Whether it’s a sock, a string, or something out of the trash, pets are known for getting into things they shouldn’t. At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH), our emergency and specialty teams regularly treat animals that have ingested non-food items. In many cases, this can lead to a gastrointestinal blockage, a potentially life-threatening emergency if not addressed promptly. 

Depending on the case, pets with suspected or confirmed foreign body ingestion may be treated by multiple departments, including our Emergency & Critical Care, Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, and Internal Medicine services. With these specialties (and more) available under one roof, BBVSH provides comprehensive care from diagnosis to recovery. 

Common Objects That Cause Blockages in Pets 

Many of the foreign bodies we remove at BBVSH are everyday items found around the house or yard. Dogs and cats can be especially prone to chewing or eating objects out of boredom, anxiety, or curiosity. 

These are some of the most frequent offenders: 

• Household waste – bones, corn cobs, plastic wrap, food containers 

• Office supplies – paper, rubber bands, pens, pencils 

• Clothing and accessories – socks, underwear, hair ties, jewelry 

• Textiles and fabric – rope toys, towels, bedding 

• Outdoor debris – sticks, rocks, bark 

• Children’s toys – small figurines, building blocks, bouncy balls 

If your pet is known to scavenge or chew, it’s important to pet-proof your home and monitor their behavior closely. 

Signs Your Pet May Have an Obstruction 

If your pet has swallowed something they shouldn’t have, symptoms may develop as the object travels—or becomes lodged—in the digestive tract. Signs vary depending on the location and severity of the blockage but can include: 

• Repeated vomiting 

• Tender or bloated abdomen 

• Drooling or licking lips excessively 

• Refusal to eat or reduced appetite 

• Fatigue or listlessness 

• Straining during bowel movements or inability to pass stool 

Some pets may also become more irritable or uncomfortable when touched around the belly. 

How Is an Obstruction Diagnosed? 

Animals with gastrointestinal obstruction usually present to the Emergency Service. Upon arrival, vitals are taken, and a physical exam is performed. A FAST ultrasound and bloodwork are typically included in this initial assessment.

If the emergency veterinarian suspects a foreign body, additional imaging such as radiographs (X-rays), a full abdominal ultrasound, or CT scan may be used to further evaluate the location and severity of the obstruction. These tools help determine the most appropriate treatment plan and whether surgical or endoscopic intervention is required. 

Treatment: Removing the Obstruction 

Depending on where the object is located, there are two primary options for removal:

• Endoscopic retrieval – If the item is still in the stomach and hasn’t moved into the intestines, we may be able to retrieve it using a flexible camera and grasping tools, avoiding surgery entirely. 

• Surgical intervention – If the object has passed into the intestines or cannot be retrieved with an endoscope, surgery may be necessary. This could involve an incision into the stomach (gastrotomy) or intestines (enterotomy), and in cases where damage has occurred, we may need to remove part of the bowel. 

Recovery and Aftercare 

After the obstruction is removed—either by endoscopy or surgery—your pet will stay in our hospital for 24-hour post-surgical monitoring and care, supported by our experienced, on-site Emergency & Critical Care team. As a VECCS Level 1 certified hospital, BBVSH is equipped to recognize and respond immediately to any post-operative complications, including potentially life-threatening developments. This means you don’t have to manage your pet’s recovery alone—we have the training and the experience to provide the care your pet needs around the clock.

Our complete post-operative care includes: 

• Anesthetic recovery 

• Postoperative pain control 

• IV fluid therapy and mobility support 

• Ongoing wound management and bandage care 

• Continuous patient monitoring by trained critical care staff 

Once your pet is stable, they’ll be discharged with detailed home care instructions. This may include: 

• Pain medications or anti-nausea support 

• Dietary adjustments such as a bland or soft food diet 

• Temporary exercise restrictions 

• Use of an e-collar to protect surgical sites 

• Follow-up appointments for rechecks or suture removal 

Our team will walk you through every step to make sure your pet recovers safely and comfortably at home. 

Don’t Wait—Early Action Saves Lives 

If your pet has eaten something unusual or is showing any of the signs listed above, don’t delay. Some objects may pass naturally, but others can cause life-threatening blockages in a matter of hours or days. 

At BBVSH, we’re prepared to respond quickly to these emergencies. Our Emergency & Critical Care team is available 24/7, and our Surgery department is equipped to perform urgent procedures when needed. As a VECCS Level 1 certified hospital, we provide advanced care with specialists and emergency clinicians on-site or on-call at all times. 

If possible, call ahead at 604-514-8383 to let us know you’re coming—but in an emergency, walk-ins are always welcome.