevents solids or liquids from passing through the gastrointestinal tract. This blockage can also decrease blood flow and cause portions of your dog鈥檚 bowels to deteriorate, as well as the absorption of toxic contents.
(like string, rope, and carpet fibers) can cause the intestines to bunch into each other, sort of like a telescope. Bowel obstructions can also be secondary due to a dog ingesting foreign objects or materials. In some cases, however, especially with seniors, the cause of a bowel obstruction may be a tumor or mass.
Symptoms of Bowel Obstruction in Dogs
Dog bowel obstruction symptoms can include:
- Vomiting (especially if your dog is vomiting repetitively)
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration (since your dog may be struggling to hold down any water)
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Hunching
- Whining
What Causes Bowel Obstruction In Dogs?
Most frequently, bowel obstructions happen when a dog ingests foreign objects, such as聽toys, rocks, or bones. These objects can鈥檛 pass through the intestines, so they become lodged in your dog鈥檚 system. Having these items stuck internally can also cause perforation (holes) of the stomach and intestines.
Occasionally, other medical conditions can cause bowel obstruction in dogs. Other possible causes of dog bowel obstruction include masses or dog tumors, twisting of the intestines around the membrane that separates them from the abdominal wall,聽 (narrowing of the passage from the stomach to the small intestine), hernias in dogs, and intestinal parasites like worms.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Bowel Obstruction in Dogs
鈥淵ou should seek veterinary attention for your dog as soon as you suspect they may have ingested something that could cause a blockage,鈥� says Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC. 鈥淟eft untreated, it could result in extensive discomfort, severe fluid loss, intestinal rupture, and even death. In the meantime, do not give your dog any more food until the problem is resolved.鈥�
Your veterinarian will likely perform a physical exam. They will probably also perform either a radiograph or ultrasound, which will try to confirm whether or not a foreign object or mass is present. Sometimes, if the object is the right size and may still be in the stomach, your vet may perform an endoscopy. An endoscopy involves inserting a thin tube with a camera down your dog鈥檚 throat, attached to a small, clasping mechanism, in hopes of retrieving the foreign object.
A vet will also give your dog fluids to deal with聽canine dehydration. They may also prescribe and nausea, as well as . If an object does not pass into the dog鈥檚 stool, or if your veterinarian feels the object has been lodged too long, your dog may need surgery under anesthesia. That way, vets can open the abdomen or intestine and remove the cause of the blockage. 鈥淎 dog owner should never pull a foreign object that is protruding from the dog鈥檚 rectum because it might cause serious damage,鈥� says Dr. Klein.
After treatment, you should follow your veterinarian鈥檚 recommendations and monitor your dog for any recurring symptoms. Keep activity level low, so no running or long walks for a few days. Feed a bland diet of with no treats for several days before slowly re-introducing the previous diet. Also, make sure to replenish lost fluids by offering them lots of to avoid dehydration.
Preventing Bowel Obstruction in Dogs
The best way to prevent bowel obstruction is to discourage and block your dog from trying to eat certain types of bones, sticks, rocks, and similar objects. Keep聽foods that are toxic to dogs and other temptations, including garbage cans, out of reach (and consider trying a ).
Teaching聽the 鈥渓eave it鈥� command can prevent your dog from attempting to explore something harmful. Only give your pet and that are safe and appropriate for them to chew. Call your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog has eaten something unusual.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.