Obstructions in dogs occur when a foreign object or material blocks the typical passage of food, fluids, or air through the digestive tract. If you suspect your dog has an obstruction, seek immediate veterinary care. If the blockage remains in your dog’s intestinal tract, severe complications, such as irreparable damage to the intestines and death, can occur!

Diagnosis is made by a physical examination, imaging (such as X-rays or ultrasounds), and blood tests. Treatment may include surgery to remove the obstruction, supportive care, and addressing any underlying causes.

After reading this article, please seek immediate veterinary care if you are concerned that your dog may have an intestinal obstruction. 

Because dogs are curious, they may chew and swallow non-food items such as toys, socks, bones, rubber bands, rocks, or other small objects. These objects can become lodged in the stomach or intestines, causing an obstruction. However, there are other causes of obstruction. 

Dogs with pica are at greater risk of intestinal obstruction. Pica refers to the behavior of eating non-food items, including clothing, socks, plastic, rocks, paper, and even feces. 

Studies reveal that Labrador Retrievers and Flat-coated Retrievers are more prone to pica than other breeds because of a genetic variant that inhibits their brain from correctly regulating hunger and fullness. Younger and neutered dogs also seem to have a higher incidence of pica.

Intestinal tumors in dogs are relatively uncommon compared to other health issues that dogs may face. However, if they occur, they can cause severe damage to your dog’s intestinal tract.  The frequency of intestinal tumors is based on age, breed, and genetics.

While intestinal tumors can occur in dogs of any age, they are more commonly diagnosed in older dogs. Certain breeds, including Boxers, German Shepherds, and Collies, may be more predisposed to developing gastrointestinal tumors.

Intussusception is a relatively uncommon condition in dogs, but it can occur. Intussusception happens when one part of the intestine slides or telescopes into another part, causing an obstruction. It is more commonly seen in puppies than adult dogs and certain breeds may be more predisposed to this condition. Breeds such as Basenjis, Boxers, Great Danes, and Chinese Shar-Peis have been reported to be more prone to intussusception.

In some cases, intussusception may be associated with other underlying issues such as parasitic infections, foreign body ingestion, or gastrointestinal inflammation.

Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) or bloat is a life-threatening condition that involves the stomach filling with gas and twisting on its axis. It is more common in deep-chested breeds and is considered a medical emergency.

Although GDV can happen in any size or breed of dog, deep-chested large and giant breed dogs have a high risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus. If your dog weighs over 100 pounds, there is a 20% higher risk for GDV.

Other conditions that have been shown to increase the risk of GDV are age, gender, and body condition of your dog.  Older, male, and lean or underweight dogs are at a higher risk for GDV. 

Predisposed breeds for GDV include Great Danes, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Weimaraners. Saint Bernards, Standard Poodles, Irish Setters, Gordon Setters, Doberman Pinschers, Old English Sheep Dogs, Akitas, Boxers, and Basset Hounds

Detecting the clinical signs of an obstruction in dogs is crucial for seeking prompt veterinary attention. Initial signs may include a sudden decrease in appetite or a refusal to eat, vomiting, diarrhea, or the absence of stools. Straining to defecate is also often seen.

Clinical signs occur quickly after swallowing an object if the blockage is in the esophagus. Suppose the esophagus is where the item is stuck. In that case, you will likely see your dog licking her lips excessively, drinking an abnormal amount of water, or regurgitating her food directly after it's eaten.

Dogs with an obstruction may show signs of abdominal discomfort, including restlessness, pacing, whining, or a hunched posture. Increased drooling or excessive salivation can occur, especially if the dog is experiencing nausea. Your dog’s stomach area may appear bloated or distended if the obstruction is causing a buildup of gas or fluids.

Changes in behavior are common in dogs with obstructions. Your dog may become lethargic and weak and show no interest in what is happening around them. Other dogs may exhibit aggression or irritability. 

