Recognizing and Treating Your Dog’s Constipation

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We may not want to discuss it because it isn’t a dinner table topic but it is very important and could save the lives of precious ones.

Constipation is an uncomfortable situation to deal with. It puts one in a difficult situation where there’s an urge to take a dump but the thing just doesn’t want to come out. We have all been there at least one time in our life.

It is the inability to make normal stools at a regular interval.

However, apart from the discomfort and anxiety, constipation poses threats of making somebody pass out or have a nasty anal tear- ouch!

Constipation is a common digestive tract problem in dogs. Dogs normally pass stool once or twice a day. Anything short of the day might indicate constipation.

There are numerous factors that are attributed to constipation in dogs which includes the following:

• Inadequate fiber diet (excess or too little)
• Enlarged prostate gland
• Poor exercise habit
• Side effects of some drugs
• Trauma/injury to the pelvis
• Dehydration (fluid/electrolyte imbalance)
• Mass or growth along the anal tract
• Neurological conditions
• Age
• Metabolic conditions
• Surgery

The simplest way to tell if your dog is constipated is hard rock stools and straining while defecating and of course changes in the elimination pattern of your special furry friend as stated earlier.

There might also be cries when trying to defecate and signs of discomfort whenever it tries to “go”.

When you notice these symptoms, you should try to get in touch with your furry friend’s vet as soon as possible to get help for your pet. We don’t normally advise treating constipation at home because the symptoms are similar to other diseases like urinary tract infection.

The best thing to do is to call your vet and tell him what you have observed with your special furry friend. He might like to know the following:

• Frequency of defecation
• Nature of the stool
• Color of the stool
• Diet your dog is on
• If there’s any history of bleeding
• Eating habit
• Exercise habit
• Urination pattern and frequency
• History of trauma/injury
• Observed signs of dehydration
• History of recent sickness

Based on the information, the vet might ask you to come over to the clinic with your furry friend or he might recommend the following:

• Adequate fiber diet
• More exercise for your pet
• Laxative or stool softener
• Medication

Even after checking in with your vet and getting help, make sure you update your furry friend’s pet with its progress- whether you notice any improvement or not.

Constipation has severe consequences when not taken care of which are:

• Tear with straining to defecate
• Vomiting
• Overstretching of the colon
• Loss of appetite and poor eating habits.

We hope this article will be an important guide when your special furry friend or any dog out there experiences constipation.

Has your dog ever experienced constipation before? How did you handle it?

Let us know in the comments section below!

Thank you.