If you ever come around and notice your dog straining when they are trying to poop, there's a possibility that they may be dealing with constipation.
Although constipation is one of the common issues in dogs, it is essential to get to the bottom to understand the reason behind it. For many reasons, constipation may occur in dogs, and some may need vet attention.
Here are things that every dog owner should know about dog constipation.
How to help a constipated dog?
It would help if you visited your vet before you gave your dog anything for constipation. As constipation may happen due to many things, it is crucial to find out whether there's an underlying condition that a person needs to treat.
For example, surgery is one of the top options to remove the blockage in a dog's medications and digestive tract, won't help in such situations.
Many treatments are helpful in dog constipation, which vets prescribe or can happen in the clinic. Your vet may recommend one of the following options to help your dog's constipation get moving again:
1. Hydration
Hydrating a dog is essential; that can help to relieve immediate constipation. However, getting your dog to drink more water may not be enough. It can be challenging for owners at home, and many dogs see the vet for adequate hydration with intravenous or subcutaneous fluids. By the time when the owners realize that their pets feel constipated, oral hydration is unlikely to be adequate.
2. Enemas
In addition to the fluids, few dogs may benefit from an enema. An enema is a liquid solution that vets inject into the dog's intestines through the rectum. The solution adds water to your dog's poop prompting a bowel movement.
However, it would help if you did not try to give your dog an enema at home. You may injure your dog or worsen their constipation. Only experienced vet staff should perform enemas.
3. Laxatives
Laxatives for dogs are one option your vet may recommend. These may include:
- Glycerin
- Docusate (Colace)
- Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
- Polyethylene glycol 3350 (Miralax)
- Laxatone
Try these by consulting your vet first for dosage and instructions.
Other medications
A vet may also prescribe other medications for constipation. These may work by improving the movement of their intestines or softening your dog's stool. Common options are:
- Cisapride (Propulsid)
- Lactulose (Enulose, Constulose, Cholac, Chronulac, Cephulac)
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What does constipation in puppies mean?
If your puppy may be constipated, you should speak with your veterinarian. They can help evaluate your pup and make a treatment recommendation.
Young puppies under three weeks old need stimulation to go to the bathroom. Usually, mothers do the presentation; for some reason, this may not happen for the puppies, which can be at a higher risk for constipation. Newborn puppies with constipation may need a warm water enema for the vet.
Home Remedies for Dog Constipation
Many home remedies may not work for dogs who are experiencing constipation. Home remedies are only helpful with the guidance of a vet. One thing your vet may recommend is a high-fiber diet.
An increase in fiber may help a few dogs after they have an episode of constipation. The increase in fiber helps to create a bulkier stool, and it can help stimulate the colon and makes it easier for your dog to poop.
If your vet feels that your dog would benefit from a higher-fiber diet, you may try to add fiber supplements, bran cereal, or canned pumpkin to your dog's food.
Things to Avoid Giving a Constipated Dog
There are two remedies in general that you should never give your dog for constipation:
1. Mineral or coconut oil
Avoid the use of coconut oil or mineral oil as a home remedy. The risks outweigh any potential benefits. Dogs cannot handle high-fat foods, which include oils. The oil may cause gastrointestinal issues, including pancreatitis, and may result in hospitalization.
2. Milk
Giving your dog milk to relieve constipation may not be a good idea. Milk may lead to gastrointestinal irritation in dogs and is high in sugar. It may not help with constipation.
What are typical dog constipation symptoms?
Constipation in dogs may lead to several symptoms, some of which may be obvious. Possible symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
- Not wanting to eat
- Depression
- Lack of energy or lethargy
- Circling multiple times as they try to poop
- Scooting their butt along the ground
- Straining but unable to poop at all
- Passing only a small amount of poop, often with a putrid smell
- Passing dry, firm poop that may also be thin
It is essential to know that straining is not always a sign of constipation. Dogs sometimes strain when they cannot urinate; it may be an emergency. If you do not know whether your dog has trouble urinating or pooping, speak to a vet immediately.
What is the reason behind constipation in dogs?
There are many possible causes of constipation in dogs. These include:
Dehydration
When your dog fails to get enough fluids, it may become dehydrated, leading to constipation. Diseases that lead to dehydration may also lead to constipation. These include:
- Cushing's disease
- Diabetes
- Kidney failure
Specific health conditions
Many health conditions may lead to the symptoms of constipation in dogs. These include:
- Megacolon
- Hypothyroidism
- Neurological issues that affect the movement of the colon
- Tumors in the rectum or colon
- Pain
If a dog experiences pain when they try to poop, it may try to avoid defecating altogether. Over time, it may lead to fecal matter building up in the system. If too much waste builds up, it may make it challenging for your dog to poop.
A dog with arthritis, for example, may develop constipation as they avoid crouching down to poop.
1. Stress
As dogs may avoid pooping because of physical pain, they may not poop because of anxiety or stress. It may cause poop to back up in their system leading to constipation.
2. Blockage in the intestines
Dogs may lead to constipation if they ingest something that causes a blockage in the intestines. Blockages prevent wastes from moving correctly through the digestive system.
Anything your dog may fit in their mouth can cause a blockage. These include:
- Ingested fur from overgrooming
- Plants
- Foreign objects, live toys
- Cloth items like towels or socks
- Sticks
- Rocks
- Bones
3. Injuries
An old injury like a fractured pelvis may cause constipation even years later. A fractured pelvis may result in a narrow pelvic canal, making stool challenging to pass through.
4. Medications
A few medications may lead to constipation, and these include:
- Sucralfate
- Antihistamines
- Diuretics
- Opioids
- Diet Changes
If you have recently changed your dog's diet, the new food would be to blame for their constipation. It is especially true if your dog's diet changes quickly or it is a kind of food altogether.
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When does the dog's constipation get serious?
Your dog's constipation may be severe if it is more than 24 hours since they have had a bowel movement. You should talk to a vet if:
- Your dog's bowel movements are noticeably smaller than usual.
- Your dog produces overly dry poop.
- Your dog doesn't want to eat, has diarrhea, or is vomiting.
- You notice hard feces with any sign of blood.
- Your dog is straining when they try to poop.
If you cannot tell whether your dog is straining because of difficulty with bowel movements or you have trouble urinating, then you should let your vet know immediately.
Difficulty in urinating is a vet emergency, and it justifies taking your dog to the local animal hospital if your regular vet is not open.
Tips to prevent constipation in dogs
You must pay attention to your dog's urination habits and bowel movements. Early intervention may prevent a constipated dog from developing worse symptoms. If your dog has been suffering from constipation, it is essential to recognize the warning signs earlier.
In addition, it can help prevent constipation in dogs; you should:
- Follow any diet recommendations from your veterinarian.
- Take your dog out regularly for potty breaks.
- Ensure your dog has access to plenty of water.
Conclusion
If you start noticing your dog feels constipated, addressing any underlying reasons behind constipation is essential. Constipation may become a severe issue, so watch your dog closely if they face any trouble pooping. Your vet may help you in treating your dog's constipation and assist you in preventing future episodes. You should check with your vet before trying any home remedies for constipation. Many home remedies don't work, and some may even be harmful. Apart from this, a free pet prescription discount card is the best option for getting medicines at a discount.
