Pets eat things they shouldn’t. Most pass through. Some don’t. When a foreign body causes an obstruction or perforates the GI tract, it becomes a surgical emergency. Knowing when to come in can save your pet’s life.

If your pet swallowed something unusual — sock, bone, corn cob, fishing hook, string, ribbon, peach pit, or anything sharp — come in right away. Some objects need immediate intervention; we’ll triage on arrival. Open 24/7.

Foreign body obstruction is one of the most common surgical emergencies in dogs and one of the most under-recognized in cats (where linear foreign bodies like string and ribbon can be especially dangerous). Early imaging and decision-making prevent perforation, sepsis, and intestinal damage.

Warning signs — come in immediately

• Repeated vomiting, especially after eating
• Refusal to eat or drink
• Painful, distended abdomen
• Lethargy or hiding
• Bloody or tarry stool, or no stool at all
• Drooling, gagging, or difficulty swallowing
• Witnessing your pet eat a non-food object — even if they seem fine

Risk factors & who’s most at risk

• Young, curious dogs — especially Labs, Goldens, and terriers
• Cats with access to string, ribbon, hair ties, or thread
• Households with small toys, bones, socks, or fabric within reach
• Dogs known to scavenge during walks
• Linear foreign bodies (string/thread) — especially dangerous in cats

Emergency treatment at Dogwood

• Rapid imaging — x-ray, contrast study, or ultrasound — to locate the object
• Endoscopic retrieval when the object is in the stomach and not yet in the intestine
• Surgical exploration and removal (enterotomy or gastrotomy) when obstruction is confirmed
• Bowel resection if intestinal tissue is damaged or compromised
• ICU monitoring after surgery for ileus, infection, or post-operative pain

What you can do at home & after

• Bland diet for 5–7 days post-surgery
• Restricted activity for 10–14 days while the incision heals
• Recheck appointments to monitor incision and abdominal comfort
• Pet-proof your home: keep socks, hair ties, string, bones, and small toys out of reach
• Watch for vomiting, lethargy, or appetite loss in the weeks following surgery

Linear foreign bodies in cats (string, thread, ribbon, tinsel) are uniquely dangerous — they can “saw” through the intestinal wall. If you see string hanging from your cat’s mouth or rectum, do NOT pull it. Come in immediately.

Frequently asked questions

My pet ate something. Should I make them vomit at home?

No. Inducing vomiting at home can be dangerous depending on what was eaten (sharp objects, caustic substances) and on the pet’s species and condition. Always call us first — we’ll guide you safely.

Can a foreign body pass on its own?

Sometimes. Small, smooth, non-toxic objects often pass through. Larger objects, sharp objects, string, and bones are much more likely to obstruct. X-rays and an exam help us decide whether to wait, monitor, or operate.

How long after ingestion can symptoms appear?

Symptoms can appear within hours to several days. Partial obstructions sometimes wax and wane for days before becoming severe. If your pet ate something concerning, don’t wait for full obstruction symptoms — come in for evaluation.

What does foreign body surgery cost?

Cost varies depending on what’s involved — imaging, endoscopy vs. surgery, hospitalization length, and whether bowel resection is needed. Our team will discuss options when you arrive.