Dog Constipation – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Dogs are mammals like us humans and their digestive system is similar to ours. It is not uncommon for dogs to experience constipation once in a while. However, if this is a recurring issue then constipation in dogs can lead to a major problem. Sometimes constipation can be an indicator or symptom for another health issue. Good healthcare and lifestyle adjustments are the best remedy for constipation. Constipation is very much preventable and as responsible pet parents you should ensure that your pet dog gets adequate fiber and fluids in its diet as well as timely exercise.

If neglected, constipation in your dog can lead to hemorrhoids or piles. Those pet parents that have experienced hemorrhoids know how painfully distracting it can be and you surely don’t want your dog to experience this. If your dog is avoiding food, straining to defecate, whining, having difficulty in walking then you should suspect constipation.

As a rule, a well-hydrated dog should not be constipated, often processed foods are difficult for dogs to digest and can also make the dogs excessively thirsty. If you are feeding your dog pet food purchased from outside it should be high in nutrition as well as fiber so that the animal can digest it properly.

Apart from poor hydration, there are other causes that result in pet dogs experiencing dehydration. These include dogs swallowing indigestible objects, having poor quality food, stress, less fiber in diet, etc.

Dogs can swallow pieces of rubber, paper, metal clips, shoelaces, etc. Basically dogs are inquisitive and playful and this behavior is often responsible for getting them into trouble with their digestion. If the intestinal blockage due to a foreign object is serious, it may require surgery.

Highly processed dog food that is low in fiber and high in salts can cause constipation. Such food may be inexpensive but it is difficult to digest and one of the main contributors to overall poor health in a pet.

A common identification of constipation in your pet dog is when it strains to defecate, often without success. Even if it does succeed, it will only push out small hard and dry feces that may also contain small pieces of undigested food.

Constipation can make the dog feel bloated and it can either eat less or refuse food completely. The dog may get lethargic or even irritable; it is possible that the pet owner may consider this to be a temperament problem.

If you see your pet dog walking with an arched back and reduced movement of the hind legs, it implies that matter in the intestines has accumulated and is hindering even routine actions.

As with most ailments, prevention is better than cure. It is no different with constipation in your pet dog. Exercise is important, if your pet has a sedentary lifestyle the workload on the intestines increases. It is your job to see that the animal gets enough exercise everyday. You should have a routine to take the dog out for walks; the amount of physical exercise your pet requires for good health and smooth bowel movement will also depend upon its size and breed.

A fiber-rich diet is another preventive measure to be implemented daily. Fiber absorbs water and adds bulk to the stools. It makes it easy for the animal to pass motions. However; not more than 4.5% of the dog’s diet should come from fiber. Too much fiber interferes with the absorption of certain minerals and vitamins. Also a diet with a good mix of meat and veggies is the best bet for your dog’s health. A high-grain diet with too many carbs can hinder digestion and leave the dog feeling bloated.

Make fresh water available for the dog so that it can stay well-hydrated.

Complications that result from untreated constipation include obstipation and megacolon. Obstipation is basically severe constipation in which neither stools nor gas can pass from the intestine and it requires urgent medical attention.

Megacolon is a stage where the colon is badly bloated and dilated and it can be very painful for the dog. The feces turns into hard immovable masses called fecalomas or fecal tumors. This condition is invariably treated via surgery and the recovery process can be long and tiresome for your dog and expensive for you at the same time.

There are several home remedies that you can try to ease constipation in your pet dog. These include pumpkin. Vets recommend canned pumpkin. Pumpkin contains fiber and water and is therefore a good home remedy for treating constipation in pets. However, ensure that the pumpkin is bland and does not contain any spices or condiments.

Olive oil or mineral oil can be mixed and given to the dog when it is constipated. Powdered ginger helps in all types of stomach ailments, it is also a good muscle relaxant that can minimize severe bowel contractions that can worsen the condition for your pet.