Bowel obstructions in dogs are serious matters that require immediate veterinary attention. This happens when a dog eats something that gets stuck in its digestive tract, such as an old sock or a piece of rawhide. If the body can’t break down the object, a dog may experience dehydration, bloating, and in some cases, death.
Whether you have a curious puppy exploring the world or a mischievous dog that raids the garbage, it’s important to understand the basics of bowel obstructions in dogs. Here’s what to know.
1. Bowel Obstructions Are Life-Threatening Emergencies
To understand how bowel obstructions impede digestion, it’s important to know how these common health conditions occur. Imagine the dog’s digestive system as a long tube. Food enters the mouth and exits the rear. However, if something blocks this tube, a dog could take a bad turn within a matter of hours.
Obstructions can lodge themselves in the dog’s intestines, but they can happen in the stomach or at the base of the esophagus, too. Without intervention, an obstruction could lead to sepsis, a low protein count, and intestinal perforations. The moment you suspect a bowel obstruction, take your dog to the vet. Dogs with this condition seldom live longer than a few days without medical attention.
2. Obstructions Can Include Many Objects
Ideally, only a few things should go into your dog’s digestive system: high-quality dog food, water, and the occasional treat. That’s it. Still, some objects can make their way into your dog’s system, including:
- Rawhide. While a cheap chew toy for dogs, these treats can break apart easily. They can also engorge with water after swallowed, getting lodged in the throat or intestines. Thankfully, there are many alternatives to rawhide.
- Leftovers, including bones and corn cobs. Some dogs see the trash can as their personal pantry. You may consider bagging certain items separately (such as pork bones) before throwing them out, deterring your dog from finding and swallowing them.
- Small toys. Your dog may tear a squeaky toy to shreds and then chow down on the remains. The moment you see the stuffing out of a toy, throw it out. You don’t want to risk your dog eating the squeaker or lining.
Other sources of bowel obstructions can include socks, yard debris, and rope fibers.
3. You Should Know the Symptoms of Obstructions
You should always err on the side of caution if you feel there’s something amiss about your pet’s health. The sooner you consult a veterinarian and get a diagnosis, the more options your dog has for making a full recovery. Take action immediately if your dog:
- Tries to vomit but produces nothing
- Does not defecate for a few days
- Appears suddenly fatigued or restless
- Bloats
- Appears dehydrated
- Refuses food
- Has pale gums
4. There Are Treatment Options for Bowel Obstructions
When you bring your dog to the vet for a suspected bowel obstruction, they’ll likely conduct a series of tests to diagnose the condition. One of these procedures may involve taking an x-ray of your dog’s abdomen and seeing where the obstruction lies. Depending on the problem’s severity, your veterinarian may recommend surgery to remove the item manually.
They may also suggest:
- Performing an endoscopy. If the object is still in your dog’s stomach, your veterinarian may insert a long, narrow tube down their throat. The tube has clamps on the end, allowing them to grab and remove the object.
- Giving your dog fluids. Intravenous fluids ensure that your dog doesn’t become dehydrated while they undergo treatment.
Your vet may keep your dog for a few nights and monitor their activity after administering treatment. A good healthcare provider will not discharge the animal until their energy has returned and they’ve had a successful bowel movement. If you ever have questions about your dog’s health, ask your veterinarian.
5. Certain Dog Breeds Are Prone to Obstructions
A study from the University of Cambridge Veterinary School in the U.K. suggests that some dogs are more likely to experience bowel obstructions than others. These dogs include:
- Staffordshire bull terriers
- English bull terriers
- Jack Russell terriers
- Border collies
- Springer spaniels
Still, any dog can suffer a bowel obstruction, highlighting the importance of supervising what your dog eats, plays with, and encounters daily.
6. You Can Prevent Bowel Obstruction in Dogs
The good news is that you can prevent bowel obstructions in your dog. You can do this by:
- Supervising what they eat. This is especially important around the holiday season. Double-bag trash to ensure your dog doesn’t access bones or other temptations.
- Discarding broken toys. Playtime is over once a dog starts shredding a toy. There are many durable chew toys that don’t break apart and ensure safe play sessions.
- Crate-training your dog. We can’t be home all the time. To ensure your dog doesn’t sneak anything in your absence, put them in a crate while you’re gone. Create a warm, inviting place where your dog can relax.
You can also learn what dog treats are safe to give your dog. For instance, Himalayan yak chews are durable and easily digestible. Doggy ice cream (think Frosty Paws) offers a two-for-one benefit: the licking entertains your dog, and the treat doesn’t pose a choking hazard.
7. Pet Insurance Defrays Emergency Vet Costs
You never want finances to prevent you from making life-saving decisions for your dog. That’s why many dog owners choose to purchase pet insurance. You pay a small fee each month and access coverage options when things go awry. Pet insurance can pay for things like medications, examinations, and surgeries.
Investing in pet insurance means you can focus on what truly matters: ensuring your beloved furry friend receives the best care possible, without hesitation or financial stress. After all, your dog is more than just a pet; they’re a cherished member of your family!
