Digestive issues are typically normal when it comes to our dogs. However, when our dogs experience an intestinal obstruction, they need emergency care. Without prompt treatment, a blockage can damage the intestines and, in severe cases, become life-threatening.

What Causes Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs?

In dogs, intestinal blockages are most often caused by foreign objects that they’ve accidentally swallowed, but certain medical conditions can also lead to an obstruction. Here are some of the common causes of intestinal blockage in dogs:

Foreign Objects

Foreign objects are common causes of intestinal obstruction in dogs. Because your best friends love to explore and eat anything they can, they might fall victim to objects that might get stuck in their systems. Some of the common foreign objects your dog might ingest are small toys that are just the right size to cause a blockage.

Bones, especially those that are cooked, can easily get stuck or cause internal injuries if swallowed. Also, additional objects such as household items, coins, rocks, and other small items can cause an intestinal blockage.

Tumors and Growths

Sometimes, blockages are caused not by what your dog has eaten but by something growing inside them. Tumors and masses can develop in a dog’s gastrointestinal tract, blocking the passage of food. This type of obstruction is more common in older dogs and often leads to a gradual onset of symptoms, like vomiting, appetite loss, or weight loss, as the tumor slowly grows over time.

Intussusception

Intussusception is a condition where one part of the intestine slides or folds into another segment, creating a type of blockage that resembles how a telescope is folded. This prevents normal movement through the intestines and, if untreated, can cut off blood flow to that section. Intussusception can occur due to infections, parasites, or sometimes trauma, and it requires prompt medical treatment.

Scar Tissue and Adhesions

After abdominal surgery, a dog may develop scar tissue or adhesions, which are bands of scar tissue that can connect tissues or organs in ways that restrict normal movement. Scar tissue in the intestines can sometimes cause narrowing or twisting that leads to an obstruction, particularly if the dog has had multiple surgeries or the tissue builds up over time.

Intestinal Parasites

Although it’s less common, a heavy infestation of intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, can cause a blockage. This is particularly seen in puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems, where the parasites cluster together in large numbers within the intestines. Regular deworming and veterinary check-ups are important to prevent this type of obstruction.

Torsion

Intestinal torsion, also known as volvulus, occurs when part of the intestine twists on itself, cutting off blood flow. It’s an intestinal condition with extreme pain and swelling, requiring immediate surgery. Torsion is uncommon but can happen in certain deep-chested breeds, like German Shepherds or Great Danes, which may be at higher risk.

Signs of Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs

An intestinal blockage can quickly become a serious issue for dogs, so it’s important to recognize the warning signs early. Here are the common signs of intestinal obstructions in dogs:

Digestive Symptoms

Just like most issues regarding a dog’s gastrointestinal tract, vomiting is one of the main symptoms. In some cases of partial blockage in your dog’s intestines, diarrhea and loose stool are also possible signs. When things get worse, your dog might have difficulty defecating and urinating. This is a huge sign of an obstruction in their bodies.

Abdominal Pain and Swelling

A blockage in the intestines often leads to pain and discomfort. You may notice that your dog’s abdomen looks bloated or feels hard to the touch. Many dogs will become sensitive or even show aggression if you touch or press on their belly when they’re in pain. Some may also adopt a “prayer position,” where they stretch out their front legs and leave their hindquarters raised, trying to relieve the abdominal discomfort.

Changes in Appetite and Energy

Dogs with an intestinal obstruction frequently lose interest in food, as eating can lead to discomfort. You may see them approach their food bowl but then walk away, or they may refuse food altogether. This lack of appetite is often accompanied by lethargy; a normally active dog may seem uninterested in playing, exercising, or socializing as they focus on dealing with the pain and discomfort caused by the blockage.

Excessive Drooling or Gagging

Many dogs with an obstruction will drool more than usual. This is often a sign of nausea, which can happen as a result of the blockage. In some cases, they may try to vomit but be unable to bring anything up, or they might gag frequently. These symptoms are especially common with foreign object obstructions, which can irritate the digestive tract and trigger the gag reflex.

Dehydration and Weakness

As the symptoms progress, dehydration becomes a serious concern. Persistent vomiting, lack of appetite, and reduced water intake can quickly dehydrate a dog. Dehydration, combined with the stress and discomfort dogs feel, will make them weaker and feel more tired.

Behavioral Changes

Dogs in pain often act differently, and a blockage can lead to behavioral changes that signal distress. Some dogs may seek solitude, avoid interacting with people, or appear restless, constantly shifting positions to try to get comfortable. Others may show signs of irritation or aggression, particularly if someone tries to touch their abdomen.

Diagnosing Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs

If the symptoms start to show up, it would be a great idea to have your dog checked. Our vets will do a couple of diagnostic tests to make sure we have an accurate reading of your dog’s situation. Here are some of the ways we diagnose intestinal obstruction in dogs:

Physical Examination

Our vets will start by asking about your dog’s recent behavior, appetite, and any specific symptoms you’ve noticed, such as vomiting or changes in bowel movements. During the physical examination, we’ll gently touch your dog and press its abdomen to check for any signs of swelling, pain, or masses that indicate a blockage.

Imaging

X-rays are typically one of the first tests performed if a blockage is suspected. They can show whether there’s a foreign object or a tumor growing in a dog’s intestines. In addition to this, ultrasounds are also helpful in helping our vets find the obstruction and locating it. 

Endoscopy

An endoscopy is the process of placing a tube with a camera down the dog’s throat and into the stomach or intestines. This procedure allows us to directly see inside the GI tract and, in some cases, even remove small foreign objects without the need for surgery. 

Blood Work

If an intestinal obstruction is suspected, we’ll also administer blood tests to help determine if an infection is present. The test also helps check organ function and your dog’s hydration.

Treating Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs

The treatment for your dog’s intestinal obstruction will depend on the size and location of what’s causing it. We’ll also consider your dog’s health condition and its safety. Here are the treatment options available for intestinal obstructions in dogs at our clinic:

Induced Vomiting

If the cause of your dog’s intestinal obstruction is something that it has ingested recently, we may resort to helping your dog vomit out the foreign object. While this only works in some cases, a handful of these kinds of problems can be helped with this process. If a foreign object has been vomited out, we’ll proceed with recovery care, making use of IV fluids for rehydration and medications for pain management.

Surgery

When the obstruction is more severe, or if non-surgical methods don’t work, surgery becomes necessary. Our vet makes a small incision into the dog’s abdomen and carefully removes the blockage from the intestines. 

If the blockage has caused tissue damage, the vet may also need to remove part of the intestine, a process known as a resection and anastomosis. In this case, the damaged section is removed, and the healthy end parts of the intestines are connected.

Preventing Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs

Preventing intestinal obstruction in dogs starts by knowing what to do to keep your dog safe. Here are some ways to get started:

1. Keep Your Home Clean

Small objects can cause blockages in your dog’s body. Keep these types of items away from your dog’s reach, and make sure to store them safely. Avoid giving your dog small toys and items.

2. Avoid Giving Risky Food

Some foods, such as fruits with large pits, cooked bones, and corn cobs, can cause blockages in your dog’s body. Make sure to always monitor what your dog eats so you can be sure. 

3. Visit the Vet Regularly

Make sure to visit your local vet regularly. We provide guidance on safe items for your dog and monitor any conditions that could make them more prone to obstructions.

Conclusion

Intestinal obstruction is a serious health issue for dogs, but with early detection and the right care, most dogs make a full recovery. With our help, we can keep your dog safe and protected from these intestinal blockages. Give us a call, and we’ll help you get started on your first puppy visit.