Recognizing And Treating
Constipation In Dogs
While constipation in dogs is fairly common, it generally doesn't last more
than a day or so. But when it persists, the stools can become hard and dry,
making it even more difficult for a dog to pass them.
Prolonged
constipation that lasts 48 hours, or any time there is any indication of
pain or the dog is straining, is a cause for concern and a reason to
contact the vet right away. When pain is evident, it's possible
the pet may have a bowel obstruction and needs expert attention.
Dog Constipation Symptoms
- Constipated dogs will show signs of straining while unsuccessfullly trying to pass a stool.
(Although this can also be a sign of a dog with diarrhea).
- A dog that has not passed a stool for a 24-28 hours is considered to be constipated.
- Canine constipation is often characterized by a state of low energy and a lack of appetite.
- Constipation in dogs will sometimes be accompanied by vomiting as a symptom.
- Dog constipation may cause an occasional passing of a watery or bloody material.
Typical Causes Of Constipation In Dogs
- Lack of sufficient exercise is sometimes the reason a pet becomes
constipated. Most dogs need at least two walks a day of sufficient duration
for their breed. (See our dog breed page to look up your dog's exercise
needs) Exercise aids in keeping a dog's tummy muscles strong which in turn
keeps helps to keep everything moving along nicely inside the digestive
tract.
Older dogs that can't get as much exercise due to stiff joints or other health issues
may need more supplemental treatment.
- Another cause of canine constipation is often seen in dogs that have to remain
confined for several hours a day while the family members are working. In this
situation, the dog may have a need to go outside, but gets into the habit of holding
on until someone comes home if they don't have any other means to get out during
this time. When you add to this a reduced amount of exercise, the scene is set
for constipation.
- Constipation in dogs is often related to diet, so this is another area to review
when pets are struggling to defecate. Have you
made any abrupt changes to your dog's diet that could be a contributing factor? or
given him any new type of treats?
Dog Constipation Treatment
If your dog is getting sufficient exercise and has plenty of opportunity to
get outside when he has an urge to eliminate, then you might want to try
adding a little olive oil to his food for a few days. The amount depends on
the size of your dog, but a 1/2 to 1 teaspoon would be a starting point. If
the situation normalizes, you can discontinue the oil. If it doesn't help,
then consult with your vet.
Try adding more fiber to his food. Depending on the size of your dog, a
little bit of bran will help the stools retain more moisture and as a
result be easier to pass. Another choice is ground flax seed which has the
added benefit of improving overall health as well as arthritic joint
problems by supplying necessary omega fatty acids. In either case, check
with your vet for recommended amounts to give your pet.
As a general rule, the approximate amount of bran for pets each day would
be in the range of ½ teaspoon up to 1 tablespoon of bran a day.
And for the ground flax seed amounts:
½ to 1 teaspoon per day(dogs weighing up to 20 pounds)
1 to 2 teaspoons per day (dogs weighing 20-50 pounds)
2 to 3 teaspoons per day (dogs weighing 50-100 pounds)
1 to 1 ½ tablespoons per day (dogs weighing over 100 pounds)
But don't forget to check with your vet because he knows your dogs complete
health profile and needs.
Other good choices of fiber to include in your dog's food are lightly
cooked vegetables and canned pumpkin with no additives or sugar.
When your dog is suffering from a bout of constipation it is also very
important that he is
drinking sufficient water especially when adding fiber
to his food. To encourage him to drink
enough, make the water more appealing by refreshing it often. If he is
still showing reluctance about taking fluids, you can try to entice him
with some milk. Milk often acts as a laxative and may in the short
term cause him to have loose stools - putting an end to the constipation!
Preventing Constipation In Dogs
- Nothing could be more helpful to a dog's overall health and immune system than a
natural diet containing a proper balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
This will go a long way toward preventing constipation in your pet. So if
your dog is not thriving on his present diet, take a look at this page for some better options.
Sadly, many pet illnesses and problems like constipation in dogs are caused by low
grade commercial pet foods containing very little in the way of food value,
made-up-for by adding worthless fillers and a host of dangerous toxic
substances, additives, preservatives, dyes and the like.
- Next to diet, exercise is vitally important to all areas of a dog's health. Exercise
keeps the muscles toned, provides cardiovascular benefits, helps the body
to flush out toxins and keeps the digestive system operating smoothly which
in turn leads to easier and more regular evacuation of the bowels.
Older dogs who don't get as much exercise may need more help from dietary fiber, or
get relief from accupressure or a holistic approach using crystals to balance internal energy.
- To sum it up, a healthy natural diet combined with sufficient regular exercise, is the best
way to prevent constipation in dogs. Get these two things right and your dog will thank you.
Whenever your dog is experiencing discomfort or a health issue and you are worrying about
it, the best thing you can do is have a chat with your vet to put your mind at ease.
To help you be more confident as a dog owner and learn to recognize various dog health
conditions, I suggest you get yourself a copy of
Veterinary Secrets Revealed. Obviously, it is written by a vet and contains information about
using home remedies for dog problems as well as what situations indicate the need to
to consult with a professional.
Related Pages:
Dog Diarrhea
Dog Skin Allergies
Dental Care For Dogs
Treating Dog Hot Spots
Paw Care
Dealing With The Dreaded FLEAS
Skunk Odor Removal
Caring For Your Aging Dog
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