Has your Tail suddenly become less active, seem stressed and often try to go to the toilet without success? These can be signs of constipation, which is a fairly common problem. Although this condition is not life-threatening in most cases, complications can sometimes arise that require the attention of a veterinarian. In this article, we will consider what constipation is, why it occurs, how you can help your dog, and what preventive measures exist.

 

What is constipation?

Constipation is a condition in which a dog has difficulty defecating or cannot go to the toilet at all.

The normal frequency of defecation varies by breed, age, size and diet. But in general it is once or twice a day.

 

Constipation in dogs – what to do?

The first thing to do is to stay calm and not get nervous. Before starting any treatment, it is important to understand whether you are really dealing with constipation. Its main symptoms are:

  • Infrequent bowel movements or their absence
  • Straining, straining during defecation
  • Hard or dry feces in the form of small hard balls
  • Decreased or absent appetite
  • Lethargy or loss of interest in physical activity
  • Swollen or sensitive abdomen

Constipation in dogs often passes quite easily even at home. But if they last longer than two days or are accompanied by pain, lethargy, vomiting or blood in the feces, you should immediately make an appointment with a veterinarian. The problem may be more serious than it seems at first glance, and only a doctor has the appropriate qualifications to understand everything correctly.

Causes of constipation in dogs

In addition to getting acquainted with the symptoms of constipation, it is necessary to understand its causes in order to effectively avoid this condition or at least help the dog in time.

  1. Improper nutrition. Nutrition is the main factor affecting the digestion of your Tail. Insufficient amount of fiber in the diet or excessive consumption of foods that are difficult to digest can cause constipation. For example, some owners believe that giving dogs bones is beneficial, but this is not always the case. They can get stuck in the intestine, causing intestinal obstruction.
  2. Dehydration. If the pet drinks little water, its body cannot provide the normal consistency of feces. This is especially true for dogs that eat only dry food.
  3. Age changes. With age, the digestive system in dogs begins to work more slowly.
  4. Insufficient physical activity. Dogs that do not walk much or spend most of the day lying down are at risk of digestive problems, because intestinal peristalsis is not properly stimulated.
  5. Lack of systematic wool care or its low quality. Constipation can occur due to the fact that the dog has swallowed an excessive amount of fur during licking, especially during the shedding period. This applies to both long-haired and short-haired breeds.
  6. Foreign objects in the digestive system. Dogs often explore the world by gnawing on anything they can find: toys, cloth, sticks, or even trash. A swallowed object can block the intestines, causing not only constipation, but also more dangerous health problems.
  7. Medicines. Some drugs, in particular painkillers, can have a side effect in the form of constipation.
  8. Diseases. Constipation may not be an independent problem, but a symptom of kidney disease, hypothyroidism, hernias, and tumors in the intestine.

 

How to treat constipation in dogs?

If your Tail has problems with defecation, carefully analyze his daily routine. In V.O.G DOG SALON, we have collected basic tips that have proven their effectiveness in the fight against constipation in dogs and will help you improve the general condition of your pet.

  1. Increase your water intake. Water is the key to normal bowel function. If your dog is reluctant to drink, try adding a little broth to the water or using special fountains for stimulation.
  2. Review the dog’s diet. Add more fiber-rich foods to stimulate digestion. For example, you can offer Tails boiled pumpkin, chopped vegetables, oatmeal in water or special nutritional supplements for dogs recommended by a veterinarian.
  3. Increase physical activity. Even a short but active walk can solve the problem of constipation.
  4. Abdominal massage. Lightly massaging the abdomen in a clockwise circular motion can stimulate the bowels. If your touches cause pain to your pet, do not continue the procedure.
  5. Laxative drugs. If the situation does not resolve naturally, consult your veterinarian about medical assistance. Do not self-medicate.

 

Preventive measures

Prevention is always better than cure. It allows you to avoid not only physical discomfort in the dog, but also significant costs of time and money for treatment at the veterinarian. In order for your Tail to always feel good, follow simple rules:

  1. Balance your diet. The dog’s diet should contain a sufficient amount of fiber and moisture. If you feed your pet dry food, compensate for the lack of liquid by adding wet food to the diet or a little water to the dry food.
  2. Avoid “food from the table”. Bones, sweets, fatty or excessively salty foods can provoke digestive problems.
  3. Watch the water balance. Clean water should be available to the dog throughout the day. In the summer or after active walks, water should be offered more often.
  4. Keep the Tail in good physical shape. Regular walks not only improve digestion, but also the dog’s mood and health. Walk with him 2-3 times a day and organize active games in the fresh air. For older dogs, easy walks and quiet games will be useful.
  5. Spend time on quality care for your pet’s coat. If your dog is prone to ingesting hair, increase the frequency of its brushing and consult with the veterinarian about adding to the diet special products for removing hair from the body. If you do not have enough energy and time for home care, contact V.O.G DOG SALON. Qualified groomers will do everything for you quickly and efficiently.
  6. Visit your vet regularly. During such visits, the doctor can detect the smallest problems with your Tail’s health.

Conclusion

Constipation in dogs can occur for a variety of reasons, but most of them can be controlled by paying attention to diet, exercise and the general condition of your pet. After all, it is better to prevent a problem than to treat its consequences. However, if your dog is constipated, do not hesitate to seek the advice of a veterinarian and use the tips in this article.