10 Common Foreign Bodies That Can Cause Gastrointestinal Blockage in Pets
What is a Foreign Body and Gastrointestinal Blockage in Pets?
A foreign body is any object your pet swallows that isn’t meant to be eaten. A gastrointestinal (GI) blockage occurs when a foreign body becomes lodged in the stomach or intestines, creating an obstruction. These blockages prevent normal movement of food and fluids and can be life-threatening if left untreated. In dogs and cats, foreign bodies are a common reason for emergency vet visits.
In this article, we’ll explain the signs of GI foreign bodies and intestinal blockages, the top 10 foreign bodies we see in veterinary practice and what to do if you suspect your pet may have eaten a foreign body.
Signs of GI Foreign Bodies and Blockages in Pets
While some pets show obvious symptoms, others experience no signs initially with only a suspicion: you notice something missing from around the house, or see your pet acting “slightly off”. Signs and symptoms can include:
You see or suspect your pet has eaten something
Vomiting
Reduced or loss of appetite
Abdominal pain
Lethargy and reduced activity
Diarrhoea, straining to pass stool, constipation or reduced bowel motions
The Risk of Everyday Foreign Bodies
In veterinary practice, we see the same objects causing problems time and time again. Many are common household items you might not think twice about leaving within reach. Here are ten of the most frequent foreign body culprits and why they’re dangerous.
Socks and Underwear (Fabric Foreign Bodies)
Soft, stretchy fabrics form dense plugs that can’t be digested. These often lodge in the stomach or small intestine, causing vomiting and discomfort. Dogs are especially prone to stealing and swallowing these from laundry baskets.
Corn Cobs
Corn cobs are the perfect size and shape to block the small intestine and they won’t break down, even after days in the gut. Corn kernels are safe to feed cats and dogs in small quantities but it’s essential that they are removed from the cob before feeding.
Bones
Cooked bones splinter easily, posing a risk of perforations, internal injury, and intestinal blockage. They’re a true “no-no” for pets. Raw bones are less likely to splinter but can still cause serious issues if swallowed whole.
Balls and Toys
Balls and toys become dangerous if they are too small for your pet’s mouth or if pieces are chewed off and swallowed. Fragments or entire toys can become lodged in the stomach or intestines, leading to a blockage. Tennis balls in particular, lack durability, are very easily broken and swallowed.
Sanitary Products and Nappies
Yes, we know — this one’s a bit gross. But the reality is, pets (especially dogs) will happily scavenge used sanitary pads, tampons, or nappies if they can get to them. These items expand when wet, making them highly likely to cause an intestinal blockage.
Stone Fruit Pits (Peach, Plum, Nectarine, Apricot, Avocado)
Stone fruit pits are too large to pass through the intestines and instead become lodged. They can also cause injury if broken into sharp fragments.
Rawhide Chews
Rawhide swells and softens when wet, creating large, slippery pieces that are difficult for pets to pass and can easily cause a blockage. It’s baffling that so many of these products are marketed for pets given the number of issues we see with them.
Stones, Rocks and Gravel
Stones, rocks and gravel are heavy, hard, and impossible to digest. They can block the stomach or intestines and cause severe irritation to the gut lining.
String, Thread and Ribbon (Linear Foreign Body)
String, thread and ribbon make up a group called linear foreign bodies. As the name suggests they are long and thin and when swallowed can cause the intestines to bunch and tear. Linear foreign bodies are particularly dangerous for cats.
Food Wrappers and Packaging
Food wrappers and packaging whether made from foil or plastic can form a solid plug in the intestines. Pets are often drawn to these items because they smell like food or even contain food, making them more likely to chew and swallow them.
Not Every Swallowed Foreign Body Will Cause a Blockage — But It’s Not Worth the Risk
Not all foreign bodies will lead to an obstruction. In some cases, the object will be vomited up or pass safely through the intestines. However, when a blockage does occur, the consequences can be serious. Blockages often result in severe pain, damage to the stomach or intestines, and life-threatening complications if not treated promptly.
Because it’s impossible to know in advance which way things will go, it’s always safest to have your pet checked by a veterinarian as soon as you suspect they’ve swallowed something they shouldn’t. Acting early can make the difference between a simple monitoring plan and major, urgent surgery.
What to Do if You Suspect Your Pet Has Swallowed a Foreign Body
If you think your dog or cat has eaten something they shouldn’t have, call your vet immediately. Even if they seem well, it’s important to act early. Your veterinarian may recommend you make an urgent trip to the veterinary hospital so they can induce vomiting to get your pet to bring up the foreign body. There is an approximate window of 2 hours after ingestion where vomiting can be an effective way to get the foreign body out of the stomach. Following this, it can pass into the intestines and vomiting is no longer effective. Waiting too long can make treatment more challenging and increase the risk of complications.
Preventing Foreign Body Obstruction in Pets
Many cases of gastrointestinal obstruction are preventable. The key is limiting your pet’s access to high-risk items, inside and outside the home.
Some pets, particularly those who have already swallowed something before, don’t tend to “learn their lesson.” In fact, many will repeat the behaviour given the chance. That means extra vigilance is needed for these repeat offenders, as they may seek out the same type of item again.
Practical prevention tips:
Secure laundry and waste. Keep laundry baskets, rubbish bins, and bathroom waste out of reach or behind closed doors.
Supervise playtime. Monitor pets with toys, chews, and bones. Remove them if they begin to break or you notice your pet biting parts off.
Be mindful during mealtimes and BBQs. Avoid leaving food scraps, used skewers, bones, or corn cobs unattended.
Manage the environment outdoors. Clear gardens of fallen fruit, rocks, and other tempting objects.
Know your pet’s habits. If they have a history of chewing or swallowing non-food items, be extra proactive in removing potential hazards.
A little planning and prevention can dramatically reduce the risk of danger, ensure peace-of-mind and prevent the need for urgent trips to the vet.
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