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Dog ConstipationDog constipation can be a serious problem that causes a lot of pain and suffering to our dogs. Chronic canine constipation may be
indicative of other underlying health problems.
Symptoms of Constipation in Dogs
So how can you tell if your dog is suffering from canine constipation? One way is to watch her when she poo-poos. If you notice that your dog strains while having
a bowel movement, then chances are she is constipated.
There are other symptoms that indicate dog constipation:
Possible Causes of Dog ConstipationHere are some possible problems or diseases that may cause constipation in dogs: Eating Something Inedible If your dog cannot seem to be able to poo, first find out if she has eaten anything that she is not supposed to. For example, a toy, a stick, or your cell phone. Some dogs also like to swallow sand and mud in the yard! If your dog seems to swallow anything and everything, some positive training is in order. For example, when you see your dog is about to swallow something inedible, stop her with a firm "No!", then praise her when she drops the thing. You can also give her some chew toys to play with. Lack of Exercise If you have ruled out that nothing inedible was ingested by your dog, then take a look at her lifestyle. Is your dog getting enough exercise every day? A young healthy dog needs daily exercise of at least one hour. Take your dog for brisk walks, long runs, and hikes. When dogs are outside exercising, they tend to relieve themselves as well. Insufficient Bathroom Time Allow your dog to go outside several times a day to relieve herself. Some dogs tend to hold their stool when they don't have the opportunities to go to the "toilet" (wherever that may be). If you work all day, consider hiring a dog-walker. Not only will your dog be able to go out more frequently during the day, but she can also get more exercise. Improper Diet Poor quality commercial foods and insufficient water intake will also lead to dog constipation. Make sure that fresh vegetables are included in your pet's meals and that fresh water is always available to her. Dehydration can cause dog constipation because a lack of water in a dog's system can cause hardening of the stools. If you can rule out the above causes, then maybe there is a deeper underlying health problem that is causing the constipation, especially if the dog is suffering from chronic constipation. For example: Worm Infestation Dogs infested with worms can develop constipation. If your dog has worms which continue to multiply in her digestive system, your dog's intestine will become choked full of foreign matter, improperly digested meals, and residue from the worms themselves. The result? Chronic constipation. Pesticides and Other Toxic Chemicals Sometimes using over-the-counter flea control products, such as flea powder or flea collars, can also cause constipation in dogs. Psychological Stress Just like people, a dog suffering from stress, anxiety, or depression may also develop chronic constipation. Prostate Disease For older, unneutered male dogs, constipation may be a sign of the onset of prostate disease, such as prostate enlargement, or even prostate cancer. As you can see, there are lots of possible causes for chronic constipation in dogs. It is important, therefore, that a veterinarian be consulted if the constipated condition continues. TopTreatment for Dog ConstipationFor the occasional constipation, try the following: Dietary Changes
Natural Remedies for Dog ConstipationIf you and your vet can rule out any external factors (e.g. pesticides) causing the constipation, or if it is not secondary to other deeper diseases or health problems such as worms or prostate disease, then chances are it is a cumulative effect of liver or gallbladder dysfunction. Herbs are effective in treating chronic constipation in dogs. Visit our page on Natural Herbal Canine Constipation Remedies for more information.Related Topic Natural Herbal Canine Constipation Remedies References R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000). Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999). TOP of Dog Constipation |
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