If your dog has persistent vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration will likely occur. A dehydrated dog will have dry gums, sunken eyes, and lethargy. The severity and combination of clinical signs can vary, and not all dogs will exhibit every sign. Additionally, some dogs may only show apparent signs once the obstruction becomes more advanced.

Objects move through the gastrointestinal tract in 10 to 24 hours. If an object is ingested, the obstruction will usually occur within 24 hours, occurring faster if it is high in the gastrointestinal tract.

Clinical signs will occur quickly after swallowing an object, including lip licking, drinking an abnormal amount of water, or regurgitating directly eating if the blockage is in the esophagus. 

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, carefully assessing the dog's abdomen for any signs of discomfort or swelling. Palpation will help detect any abnormalities or foreign objects that might be present.

X-rays are employed to visualize ingested materials and pinpoint their exact location within the digestive tract. However, not all objects are visible on X-rays; while some, like toy fragments, are easily identifiable, smaller and less dense items like rawhide might not appear on an X-ray.

Sometimes, your vet might administer barium, a contrast dye, to enhance visibility on X-rays. Based on the imaging results and the object's characteristics, the veterinarian will determine whether the item is likely to pass naturally or if surgical intervention is necessary.

Treatment choice depends on factors like your dog's overall health, the severity of clinical signs, the location and nature of the obstruction, and the underlying cause. It's essential to seek immediate veterinary attention if you suspect your dog has ingested something or is displaying signs of gastrointestinal obstruction, such as vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, or an inability to defecate. Prompt treatment increases the chances of a successful outcome and minimizes complications.

In less severe cases where the obstruction is incomplete and your dog is stable, your veterinarian might attempt conservative management involving supportive care, such as fasting, intravenous fluids to correct dehydration, and medications to manage pain and reduce inflammation. Your dog must be closely monitored until the object passes through the feces.

Some cases, especially for certain types of foreign objects or blockages, can be resolved using an endoscope. Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure involving a flexible tube with a camera or specialized instruments to visualize and remove the obstruction without surgery.

Surgical intervention is often necessary for complete obstructions or when conservative measures fail.  Your veterinarian will perform exploratory surgery to locate and remove the obstruction. This might involve removing foreign objects, excising tumors, or addressing other issues causing the blockage. Post-surgery, your dog will receive supportive care and medications as needed.

Following the obstruction's removal, many dogs may encounter metabolic challenges. Lethargy, decreased appetite, and difficulties with bowel movements are potential issues. Close monitoring is essential for observing the resolution of the obstruction, especially post-surgical removal.

Most obstructions carry a favorable prognosis. If the blockage is addressed within a day or two, dogs typically revert to their usual behavior. However, delayed detection of obstructions may result in a poorer prognosis due to the potential worsening of the condition. Prolonged obstruction increases the risk of complications like perforation, necessitating more extensive surgery and intensive postoperative care.

Owners of dogs with a history of ingesting foreign objects should remain vigilant and take preventive measures to avoid future episodes. Keep potentially hazardous items safely out of their reach whenever feasible.

All dogs have a natural urge to chew. Feeding your dog a species-appropriate diet that contains raw meaty bones and recreational bones provides benefits, including great exercise for the jaw, natural teeth and gum cleaning, and mental stimulation. You can have supervised chew sessions with air-dried chews from Real Dog Box to satisfy your dog’s chewing needs.

Gastrointestinal tract obstructions can quickly become life-threatening. Seek immediate veterinary treatment if you suspect that your dog has an obstruction.

Not all obstructions require surgical intervention. Some will resolve themselves if the object is small enough to pass through the intestinal tract, while others may be retrievable with an endoscope.

Providing appropriate and supervised chewing opportunities can allow your dog to satisfy her chewing needs without the threat of obstruction.

Gastrointestinal foreign bodies in dogs and cats: a retrospective study of 208 cases  

Sonographic diagnosis of intestinal obstruction in the dog 

(PDF) Intestinal obstruction due to sand in a dog 

Does My Dog Have an Obstruction?

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