Dogs can swallow and pass a wide variety of objects, but their size and shape determine how safely they can pass through the digestive system. While small, soft items may pass uneventfully, larger or irregularly shaped objects can cause blockages requiring emergency veterinary care.
When a dog eats something too big, it can get stuck in its intestines. This can cause a blockage and result in death. This article will cover the typical size of objects dogs can pass, factors that affect whether an object may cause a blockage, signs of trouble when to seek veterinary help, how blockages are diagnosed and treated, steps to prevent problems, and more.
Knowing this information can help dog owners avoid scary and expensive vet visits for blockages. It can also alert you to worrisome symptoms so you can get prompt veterinary care. We’ll provide research-based facts to help you keep your dog safe, healthy, and blockage-free.
Typical Size of Objects Dogs Can Pass
Dogs can generally pass small foreign objects through their digestive tract without issue. Some common items dogs swallow that will likely pass on their own include:
- Small pieces of plastic, wood, or rubber
- Pennies or other coins
- Small rocks or pebbles
- Socks or fabric pieces less than 3-4 inches long
- Small pieces of paper or cardboard
For most medium to large-breed dogs, objects smaller than 1-2 inches in diameter and 2-3 inches long can typically pass through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines without causing a blockage. Puppies and small dog breeds may only be able to pass even smaller objects safely.
As a general rule, if an object can fit through a toilet paper tube, there’s a good chance a dog can pass it without obstruction. However, other factors like texture and shape also come into play. Smooth, round items are less likely to get stuck than sharp, angular objects.
When dogs ingest something, it usually takes between 10-36 hours to move through the entire digestive tract, depending on the size of the object. Some objects, however, can take several weeks or months. Some objects are too big to progress through the digestive tract, and when this is the case, they cause an obstruction.
Factors Affecting Size Of Object A Dog Can Pass
The size of objects a dog can pass depends on several factors related to the dog itself. The most important factors are the dog’s size, age, and overall health.
– Dog’s Size: Smaller dogs generally can only pass smaller objects safely. Large and giant breed dogs can pass larger objects. Puppies also are limited in the size of objects they can ingest and pass.
– Dog’s Age: Puppies and senior dogs will have more difficulty passing objects than healthy adult dogs. Puppies have smaller digestive tracts that limit size. Senior dogs may have gastrointestinal issues that hinder their ability to pass foreign objects.
– Dog’s Health: Dogs with gastrointestinal blockages, inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, or other conditions affecting the digestive tract will be less able to pass items they swallow. Any dog that is unhealthy will be at higher risk for obstructions.
So, when assessing if a dog can safely pass an object, you need to consider their size, age, and health status. The larger and healthier a dog is, the larger objects they may be able to pass without incident. Puppies, small dogs, seniors, and dogs with health conditions should be monitored closely to prevent blockages.
Types of Objects Dogs Swallow
Dogs are notorious for swallowing foreign objects that their owners (and veterinarians!) wish they wouldn’t. Here are some of the most common household items that dogs ingest:
– Socks: It’s almost cliché that dogs love to swallow socks. Perhaps it’s because they smell like their owners. Dogs will often swallow a sock whole.
– Underwear: For the same reason as socks, dogs seem to enjoy snacking on underwear. Lacy undergarments or underwear with strings can cause issues.
– Toys: Plush toys with squeakers and plastic eyes are enticing chew toys for dogs. Pieces like stuffing and plastic eyes can cause blockages if swallowed.
– Rocks: Some dogs like to eat rocks when outside. These can range from pebbles to large stones. Rocks require surgery to remove.
– Corn cobs: The woody interior of corn cobs does not digest. Swallowed cob pieces can puncture intestines.
– Sticks: Like corn cobs, sticks splinter into sharp pieces that damage intestines when swallowed.
– Rawhide: These chews become soft and slimy when wet. Large pieces can expand in the intestines.
– Balls/Frisbees: Ball-obsessed dogs may swallow their toys. The round shape and large size cause issues passing through the intestines.
– Bones: Any bones other than raw meaty bones can cause obstructions. Cooked bones splinter and raw bones are too hard.
– Toothpicks: These sharp wooden sticks can puncture intestines when swallowed.
– String/tinsel: Linear foreign bodies are very dangerous. String wraps around intestinal tissue and cuts off blood supply.
– Batteries: When swallowed, batteries leak caustic chemicals. This can cause severe ulceration or even perforation.
Socks, underwear, toys, rocks, corn cobs, sticks, rawhide, balls/frisbees, bones, toothpicks, string/tinsel, and batteries are just some of the items dogs are notorious for ingesting that may cause an intestinal blockage. It’s important to keep these out of reach of your dog.
Signs of Blockage
Dogs that have swallowed an object that is blocking their digestive tract will often show symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy. These signs indicate that there is an obstruction preventing food and waste from passing through the intestines normally.
Some specific symptoms to look out for include:
– Vomiting: Dogs may vomit repeatedly, especially if the obstruction is in the upper intestines. The vomit may contain food, fluid, or mucus.
– Diarrhea: Watery, bloody, or mucus-filled diarrhea can occur if the obstruction is in the lower intestines.
– Loss of appetite: Dogs with a blockage may show complete disinterest in food.
– Lethargy: obstruction can cause dehydration and discomfort, making dogs less energetic. They may mope around and seem overall unwell.
