
The Major Causes of Obstruction in Dogs
To understand and treat obstruction in pets, dog owners have to know the underlying root causes of obstruction in dogs. Doing this can certainly help a dog parent prevent obstruction developing to begin with or again.
Bowel obstructions in dogs are usually caused when a dog ingests foreign objects, such as bones, strings, toys and other materials. These foreign objects are generally unable to pass through the intestines and become lodged. They can also cause perforation of the stomach and intestines inside a dog's stomach.
Other medical conditions such as tumors or masses, hernias, intestinal parasites, twisting of the intestines around the membrane that separates them from the abdominal wall and narrowing of the passage from the stomach to the small intestine (pyloric stenosis), can also cause bowel obstruction in dogs.

Your dog’s health – How to monitor it?
Pay attention to your dog’s attitude – A pet owner can tell many things by observing the dog’s behaviour including how he or she is physically feeling. You can make sure his health is gradually getting better and responding to treatment. For instance, your fur baby should start to wag his tail , pay attention to you and get up to greet you. If he perks up and starts asking for food, then that is good sign to indicate he she is getting better.
On the other hand, if you notice your pet is becoming less interactive or just lying still, he or she may be getting worse and need medical attention.
Track how often your dog vomits – If you monitor your dog is not drinking or vomiting, then you have to ensure your dog does not become dehydrated.
If your dog vomits, then withhold food for 12 to 24 hours, but keep giving water. If he or she is unable to keep fluids down either, contact the vet urgently.
When you contact the vet, inform your vet how many times in a specific span of time your dog has vomited. However, if your pet vomited just once and resumed eating and drinking again, it’s probably no cause for alarm.
Look for diarrhea – If you see, then you’ll need to follow your pet into the yard to establish what he pr she eliminates. if you notice large volumes of watery diarrhea then contact the vet.
If you see blood his or her stools, your pet may require intensive supportive care like intravenous fluids.
If you notice your dog has a little diarrhea, be sure to give lots of fluid. Make sure that he’s getting more fluid than he or she is losing.
Not drinking enough fluid –Check the gums of your pet, which should be pink and moist. If you notice them to be dry feeling, it is possible your pet may be dehydrated.
The other way to check if you dog is hydrated is to lift up the scruff of your pet’s neck and let it drop. If your pet is hydrated, it should immediately return to the original position. If your dog is dehydrated, the skin will slowly fall back over the course of a few seconds, rather than snap back. Often dehydration in a sick dog is a cause for concern, so it is a good idea to take your dog to the animal hospital.
If you notice your pet is dehydrated, try offering some form of fluids. If he or she takes them, continue to monitor for dehydration. For any reasonyou’re your pet can’t keep fluids down, get medical care immediately. To prevent any organ damage, your pet may need medication of intravenous fluids.
Monitor your dog’s breathing – It is good to watch the breathing pattern of your dog and it can tell a pet owner tell you a lot about how your dog feeling. If your dog is in pain or suffering from some form sickness, your pet may breathe heavily or pant.
In most situations, coughing and heavy breathing are symptoms of a chest infection. It is also advisable to check your pet’s gums if his breathing causes exaggerated chest movements.
The gums in your dog’ mouth should be pink and healthy. However, if the gums look tinged blue or pale, contact your veterinarian. Your dog could be in respiratory distress as your pet might not be getting enough oxygen.
You can also keep an hourly record of your dog’s breathing. Generally your pet take about 20 to 30 breaths every minute. If your dog’s breathing rate increases steadily, his or her condition is becoming worse and you have to call the vet.
