What is constipation in dogs?
Have your pup's bowel movements been absent, infrequent, or difficult? They may be experiencing constipation, one of the most common health issues in pets' digestive systems.
The presence of pain related to passing feces or the inability to pass feces is considered a veterinary medical emergency and requires immediate care.
These are common symptoms if your dog strains when defecating or produces dry, hard stools. Some dogs may also excessively circle, squat, scoot frequently, or pass mucus when trying to defecate.
If you press on their lower back or stomach, they may have a tense, painful abdomen, causing them to cry or growl.
If your dog is suffering from constipation, you may be wondering what to do. Today's post aims to explain how dogs get constipation, and how it is treated.
What causes constipation in dogs?
Many things can contribute to a dog's constipation:
- Ingested pieces of plants, dirt, bones, and toys caught in the intestinal tract
- Lack of exercise
- Other illnesses leading to dehydration
- Sudden change in diet or sampling new foods
- Excessive self-grooming (may cause large amount of hair to collect in the stool)
- Neurological disorder
- Enlarged prostate gland
- Side effects of medication
- Abscessed or blocked anal sacs
- Matted hair surrounding the anus (caused by obesity or lack of grooming)
- Excessive or insufficient amount of fiber in her diet
- Obstruction caused by tumors or masses on the anus or within the rectum
- Trauma to pelvis
- Orthopedic issue causing pain when a dog positions himself to defecate
Constipation may occur more often in senior pets. However, any dog facing one or more of the scenarios above can suffer constipation.
What are the signs of constipation in dogs?
Symptoms of constipation include straining, crying, or crouching when attempting to defecate. Also, if it’s been more than two days since his bowel movement, you should see your vet immediately.
Remember that these symptoms may be similar to those that could point to a urinary tract issue, so your vet must perform a full physical exam to diagnose the cause.
How to treat constipation in dogs
When dealing with constipation in dogs, many pet owners are at a loss as to what to do. Google “treating constipation in dogs,” or "how to relieve constipation in dogs" and you’ll find wide-ranging advice from trustworthy and dubious sources.
The best thing to do is check in with your veterinarian and bring your dog in for an exam. Blood tests may help reveal infection or dehydration. The vet will likely take a medical history, conduct a rectal examination to rule out other causes or abnormalities, and may recommend one or a combination of these treatments:
- A prescription diet high in fiber
- Stool softener or other laxatives
- More exercise
- Enema (administered by a professional, not at home, as there could be risk of injury or toxicity if done incorrectly)
- Adding more fiber to your dog’s diet (wheat bran, canned pumpkin or products such as Metamucil)
- Small bowl of goat or cow milk
- Medication to increase large intestine’s contractile strength
Your vet can provide accurate advice on relieving constipation in dogs without endangering their health.
Follow your vet’s instructions about treating constipation in dogs closely, as trying too many of these or the wrong combination may bring on the opposite problem - diarrhea. You don’t want to trade one digestive problem for another.
Fortunately, we have an in-house lab where diagnostic tests are performed and a pharmacy stocked with a range of medications and prescription diets, providing quick access to any medications your pet may need while in our care.
Is milk a good laxative for dogs?
Many people consider giving milk to a constipated dog, believing it to be a natural laxative. However, milk is not recommended as a treatment for constipation in dogs. Most dogs are lactose intolerant, and consuming milk can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea, which can further complicate your dog's condition.
Can changing dog food cause constipation?
Changing your dog's food can cause constipation, especially if the transition is abrupt. A sudden change in diet can disrupt your dog's digestive system, leading to constipation. To prevent this, gradually introduce the new food over a week, mixing it with the current food and slowly increasing the proportion of the latest food.
What can happen if my dog’s constipation is not treated?
Untreated constipation can lead to your dog being unable to empty her colon on her own (a condition called obstipation). The colon then becomes packed with an uncomfortably large amount of feces, causing lethargy, unproductive straining, loss of appetite and potentially vomiting.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.