Subscribe To
This Site
Dog ConstipationDog constipation can be acute or chronic. Ocassional acute constipation in dogs is nothing to be worried about and treatment can be as easy as adding fiber to their diets.Chronic constipation is another story - it may indicate an underlying problem or disease causing the constipation. Try to look at the lifestyle of your dog and see if you can figure out what may be the problem. If you are unsure, please seek veterinary help. Symptoms of Constipation in Dogs
So how can you tell if your dog has constipation? One way is to watch her when she poo-poos. I always watch my dog, Hana, when she is "doing her business", and sometimes she gives me the look as if saying, "Hey, I need some privacy here!" No matter - watch we must! If we notice that our 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. 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? Is she allowed to go out to do her business enough times a day? Some dogs tend to hold their stool when they don't have the opportunities to go to the "toilet" (wherever that may be). 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. 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. 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 Stress, anxiety, or depression may also cause constipation. Prostate disease For older, unneutered male dogs, constipation may be a sign of the onset of prostate disease. 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 constipation in dogs. Visit our page on Natural Herbal Canine Constipation Remedies for more information. References R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
|
