Constipation In Dogs

Constipation in dogs is defined as the inability to defecate normally. Senior or aging dogs are more prone to this medical condition, though it can also happen to any dog breed at any age. If your canine companion seems to be straining, yet unable to pass stool, or the stool is exceptionally hard, then he is probably constipated. Constipation should not be ignored because extended periods of distress can cause serious health concerns in your dog. This article will explain you everything about constipation in dogs that help to properly care the senior or other dogs from this medical condition.

Causes of dog constipation

There can be various reasons why a dog may be constipated. Some reasons are given below:

• Too little or too much fiber in his diet
• Blocked or abscessed anal sacs
• Lack of exercise
• Enlarged prostate gland
• Excessive self-grooming can also cause large amounts of hair to collect in the stool
• Matted hair around the anus from obesity or from lack of grooming
• Ingested stones, gravel, dirt, bones, plants or pieces of toys, etc. caught in dog’s intestinal tract
• Tumors or masses on the anus or within the rectum, which causes an obstruction
• Any side effect of medication
• Trauma to the pelvis
• Neurologic disorder
• Orthopedic problem which causes pain when a canine positions himself to defecate
• Dehydration due to other illness

Symptoms of dog constipation

Some symptoms of constipation in dogs are as follows:

• Straining to defecate with no or small fecal volume
• Hard and dry movement of bowel
• Infrequent or lack of defecation
• Little amount of liquid stool with mucus in it
• Occasional vomiting
• Lack of appetite
• Depression
• Large bowel (colon) filled with hard compacted fecal material
• Swelling around the anus
• Treatment of dog’s constipation

Depending on causes of the constipation in your dog, your vet may recommend one or several of the below mentioned treatments:

• Stool softener or other various laxative agents
• Adding fiber to the diet of your dog with wheat bran, canned pumpkin or a product such as Metamucil
• Some medication to enhance the contractile strength of the large intestine of your dog
• A veterinarian-prescribed diet with high-fiber
• An increase in exercise
• An enema which is administered by professional (it should not be done at home because there could be risks for injury or toxicity if done inappropriately)