Constipation can occur in dogs of any breed or age and can cause more serious health problems like loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting etc. The easy way out to solve this problem is to recognize the major causes of this digestive issue and act accordingly. Let’s understand what exactly causes constipation, what the symptoms are and what you can do to keep this problem at bay.
What Are The Causes Of Constipation In Dogs?
There could be several different reasons which may contribute to constipation in dogs and may lead to severe blockage in passing stools like:
- Dehydration
- Insufficient fiber in the diet
- Lack of exercise
- Blockage in the anal passage
- Swelling of anal sacks
- A hernia
- Side-effects of treatments
- Ingestion of excessive amount of dirt, debris and grass
- Cancer knots like tumors in the anal area
- Injury to pelvis
What Are The Symptoms Of Constipation In Dogs?
Symptoms of constipation in dogs are very obvious and may include:
- No defecation for 2-3 days
- Strain while trying to defecate
- Crouching
- Crying in pain
If your dog shows all of these signs, he is definitely constipated.
How Can Constipation Be Treated?
Buy Digestive Upsets – Constipation and Upset Stomach Treatment for Pets
It is important to get your dog checked with the vet so he can figure out the reason for constipation and prescribe the treatment accordingly. After diagnosing the cause of the problem, a vet may ask to increase the fiber intake of your dog by feeding him fibrous food items like pumpkin, bran or supplements. In dogs that are severely constipated, an enema treatment is given to release the stools or a laxative to cause defecation. Some vets may also prescribe Intestine strengthening drugs to improve his digestive tract.
Apart from this, you must also provide lots of water to your pet. Just walk, walk and walk to burn energy and increase his metabolism. Feed him fibrous meals and deworm time and again so he doesn’t have to go through all these stomach issues henceforth.
Constipation can occur at any point in time in your dog. Preventing this issue by taking measures beforehand is thus the only way out to deal with it. So, follow the guidelines and save your pet from unnecessary trouble so he stays healthy and cheerful forever.
