Dogs are naturally curious and often explore the world with their mouths. Whether it’s chewing on toys, digging through the trash, or quickly gulping down raw bones, these behaviors can sometimes lead to serious issues like intestinal blockages or bowel obstruction in dogs.

This problem is especially common in dogs that counter-surf or swallow non-food items during play.

An intestinal blockage is a critical condition that demands immediate attention. If left untreated, it can lead to severe pain, life-threatening complications, or even death. As a dog owner, understanding the symptoms, causes, and potential treatments for intestinal obstruction can help you act swiftly and possibly save your dog’s life.

In this guide, I'll walk you through the key signs of intestinal blockage in dogs, explore thee common causes, and outline available treatment options. You’ll also learn how to prevent these incidents and recognize when it’s time to seek veterinary care or even intestinal blockage surgery.

Recognizing Symptoms Of Intestinal Blockage In Dogs

The signs of intestinal blockage in dogs can change depending on how far along the blockage is.

Here are the symptoms to watch for at various stages.

Early Signs

One of the first indicators of an intestinal blockage is a sudden loss of appetite, especially in dogs known for their hearty eating habits.

Vomiting is another red flag, particularly if it occurs repeatedly or includes undigested food, bile, or traces of blood. While occasional vomiting might not be alarming, frequent episodes paired with other symptoms should raise immediate concern.

Progressive Symptoms

As the blockage persists, your dog may become increasingly lethargic and unresponsive. This “flat” demeanor often coincides with other troubling signs, such as diarrhea that may contain blood.

Dehydration is also a significant risk, which you can identify by checking your dog’s gums—if they feel sticky or tacky, your pet likely needs urgent medical attention.

Advanced Signs

In more severe cases, dogs may exhibit intense abdominal pain, often shown by assuming a bowed posture or vocalizing discomfort when touched.

A bloated or distended stomach can indicate a complete obstruction or a life-threatening condition like gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV). At this stage, immediate veterinary intervention is crucial to prevent further complications.

Common Causes Of Dog Intestinal Blockage

One of the most frequent causes of intestinal blockage is swallowing foreign objects. Items like small toys, rocks, sticks, and pieces of clothing can easily become lodged in a dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Rawhide and cooked bones are particularly dangerous, as they are hard to digest and can break into sharp pieces that cause further harm.

Not all blockages are due to foreign objects. Tumors, scar tissue from previous surgeries, or severe inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract can also obstruct the passage of food. Less commonly, conditions like twisted intestines or parasitic infestations may lead to similar symptoms.

The severity of an obstruction depends on several factors, including the size and shape of the object, its location in the digestive tract, and how long it has been lodged. Complete blockages are typically more dangerous than partial ones, as they prevent any food or fluids from passing through and can lead to tissue death or infection.

How Dog Intestinal Blockages Are Diagnosed

When a dog exhibits symptoms of an intestinal blockage, the diagnostic process typically begins with a thorough examination and bloodwork. Blood tests can rule out other potential causes of symptoms, such as infections, organ dysfunction, or metabolic disorders. This step helps the vet determine if your dog’s lethargy, vomiting, or loss of appetite is related to a blockage or another underlying condition.

If a blockage is suspected, the next step is imaging. X-rays are often the first choice to identify any foreign object or signs of obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract. For more detailed analysis, vets may perform a barium contrast study, where a liquid contrast agent is ingested to highlight the blockage on subsequent X-rays.

Ultrasound scans can also provide a clearer view of the obstruction’s location, size, and severity, especially if the blockage is soft tissue or partially hidden.

Treating Intestinal Blockages In Dogs

In less severe situations, certain home remedies may help your dog pass small foreign objects. Feeding a bulky meal, such as rice or pumpkin mixed with their regular food, can cushion smaller objects and encourage them to move safely through the digestive tract. However, avoid using lubricants like olive oil, as they are generally ineffective and can cause additional gastrointestinal upset.

Always consult your vet before trying home remedies, especially if your dog shows severe symptoms.

For more serious blockages, professional intervention is necessary. In some cases, endoscopy—a non-surgical procedure that uses a small camera and tools—can successfully remove foreign objects from the stomach.

When the blockage is more severe or located in the intestines, your dog's intestinal blockage surgery may be required. This involves opening the abdomen, removing the obstruction, and repairing any damaged sections of the intestines. Post-surgery, your dog may require hospitalization for monitoring and recovery, including intravenous fluids and post surgery pain medication for pain management.

Preventing Intestinal Blockages

Prevention starts with keeping your dog’s environment safe and free from potential hazards. Supervise your dog during playtime with toys, especially small or easily breakable ones, and avoid giving rawhides or cooked bones, which are difficult to digest and prone to splintering.

Store trash, strings, socks, and other tempting but dangerous objects out of reach, as these are common culprits for accidental ingestion.

Investing in durable, size-appropriate chew toys can also help satisfy your dog’s chewing instincts without the risk of swallowing something harmful.

Feeding your dog a balanced, natural diet can improve overall gut health and reduce the risk of obstructions. Opt for fresh, digestible foods that support a healthy gastrointestinal tract, avoiding low-quality commercial foods that can contribute to digestive issues. Including high-fiber ingredients, like pumpkin or sweet potatoes, can help regulate digestion and promote the smooth passage of ingested material.

Address behavioral habits that increase the risk of intestinal blockages, such as counter-surfing or eating too quickly. Slow-feeder bowls can help dogs who gulp their food, reducing the risk of swallowing large, undigested pieces. Training your dog to avoid scavenging during walks or in the home is also crucial. Positive reinforcement techniques can be particularly effective in curbing these risky behaviors.

Recovery After Blockage Treatment Or Surgery

If your dog undergoes surgery to remove an intestinal blockage, the initial recovery phase will likely involve a short stay at the veterinary hospital. During this time, your dog will receive intravenous fluids, pain relief, and close monitoring to ensure normal bowel movements resume.

Once discharged, your vet may recommend a temporary diet of easily digestible foods to help your dog’s gastrointestinal system recover. Regular follow-ups with your vet will also be necessary to check for complications and track healing progress.

At home, create a calm, stress-free environment to support your dog’s recovery. Gradually reintroduce their normal diet as advised by your vet, and consider adding anti-inflammatory supplements like fish oil or turmeric to help ease discomfort and promote healing. Restrict physical activity to prevent strain on healing tissues, and monitor your dog closely for signs of recurring issues, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, or lethargy.

With proper care, most dogs recover well and can return to their normal activities in a few weeks.

FAQ

How do I know if my dog has intestinal blockage? Signs of a dog’s intestinal blockage include repeated vomiting, loss of appetite, and a painful abdomen, often paired with lethargy or bloating. A physical exam by a vet, along with imaging tests, is crucial for confirming bowel obstructions in dogs.

How long can a dog survive with an intestinal blockage? A dog with a complete intestinal blockage may only survive a few days before the lack of blood flow and tissue damage cause serious complications like blood poisoning. Immediate veterinary attention, including potential bowel obstruction surgery, is critical for saving your dog’s life.

Can a dog still poop if it has a blockage? Dogs with partial bowel obstructions may still pass small amounts of stool, but a complete intestinal blockage often prevents pooping entirely. Monitor for signs like straining, vomiting, or your dog’s nausea as indicators of a more severe issue.

How do I help my dog pass a blockage? If your dog has swallowed something small, feeding a bulky meal may help cushion the object and move it through the intestinal wall. Avoid using home remedies like oil and seek veterinary care promptly if symptoms worsen, as major surgery may be required for severe cases.