Has Your Pet Swallowed Something? Signs of a Digestive Blockage
Posted in: Companion Animals
One of the most common – and most avoidable – reasons pets end up at the vet is a digestive tract foreign body. That’s the clinical term for when a pet eats an object that gets lodged somewhere in the digestive tract and can’t pass through on its own.
It happens more than you’d think, and it can be serious.
Signs Your Pet May Have a Blockage
The signs vary depending on where in the digestive tract the object is stuck, but watch for:
- Lethargy and weakness
- Abdominal pain or a tense, sore belly
- Loss of appetite or nausea
- Vomiting – especially repeated vomiting
- Diarrhoea, constipation, or blood in the stools
If your pet is showing several of these together, particularly repeated vomiting alongside a sore abdomen, don’t wait to see if it resolves. Call us.
How We Diagnose It
Our vets will give your pet a thorough examination, which often includes blood tests, ultrasound, or x-rays to locate the object and assess whether it’s causing a blockage. Some objects show up clearly; others are trickier to spot and need a combination of imaging to find.
If an obstruction is confirmed, surgery to remove it is usually required. The sooner it’s caught, the better the outcome – a partial obstruction caught early is a very different situation from a complete blockage that’s been building for days.
Which Pets Are Most at Risk?
Curious and playful puppies and kittens are the most frequent culprits, along with dogs who like to scavenge. That said, any pet can swallow something it shouldn’t – cats in particular have a weakness for string, tinsel, and anything that dangles.
Things We Commonly Remove From Our Patients
You’d be surprised what ends up in there. Some of the regulars:
- Corn cobs
- Stones
- Bones
- Toys – balls, children’s toys
- Fishing hooks
- Food wrap and packaging
- Clothing (socks and underwear are surprisingly popular)
- String, yarn, and Christmas decorations – particularly in cats
Prevention
Just as you’d keep small objects away from young children, the same logic applies to pets – especially puppies, kittens, and known scavengers. Keep an eye on what’s accessible at floor level, supervise play with toys that could be chewed apart, and if your dog tends to eat first and think later, be extra vigilant after meals or when they’ve been near a bin.
If you ever see your pet swallow something and you’re not sure whether it’s dangerous, call us rather than waiting to see what happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs that my dog has swallowed something and has a blockage?
The most common signs are repeated vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain or a tense belly, lethargy, and changes in bowel habits – including constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in the stools. Signs can come on within hours of swallowing an object or develop more gradually over a couple of days. If your pet is vomiting repeatedly and seems uncomfortable, contact your vet promptly.
Can a dog or cat pass a foreign object on their own without needing surgery?
Sometimes, yes – small smooth objects occasionally pass through without intervention. However, many objects don’t pass, and waiting to find out can allow a partial blockage to become a complete one, which is significantly more dangerous. If you know or suspect your pet has swallowed something, call your vet rather than taking a wait-and-see approach. We can help you assess the risk based on what was swallowed and your pet’s size.
How long does it take for symptoms of a blockage to appear?
It depends on where the object has lodged. An obstruction in the stomach may cause vomiting within hours. An obstruction lower in the intestine may take 24-72 hours to produce obvious symptoms. Some pets show signs quickly; others deteriorate more slowly. If you saw your pet swallow something, don’t wait for symptoms – contact us straight away.
What should I do if I think my pet has swallowed something?
Call your vet as soon as possible. Have ready: what your pet swallowed (if you know), roughly when it happened, and your pet’s weight. Do not try to make your pet vomit at home unless specifically instructed by a vet – some objects and substances can cause more damage coming back up. Do not give food or water until you’ve spoken to us.
Which household objects are most dangerous for pets to swallow?
Sharp or pointed objects – bones, sticks, fishing hooks, skewers – carry the highest risk of perforation. Linear objects – string, tinsel, thread, rubber bands – are particularly dangerous for cats as they can bunch up the intestine around the string. Corn cobs are a common culprit in dogs and don’t pass easily. Toys or toy parts large enough to cause obstruction are also frequent offenders.
Does Aorangi Vets treat digestive foreign bodies in Timaru, Geraldine, and Fairlie?
Yes. We see and treat foreign body cases across all three of our clinics – Highfield Timaru, Geraldine, and Fairlie. If you’re concerned your pet has swallowed something, contact your nearest Aorangi Vets clinic as soon as possible. Out of hours, call the clinic number and you’ll be directed to our Emergency service.