What All Dog Owners Should Know About Intestinal Blockages
Just as humans can become constipated, so can dogs. Often, this condition is referred to as an intestinal block. And while it can be caused by normal food, it is often the result of a dog eating something they shouldn't eat, like a sock or a piece of a dog toy. Intestinal blockages absolutely need to be handled by a veterinarian, but as a dog owner, you still need to know the basics.
What are the signs of intestinal blockage in a dog?
Far too often, owners shrug off the signs of an intestinal blockage for too long, and then it is harder for the vet to treat their animal. So, it's not wise to delay. If your dog shows any of these signs, call your vet ASAP. If it's after hours, call the emergency vet clinic in your area. The signs are:
- Loss of appetite
- Persistent vomiting
- Attempting to defecate, but nothing comes out
- Bloating in the stomach area
- Hunching over or looking at the stomach area
- Extreme defensiveness when you try to touch their stomach
What will a vet do for intestinal blockage?
When you arrive at the vet's office, they will usually start by asking you some questions. They'll ask if you know whether your dog ate anything foreign, or if your dog had access to any foreign objects they could have eaten. They'll ask about your dog's general diet and how much they typically drink. Answer these questions as honestly and as thoroughly as you can. Your vet is not going to judge you; they need to know the details to deduce what's wrong with your pet.
Next, the vet will generally take an x-ray of your dog to see if they can see a foreign body or bulky stool blocking the intestine. If they do spot a block, they will prep your dog for surgery. Once the dog is under anesthesia, they will make an incision in the abdomen, open the intestine, and remove the object.
This is quite an extensive surgery, and your dog will likely need to stay in the vet hospital for a few days to recover. Sadly, some dogs do not recover well from having abdominal surgery. And if you don't reach the vet's office soon enough, your dog could succumb to this condition.
Nobody wants their dog to develop an intestinal block, but if this does happen to you, the best thing you can do is get your dog to the vet ASAP.