What is Constipation and its Symptoms?
Constipation is a condition where there’s difficulty to empty the bowels, normally with hardened stools. If a dog hasn’t defecated in 2 days then there’s a chance they’re constipated, but you should seek veterinary advice regardless as it could be a symptom of another problem. Other symptoms include whimpering and straining when trying to defecate as well as grass particles, matted faeces or string around their anus.
What Causes Constipation in Dogs?
There’s numerous ways a dog can get constipation, amongst others:
- Ingestion of dirt, excess hair, grass or debris
- Matted hair around the anus from obesity or lack of grooming
- Blocked or abscessed anal sacs
- Side effect of medicine
- Dehydration
- Lack of exercise
- Hernias
- Too much fibre/too little fibre in their diet
- Enlarged prostate
- Trauma to the pelvis
What are Possible Treatments for Constipation?
Depending on the cause of the constipation in dogs depends on the possible treatment that should be carried out – hence why you should go to the vets if you think your dog has constipation. Constipation in dogs is common in growing dogs, so keeping them hydrated with a healthy fibrous diet with plenty of exercise can help to prevent it, where as in males neutering him at a young age can prevent prostate enlargement.
Possible treatments include:
- Increase in exercise
- A laxative/stool softener (vets only)
- Adding fibre to the diet by using fibre supplements, wheat bran (1 tsp a day) or canned/boiled pumpkin
- An enema
- Medication that’ll strengthen the large intestine
- A veterinarian-prescribed high-fibre diet
If constipation is left to persist it can cause lethargy, appetite loss and vomiting.
Team Shanklinpets