Is your pet straining hard to poop? Is he putting lot of effort before passing his stools? Is he taking more time in the yard doing his daily business? If the answers to all these questions are positive then there are chances that your pooch might be constipated. He may be facing difficulty in bowels. Constipation is not frequent in dogs as it is in humans. Still it is observed frequently in aging canines that are going through the problem of slow metabolism. However, we cannot deny the fact that this bowel issue may happen to any age group and breed of dogs.
What are the reasons for constipation in dogs?
Normally dogs with an active life style and good food and exercise habits do not face this problem. However, pampered pets that eat table scraps, unhealthy food become victims of stomach upset quite easily. Frequent changes in food also results in hard bowels. Apart from that, lack of water intake and hydration makes the pet’s stool hard.
Eating indigestible foreign materials like paper, grass, hair, cellulose, cloth would naturally make your pet’s stomach cry out foul. Unknowingly when they eat solid substances like bone chips, metal and other foreign bodies, it gets mixed with the feces making it hard and difficult to defecate. Such unhealthy habits may lead to chronic constipation. Stress is another factor that directly affects the digestive system of any pet and results in stomach convulsions.
Intestinal tumors or blockings, pelvic nerve injury, neuromuscular disorders, anal gland infections, side effects of medications, lack of nutrition, lack of dietary fiber, hypothyroidism, enlarged prostates, hernia are some other causes that impede proper bowel movements in dogs and leaves them constipated.
Common symptoms of constipation in dogs:
- Difficulty in passing bowels
- Not passing bowels at all
- Pets look bloated when constipated for a few days
- Odd colored stool with traces of mucus or blood
- Pooch may show vomiting tendencies
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Grass or solid substances on the anus
How to deal with constipation in canines?
There are various reasons for stomach stiffness in canines. Dealing with them and making positive changes in the pet’s life style will sort out these problems. Apart from treatment and life style changes, you need to keep your furry friend happy and stress free. Let us look at the finest ways to treat and prevent constipation in canines.
- Diet management: As food plays an important role in keeping a healthy stomach, we need to consider it as a priority. Give your pet food that is easy to digest and excrete. Include fibrous foods like proteins and nutrients like vitamins and minerals. As dogs are carnivorous, only a diet full of grains may not do good to his system. Ask a Vet about the dietary changes that need to be incorporated in your pet’s food habits.
- Water intake and hydration: Hydration is very important, as it will keep the pet’s stool soft. Keep a habit of putting water bowls at three four places in your home. Drinking excess water will improve his digestion, keep him calm and wash away all the toxins from his system. In addition, don’t forget to give him semi solid food like soaked kibbles as it will help in releasing the feces without any effort.
- Laxatives: Giving laxatives on a frequent basis will help get rid of feces. Osmotic laxatives help in liquefying the feces so that it gets excreted without any obstructions. Stimulant laxatives can improve the intestinal activity to throw off undigested stuff. Check with your vet about the most suitable laxative for your pet. Administer it under his guidance to avoid any complications in colon functioning.
- Oils & Enema: Giving enema in the form of mineral oil is also advisable. But, make sure you mix it with the food as it gets into the lungs of the pet which can create further complications. Oil based therapies are a fine solution but cannot be practiced for long as it will block proper absorption of nutrients. Again, your Vet needs to give a final nod for this.
- Lifestyle Management: Lifestyle changes are an important factor that would give exceptional results and sort out this problem naturally. Make it a routine to exercise your pet. This will enhance his digestive capabilities and overall metabolism. Be it indoors or outdoors, you just have to keep him moving. You can also opt for acupuncture and massages for pets suffering from chronic constipation.
All pet parents should treat their constipated pets under the guidance of a Vet. This will avoid unnecessary troubles and accidental health hazards. Even if the problem is small, following Vet’s suggestions and guidelines will help a great deal. So, next time your pet shows symptoms of constipation, just pick up any of the above remedies to keep your pet’s stomach light and healthy.