Dog Constipation

Dog constipation can be a serious problem that causes a lot of pain and suffering to our dogs. Chronic canine constipation can be a lifestyle problem, or it may be indicative of some underlying health issues. This page looks at some possible causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of canine constipation.

Dog constipation can be acute or chronic. Occasional 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. Prolonged constipation in dogs can also result in "megacolon" which is a condition in which waste is remaining in the colon, causing the diameter of the colon to become abnormally enlarged.

As you can imagine, megacolon causes toxins in the waste to go back into the body. This can lead to a host of health problems, such as appetite loss, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Chronic constipation in dogs causes fecal matters to harden in the colon and can eventually lead to a full bowel impaction.

It is therefore important to make sure that our dogs relieve themselves every day. If you notice that the time span between your dog's bowel movements is increasing, take a closer look at her lifestyle as well as her digestive health to see if you can figure out what may be the problem. Watch carefully when your dog goes outside for her daily bathroom breaks.

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 she may be constipated (although there are other health problems that can also cause a dog to strain while passing stool - that's why you should take your dog to the vet if she persistently strains while defecating.)

There are other symptoms that indicate dog constipation:

Long periods without bowel movements
A bloated belly
Noticeable sensitivity in the abdominal area
A loss of appetite
Hard and dry stools

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Possible Causes of Dog Constipation - Lifestyle Problems

Here 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.

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.

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Possible Causes of Dog Constipation - Health Problems

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.

Some health problems that can cause chronic dog constipation include:

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.

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.

Did you know that ...
Constipation can cause anal gland impaction in dogs?
Visit Dog Anal Glands to read more on this topic.

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Treatment for Dog Constipation

For the occasional constipation, try the following:

Dietary Changes

Add half a teaspoon to one teaspoon of bran to your dog's food to help your dog's stool retain moisture.
Alternatively, add 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of ground flaxseed or psyllium husk to your dog's food. These will help lubricate the intestines.
Fatty acids (flaxseed oil, fish oil) can also prevent and treat constipation.
Add probiotics to your dog's daily diet to activate the production of digestive flora in your dog.
Encourage your dog to drink plenty of water.
Feed fresh vegetables and fruit (e.g. carrots, apples) to your dog as snacks.

Daily Exercise

As mentioned above, a lack of exercise can cause dog constipation. Therefore, you should engage your dog in regular, stimulating exercise. This not only helps keep the bowels moving, but will also keep your dog healthy, fit, and happy overall while she gets to spend additional quality time with you.

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Natural Remedies for Dog Constipation

If 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.