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Dog Constipation: How to recognize and prevent constipation problems of your four-legged friend.
In this article, you will find information about the causes why your dog does not defecate, and the indicated treatments. In less severe cases, with a proper diet and a little exercise, dogs will go back to being in great shape. As to more complex cases, it is advised to contact a vet to perform proper tests.
Constipation in dogs is related to producing stools: if your pet strains when pooping, it is recommended that you identify the constipation cause. It can be painful for your dog, and, unfortunately, our four-legged friend cannot say it with words. But, if you are a careful observer, you will be able to notice.
If you observe any unusual behavior when the dog is not pooping, such as one the following, consult your vet:
- The dog is circling;
- The dog is crouches to poop frequently;
- Loss of appetite, weight loss;
- Vomiting;
- Tension in its abdomen, the dog complains if someone applies pressure on its stomach.
Try to pay attention to these kinds of behavior, and, if you can, analyze the feces, verify the size, whether they are too small or the opposite. Pay attention and observe if the dog takes too long, if the feces are too hard and generate pain, if the feces are watery, if there is blood or mucus.
Constipation also produces loss of appetite: the dog rejects food and eats too little; even its mood is altered. Check if the dog has been vomiting, or if there is swelling or redness around the anus. If the dog goes more than 48 or 72 hours without having bowel movement, contact your vet.
If the dog is not pooping, these may be the causes:
- Lack of exercise;
- Dehydration;
- Lack of fiber;
- Food poisoning;
- Intestinal problems, colon disorders;
- Drugs causing constipation;
- Particular emotional situations;
- Endocrine disorders: hypothyroidism and hyperparathyroidism.
A healthy diet, the correct amount of water, and movement, help your dog to stay in good shape and enjoy good health. However, your loyal friend may suffer from particular diseases, such as anxiety episodes, which may cause blockages.
Even the use of certain drugs like antihistamines, diuretics, and pain killers may alter the normal intestine function and cause constipation in your dog.
There are also physical factors like prostate enlargement, which may cause intestinal obstruction and constipation in dogs.
Traumas, anomalies, or hormone disorders, even paralysis or a deficit in the intestinal muscles that block the tract and hypothyroidism are causes for constipation in dogs.
Dog Constipation: Treatment
You shoud know there are several natural remedies for constipation in dogs that help youd dog’s body to go back to normal. But, for severe cases, you should contact your vet.
If the constipation problem is due to food, it is essential to eliminate all substances that make your dog’s digestion difficult.
Check that your dog drinks plenty of water. Among the frequent causes for dogs not pooping, dehydration is one of the main ones: water is integral for the intestines to work optimally and for the digestive process. Make sure the dog has a container with fresh, clean water, and change the water often.
If The Problem Is Due To Lack Of Fiber
Simply add fruits and vegetables to its diet when the dog is not pooping. Among those, zucchini is the perfect dog laxative, since it contains a lot of water and fibers. It helps to soften the feces and facilitates the evacuation without causing the animal pain. The dog will eat the zucchini willingly. Generally, they like it. Two spoons are enough if the dog does not weigh more than 30 lbs.
Beets, leafy greens, and carrots are cut in pieces but not peeled, because the peel has great properties, helping the dog fight constipation naturally, without resorting to drugs.
Make your four-legged friend eat these vegetables once a week, in the morning, when its stomach is empty.
Dog Constipation: Natural Remedies
Yogurt contains digestive enzymes, which promote bacteria formation. This facilitates digestive processes. Try not to overdo it: 1 or 2 spoons are enough for small dogs and 3 or 4 for the big ones.
Another home remedy when the dog does not poop is one of grandma’s secrets: a spoon of coconut or olive oil, mixed with your dog’s food.
Olive oil is an excellent lubricant. It will be useful for stimulating the colon. Do not exaggerate with the dosage because it may cause the opposite, diarrhea.
Oat bran contains lots of fiber. It is recommended to prevent constipation problems. A couple of spoons, added to the dog’s food are enough to help its digestive process. Besides, it causes the dog to drink more water resulting in better hydration.
Figs are also rich in fibers, with a high percentage of potassium as well. Added in foods, it helps the dog with constipation; be careful to not add too much, since this fruit might cause diarrhea.
Aloe Vera is another home remedy that you can give your dog as a juice, by adding half a spoon or a full spoon, if the dog is large.
The dog must exercise and get moving on a daily basis. Constipation affects mainly sedentary dogs. If yours is young, get it outside at least twice a day for half an hour: movement is important for physical well-being.
When To Go To The Vet
Home remedies for constipation in dogs, a proper diet, and exercise may not be enough to treat your dog. It is important to always take it to the vet to obtain advice on the best possible treatment. Perhaps it is necessary to prescribe specific medication, never give human laxatives to dogs.
There are supplements and medicines for constipation in dogs, like digestive or probiotic enzymes.
Stool and blood tests, an x-ray, or an ultrasound may help identify the underlying problem. For severe cases, a colonoscopy might be necessary, which may lead to surgery.
Remember simple measures, like a healthy diet, exercise, and attention to grooming, especially in the area near the anus; these might be useful to prevent constipation problems for your dog.
If you have more doubts, you may ask a professional near your house, who will provide great service and will answer all your questions.
You may be interested in reading another article related to the health of our friends such as:
- Canine Parvovirus
- Diarrhea in Dogs
- Leptospirosis (Weil’s Disease) in Dogs
- Scabies in Dogs (Sarcoptic Mange)
- Dermatitis in Dogs
- Pyoderma In Dogs
- Distemper in Dogs
