Identifying and Handling Foreign Body Blockages in Cats and Dogs

We all love our pets, but they can get themselves into serious situations without realizing. With a love to chew and eat whatever they find, there is always the risk of them ingesting something they shouldn’t and it becoming blocked in their system. It’s a big concern for cat and dog owners and, as you can imagine, quite distressing and uncomfortable for your pet. 

Cats and dogs are naturally curious, whether it’s a toy, household object, or something picked up when outside. Even if they seem small, these foreign bodies can cause significant health issues, so recognising the signs of a blockage early can be crucial. To help, you’ll find below a few helpful tips so you can recognise symptoms, what the common blockages are, and what to do next.

What Are The Common Causes of Blockages?

Anything that your pet can reach either at home or outside can potentially be ingested, but there are a few common items dog or cat owners may have experienced. 

For dogs, commonly this could be parts of chew toys that break apart into large chunks, small balls, cooked bones that splinter, and socks or other small clothing items they may find and chew. Cats often swallow things like thread, and small toys, especially those with strings or feathers that catch their interest during play. Usually, anything that they interact with and are left alone to chew has the potential to be swallowed, which is why keeping an eye on them is the best prevention.

When outside, risks include sticks and stones, which dogs might fetch and accidentally swallow, and bones or other food and items they may scavenge. Both cats and dogs are also at risk of swallowing parts of plants, some of which can be hazardous not only due to blockages but also because they may be toxic.

What Are The Signs of a Blockage?

When it happens, sometimes the symptoms are obvious, and you may have even seen them ingest something they shouldn’t have. However, it isn’t always obvious. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for:

Symptoms in Dogs:

• Vomiting – Repeated vomiting or dry heaving can be a sign of obstruction.
• Abdominal pain – Dogs may whine, yelp or growl when their belly is touched.
• Lethargy – A sudden lack of energy or interest in activities they usually enjoy.
• Changes in bowel movements – A blockage in the gut can lead to diarrhoea or constipation, or you may see unusual material in their stool that the body is trying to pass through.
• Loss of appetite – They may suddenly have a disinterest in food. This can be a red flag if this is very unusual for them.

Symptoms in Cats:

• Vomiting – Similar to dogs, vomiting or attempts to are a common symptom.
• Abdominal pain – Cats may become more reclusive and take themselves away more regularly, or react negatively to being touched.
• Lethargy – Not being as energetic or hiding in unusual places around the home or in the garden.
• Changes in bowel movements – Failure to use the litter box or changes in stool appearance.
• Loss of appetite – Like dogs, a refusal to eat can be a significant indicator of distress.
• Unusual posture – Such as a hunched back, which can indicate pain.

What To Do Next

If you suspect your pet has ingested a foreign object, acting quickly is the best way to help them. In many cases, as per the PDSA, it could mean your cat or dog will need an emergency operation. Here’s what to do next:

• Assess the Situation – Quickly determine if your pet is in distress and showing any of the above symptoms. 
• Do Not Induce Vomiting – Do not try to make your pet vomit the item. This can cause more harm than good, especially if the object is sharp or already causing damage. 
• Contact Your Vet – Call your vet immediately. Describe the symptoms and any object your pet may have ingested that you are aware of. Your vet can advise whether you should come in immediately or monitor the situation at home. In many cases like this, you’ll need to visit.
• Bring the Object, If Possible – If you know what your pet swallowed, it’s helpful to show them what this is so they can see the size, shape and material, or bring a piece along if that is all that remains. This can help them understand what they are dealing with.
• The Vet Will Decide What’s Best – Once at the vet, follow their recommendations for treatment, which might include x-rays, and surgery to remove the object and ensure your pet’s safety. If the blockage is already in their intestines, then more than likely surgery will be required.

The sooner you can speak to your vet and visit, the better. It’s always best to be cautious when it comes to your pet swallowing something that can cause blockages. You don’t want to leave it too late for there to be a bigger problem, so if you are unsure what has happened but can see your cat or dog is in distress, act sooner rather than later.

Covering the Costs of Emergency Treatment

Whenever visiting the vet in an emergency situation like a foreign body blockage, you may need emergency treatment such as surgery. This can be costly, and as it can be unexpected and require quick action, you’ll want to ensure you can cover the costs at short notice. This can be fine if you have the savings to cover it, but if you don’t, this is where pet insurance can ensure your cat or dog can get the treatment they need.

A good policy will ensure vet costs are fully covered, with some providers covering up to £15,000 in vet fees annually. If you would struggle to pay for the costs of an emergency vet visit, having insurance will ensure you can cover it without worry, so you can concentrate on helping your pet during their recovery. It’s best to compare different policies to get a good idea of what is available and find one that is both affordable and comprehensive.

How To Stop This Happening In The First Place

No one wants their pet to experience discomfort or distress, so you can help them avoid this happening with a few preventative measures. Of course, no measures are completely foolproof and there is always the potential for your cat or dog to find something to chew on or eat.

• Pet-Proof Your Home – Regularly check your home for any small objects that pets could swallow, such as coins, small items of clothing or toys. Keep away from reach anything they shouldn’t be able to get without your supervision.
• Choose Appropriate Toys – When buying toys, be sure they are suitable for your cat or dog’s size and chewing habits. Avoid toys that can be easily torn apart or have small, detachable parts.
• Supervise Playtime – Always watch your pets when they are playing, especially with new toys or objects they show great interest in. You can then remove anything that comes apart or could pose a swallowing risk.
• Avoid Dangerous Foods and Objects – In a busy family household, it’s best to let everyone know about the dangers of certain foods and household items that could harm your pet.
• Regular Training – Having an obedient dog will make it easier to remove items they shouldn’t have. Teaching commands like “drop” can make a huge difference. For both cats and dogs, keep them entertained and interact with them to avoid destructive behaviours that could lead to swallowing an object.

Hopefully, your cat or dog will avoid this ever happening, but if it does, you’ll be glad you know what the common signs of blockages are. In most cases, speaking to your vet is the best course of action and they will be able to advise what the next steps should be. That way, you can help your pet get back to normal much faster.