Whether it’s a sock, a string, or something out of the trash, pets are notorious for getting into things they shouldn’t. At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH) in Bellingham, we frequently support cases where pets have ingested non-food items—many of which can lead to serious gastrointestinal blockages. These situations are potentially life-threatening and require prompt medical attention. 

In cooperation with Animal Emergency Care (AEC), we help facilitate timely, effective 24/7 care for pets experiencing gastrointestinal emergencies. From emergency stabilization to advanced diagnostics or surgical intervention, our teams work closely together to ensure a seamless experience. You can trust that your pet is in capable, compassionate hands—supported every step of the way by experienced professionals dedicated to their health and comfort. 

Common Objects That Cause Blockages in Pets 

Many of the foreign bodies we help manage are common household items. Dogs and cats often ingest things out of curiosity, anxiety, or boredom. Some of the most frequent culprits include: 

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

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

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

• Textiles and fabric – rope toys, towels, bedding 

• Outdoor debris – sticks, rocks, bark, mulch 

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

If your pet is known to chew or scavenge, it’s especially important to pet-proof your home and monitor them closely—especially in yards, parks, or unsupervised areas. 

Signs Your Pet May Have an Obstruction 

If your pet swallows something inappropriate, symptoms may appear quickly—or gradually—as the object travels through or gets stuck in the gastrointestinal tract. Warning signs include: 

• Repeated vomiting 

• Bloated or tender abdomen 

• Drooling or lip licking 

• Refusal to eat or sudden appetite loss 

• Lethargy or listlessness 

• Straining to defecate or inability to pass stool 

Your pet may also become restless or irritable, especially when touched around the belly. Any of these signs warrant urgent veterinary evaluation. 

How Is an Obstruction Diagnosed? 

When a foreign body is suspected, your pet will first be evaluated by the emergency team at our shared facility. Initial diagnostics—such as a physical exam, bloodwork, and a focused abdominal ultrasound (FAST scan)—help assess your pet’s condition and identify any immediate concerns. 

If further imaging is needed to locate the object or determine the severity of the blockage, advanced diagnostic tools such as full abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or endoscopy may be used. These are available on-site through BBVSH’s specialty services. 

Thanks to the close collaboration between BBVSH and Animal Emergency Care, we work together to ensure your pet receives the right diagnostics at the right time. Whether your pet arrives during regular business hours or after-hours, our coordinated approach means we can quickly assess the situation and plan the next steps in care—without unnecessary delays. 

Treatment: Removing the Obstruction 

Once a blockage is confirmed, the treatment approach depends on the type, size, and location of the object. In some cases, the object can be retrieved using an endoscope—a minimally invasive tool that allows trained specialists to remove it from the stomach without surgery. 

If the object has moved into the intestines or is causing damage, surgical removal is typically required. This may involve making an incision into the stomach or intestines, and in some cases, removing a compromised section of the bowel. 

At our shared facility, BBVSH and Animal Emergency Care work in close partnership to determine the most appropriate and timely treatment option for each patient. Whether endoscopy or surgery is needed, our teams coordinate to provide efficient, compassionate care that minimizes risk and maximizes recovery—ensuring your pet receives the right intervention as quickly as possible. 

Recovery and Aftercare 

After the obstruction is removed, your pet will continue to receive attentive monitoring and supportive care within our shared facility. Whether recovery takes place immediately following surgery or a less invasive procedure, our teams ensure that pain is managed, hydration and nutrition are supported, and any post-operative needs are addressed. 

BBVSH and Animal Emergency Care work hand-in-hand to oversee your pet’s recovery, with specialists and emergency staff collaborating on post-operative care planning, monitoring, and discharge preparation. This coordinated approach allows us to provide continuity of care—regardless of when your pet was admitted or what treatment was required. 

Your pet will go home with detailed instructions tailored to their procedure and recovery needs, which may include medications, dietary guidance, activity restrictions, and a follow-up plan. And if questions come up after you leave, we’re just a phone call away. 

Don’t Wait—Early Action Saves Lives 

If your pet has eaten something unusual or is showing signs of gastrointestinal distress, it’s important to act quickly. While some objects may pass on their own, many can cause dangerous blockages or internal damage that require urgent intervention. 

At our shared facility, BBVSH and Animal Emergency Care work together to provide comprehensive 24/7 support—from emergency stabilization to advanced diagnostics, treatment, and recovery. Whether your pet arrives during the day or after-hours, our teams are in close communication to ensure timely, coordinated care. 

No matter when it happens, we’re here to help every step of the way—because when it comes to foreign body ingestion, early action can make all the difference. 

Call us 24/7: (360) 758-2200

Visit our Emergency page for more information.