Care of a Pet Bowel Obstruction in Dogs

Dogs are notorious chewers, and occasionally they swallow something indigestible that can get stuck in the intestine, preventing the passage of feces. If you know your dog has gotten into something he shouldn't have and seems lethargic, loses his appetite, and begins vomiting, he may have an obstructed bowel. While a visit to the vet is mandatory, a big part of the healing process involves home care after surgery. If you suspect that your dog has a bowel obstruction, time is of the essence to ensure a complete recovery.

Things You'll Need

  • Veterinarian
  • Dog crate
  • Prescribed medication
  • Fresh water
  • Recommended bland diet or boiled chicken and rice
  • Dog's regular food
  • Sturdy, chew-proof toys

Instructions

    • 1

      Take the dog to the vet immediately. If the obstruction is complete, intestinal strangulation can occur, and the bowel can become gangrenous within hours. Surgery is necessary to remove the object before the blood supply is cut off and infection sets in.

    • 2

      Confine the dog for a few days after surgery. He will be very weak and will likely have a sizable sutured area that should be treated very delicately during initial recovery. Keep him in a crate or other small area, and keep walks short.

    • 3

      Administer all prescribed medication as directed. The dog will most likely come home from the vet with oral antibiotics and a mild laxative to prevent the formation of hard, dry stools that could stress the intestinal sutures. All prescribed medications are necessary to assist in the dog's full recovery.

    • 4

      Rehydrate the dog by making sure he has free access to plenty of fresh water. The vomiting caused by the blockage will leave him dehydrated, and rehydration is important to the recovery of intestinal function.

    • 5

      Feed him a bland diet for the first couple of days, as long as vomiting has stopped. The vet will recommend an appropriate food, or boiled chicken and rice may also be used. Feed small amounts frequently throughout the day to avoid the formation of large stools that may be painful for the dog to pass.

    • 6

      Reintroduce the dog's regular food gradually, by mixing increasing amounts with the bland diet over the course of a few days. A sudden change in diet can shock the digestive system, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and the ensuing dehydration and stress can hinder the dog's recovery.

    • 7

      Keep your re-check appointment with the vet. Many owners tend to skip the re-check, but it is an important part of the healing process. It gives the vet a chance to observe the effects of treatment and to determine if things are moving along as they should.

    • 8

      Prevent a recurrence by securing garbage cans and other hazards away from the dog. Only give the dog toys with parts that cannot be chewed off, unless you directly supervise the play. Dogs who have had one bowel obstruction are always at risk for another, so know what is going into your dog's mouth at all times.