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My dog ate plastic, vomiting, and struggling to poop. Is it a blockage?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 11 months old | 37 lbs

My dog ate a few bites of a loaf of bread and got to the bag a bit as well. Caught him before there was too much damage but had three vowel movements on walk today and really struggled to go a fourth time. About an hour later he pooped in the house, all were solid, no diarrhea but there was a liquid discharge. He also vomited a large amount of undigested food. Do you think he has a blockage from the plastic?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 27th, 2016

If the vomiting continues than he could have a blockage. If he is otherwise acting ok than you could withhold food for the day and then try a bland diet of boil chicken and white rice. If the vomiting resolves, continue feeding the bland diet for a few days and then gradually switch back to his regular food. If the vomiting and diarrhea continues then he needs to be examined by a veterinarian to determine the cause. Your veterinarian can take an x-ray to help diagnose and then determine the best way to treat his problem.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on February 25th, 2018

    Poor Cookie! Black stool is often a sign of bleeding into the stomach or intestines. Combined with the fact that he has been vomiting up pieces of plastic, I would be very concerned that Cookie may have a blockage or serious damage to his intestines from the plastic. This may be a life-threatening problem, so I would recommend taking him to a vet as soon as possible for an exam. If he does have pieces of plastic still stuck in his stomach and intestines, he may need emergency surgery to remove them.

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    Answered By Christie Long, DVM

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on May 26th, 2018

    Yes, I would definitely be worried. Hard plastic can cause a blockage, either in the stomach or intestines. I hope Morty has returned to normal at this point, but if not, and you haven't taken him in to be checked out, I would urge you to do so.

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