– Abdominal pain: Dogs may cry, whine, or growl if pressure builds up behind the obstruction. They may tense their stomach muscles or contort their bodies to relieve discomfort.
– Straining to defecate but not producing stools: Dogs may repeatedly strain and visit the yard without passing feces if blocked.
If your dog shows these concerning signs after swallowing an object, take them to the vet immediately. Timely treatment is crucial for avoiding complications from an intestinal blockage. Do not wait to see if symptoms resolve on their own.
When to Seek Help
If your dog stops eating, vomiting, has diarrhea, lethargic behavior, or other concerning symptoms after swallowing an object, it’s important to seek veterinary help right away. Certain signs warrant an immediate vet visit:
- Not eating for over 24 hours
- Repeated vomiting
- Abdominal pain or distension
- Constipation or inability to pass stool
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Gagging
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy/listlessness
- Collapse
These symptoms indicate your dog may have a true blockage or obstruction from the ingested object. Blockages can be extremely dangerous if left untreated and may require emergency surgery or intensive care. Don’t wait to see if your dog improves on their own. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the higher the risk of serious complications or death.
It’s much safer to have your vet examine your dog if you notice any of these concerning signs after swallowing an indigestible object. Your vet can check for blockages and decide if any treatment is needed. Seeking timely veterinary care can help prevent a small issue from becoming a life-threatening emergency.
Diagnostic Tests For Intestinal Blockage In Dogs
Veterinarians use a variety of diagnostic tests to determine if a dog has an intestinal obstruction or blockage. The main diagnostic tools include:
1) Imaging:
X-rays and ultrasound are commonly used to visualize obstructions in the GI tract. X-rays can detect many objects that dogs swallow such as bones, rocks, balls, and other foreign items. Ultrasound provides detailed images of the intestinal tract and abdominal organs to pinpoint the location of a blockage.
2) Bloodwork:
A complete blood count and biochemical profile are done to check for signs of infection, inflammation, or organ issues that may be caused by an obstruction. Changes in white blood cell count, hydration status, and electrolyte balances provide clues to the severity of the blockage.
3) Contrast Studies:
Barium contrast X-rays involve giving the dog oral barium to coat the GI tract. This allows the intestinal tract to show up more clearly on X-rays. Contrast studies help identify the location and nature of obstructions.
4) Endoscopy:
A camera on the end of a flexible tube can be inserted into the esophagus and stomach to visualize foreign objects lodged there. Endoscopy is minimally invasive and does not require surgery.
5) Abdominal Exploration:
If necessary, the vet will perform abdominal surgery to open up the intestines and directly inspect for blockages. This allows the vet to remove the obstruction and repair any intestinal damage.
Diagnostic testing helps vets determine the cause, location, and severity of a blockage to guide treatment. Quick diagnosis is key to preventing serious complications from intestinal obstructions.
Treatment of Intestinal Blockage in Dogs
Veterinarians have several options for treating intestinal obstructions in dogs depending on the location, nature, and severity of the blockage.
– Monitoring: If the obstruction is small and recent, the vet may recommend monitoring the dog’s condition, withholding food for 12-24 hours, and administering IV fluids. This allows time for the object to pass on its own without surgery.
– Endoscopy: Endoscopy involves passing a flexible tube with a camera down the throat to try retrieving objects stuck in the esophagus or stomach non-surgically. This is only possible for blockages in the upper digestive tract.
– Surgery: If monitoring and endoscopy fail or the obstruction is intestinal, surgery is often necessary. This involves making an incision into the abdomen and gently manipulating the intestines to locate and remove the foreign object. Surgery has risks like infection but is often life-saving.
– Aftercare: Post-surgery care involves IV fluids, pain control, antibiotics, and gradually reintroducing bland food over several days. The vet will monitor for complications like dehiscence.
Speed of treatment is important as intestinal obstructions can damage the sensitive intestinal tissue and blood supply. Surgery also becomes a higher risk the longer the dog goes without treatment. Close monitoring and follow-up visits are crucial to ensure full recovery after obstruction surgery.
How To Prevent Dogs From Picking Objects
You can take steps to prevent your dog from swallowing inedible objects. Here are some tips:
1) Dog-Proof Your Home
- Keep small objects like coins, batteries, rubber bands, socks, underwear, toys, etc. out of reach. Use closed containers when possible.
- Pick up any found items before your dog does. Dogs explore with their mouths, so regularly scan floors and furniture for hazards.
- Block access to trash cans and garbage. Use trash cans with lids or keep them in latched cabinets.
- Supervise your dog outside to avoid swallowing sticks, mulch, rocks, etc.
2) Train Your Dog
- Teach “leave it” and “drop it” commands. Always reward your dog for obeying.
- Use bitter apple sprays on objects you don’t want to be chewed. Apply regularly since the taste fades.
- Provide safe chew toys to satisfy chewing urges. Rotate toys to keep them interesting.
- Crate train your dog when you’re away to restrict access to objects.
- Redirect chewing by engaging in interactive playtime and exercise. A tired dog is less tempted to chew.
Following prevention tips can create a safer environment and help train your dog against swallowing inedible objects. But supervision is still key.
Conclusion
What your dog eats can have a significant impact on its health. Understanding what objects your dog can safely pass, versus what might get stuck and cause an obstruction, is crucial knowledge for all dog owners.