Summary:
“Constipation in dogs can be caused by eating cheese. Cheese and other dairy products are well liked by dogs, but not well tolerated by their digestive system due to allergy and lactose intolerance. Puppies can be harmed by the excess calcium from cheese, and in older dogs it can cause problems such as constipation. We do not recommend that you feed any dog cheese.”
Adult dogs are generally lactose intolerant, meaning their systems cannot handle dairy products. This is because they do not produce an enzyme called lactase, which is necessary to break down the lactose that is present in dairy products such as milk and cheese.
Lactose intolerant pets may be able to tolerate other dairy products such as cheese (including cottage cheese) or unpasteurized yogurt because the lactose has been removed or partially broken down by bacterial processes.
Most dairy products, however, are likely to cause digestive upset such as diarrhea (from milk or ice cream) or constipation (from cheese). Dogs dont need to eat dairy products because they get sufficient calcium and protein, the major nutrients provided by dairy products, in their dog food, provided you are feeding a high quality commercial food.
Many dogs are also allergic to dairy products. After feeding your dog milk, ice cream, or cheese, you may notice him licking his paws (because allergic reactions in dogs cause itchy feet), or rubbing his face against furniture or the floor (his face will itch, too). Those are common symptoms of allergies in dogs. You may notice nasal or eye discharge, but those are less common.
Puppies are not necessarily lactose intolerant (they are able to tolerate milk from their mother, after all), but they are often allergic to cows milk. They do not tolerate it well and it can cause digestive upset and frequently causes diarrhea. It will often cause them to have “accidents” in the house because they are not able to wait to go outside. Also, excess calcium from milk can have a harmful effect as it can interfere with normal bone growth.
Too much cheese causes the opposite problem. It can cause constipation in dogs, as well as allergic reactions. Symptoms of constipation include straining to have bowel movements, smaller than normal feces, and hard, dry feces.
Despite their lack of tolerance for them, dogs usually really like dairy products like ice cream and cheese. These can be given in small amounts as a treat, as long as they are not used on a regular basis and your dog is able to tolerate them in small amounts. Small bits of string cheese work well as a reward during dog obedience training.
Some dairy products can actually be beneficial to dogs. Plain yogurt, in small amounts, can aid the digestion. It can be added to your dogs food or fed separately. The key here is moderation. Too much yogurt will likely result in diarrhea. Stick with a few spoonfuls.
Does milk cause constipation in dogs?
Because many dogs are lactose intolerant, some people claim that milk is a good at-home treatment for dog constipation by acting as laxative. However, milk can cause diarrhoea and is not advisable, since it can cause further health problems in itself.
How can I tell if my dog is constipated?
Most dogs produce feces at least once a day; many of them have bowel movements that correspond to the number of daily feedings. If your dog is constipated, he or she will probably attempt to pass feces unsuccessfully several times. You may observe your dog circling excessively, scooting (dragging bottom along the ground) or squatting frequently, or even crying out in severe cases. Other clinical signs include decreased appetite, vomiting, small amounts of watery feces or feces that contains mucus (without a normal stool), and weight loss. Some constipated dogs will have a tense, painful abdomen and cry or growl if you press on their stomach or lower back.
Call your veterinarian if your dog fails to produce a bowel movement within 48 to 72 hours of a previous bowel movement.
Most cases will be diagnosed through a physical examination and medical history. When evaluating your dog’s abdomen, your veterinarian will likely feel a firm, distended colon. He or she may conduct a rectal examination to rule out rectal strictures (a narrowing of the exit passage, resulting from a previous problem), tumors, foreign bodies, or other abnormalities. In many cases, abdominal radiographs (X-rays) will be performed to determine the extent of constipation and whether or not an obstruction exists. Blood tests and urinalysis are valuable to search for dehydration or infection. In advanced cases, an abdominal ultrasound may help identify the cause of your dog’s constipation. Biopsies may also be recommended if a rectal mass or stricture is suspected.
Most cases of constipation are relatively easy to treat. The first step is to loosen or remove the impacted, hardened fecal matter. Removal may be accomplished through the use of one or a combination of therapies, including enemas, manual removal, and medications. Medications such as dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DSS) (brand name Ducosate®) or lactulose (brand names: Cephulac®, Kristalose®, Generlac®, Constulose®, Enulose®) are commonly prescribed. In cases where stimulant laxatives are required, drugs such as cisapride (brand names: Prepulsid®, Propulsid®) or tegaserod, may be recommended.
Some dogs may require hospitalization while undergoing multiple enemas or to replace fluids to correct dehydration. More serious conditions may require additional treatments, including surgery or lifelong medical or dietary management. Either a low- or high-fiber diet may be needed based on your pet’s specific cause of constipation. Dogs that have behavioral or psychogenic causes of constipation may need behavioral modification through training and/or medications. Supplements such as probiotics may also be used after the constipation has been corrected.
Top 4 Home Remedies for Dog Constipation (Safe, Natural and Effective)
In terms of digestive issues in dogs, constipation is one of the most common issues seen by our Stockton vets. You might not think its too serious, but constipation can be life-threatening depending on the underlying cause.
If your pups bowel movements are infrequent, difficult for them to pass or absent, your pet is likely suffering from constipation.
Its important for pet parents to know that the inability to pass feces or pain associated with passing feces is considered a veterinary medical emergency and requires urgent care!
If your dog is straining when attempting to pass a stool and/or is producing hard, dry stools, these are also considered signs that your dog should be examined by a vet as soon as possible.
In some cases, dogs may pass mucus when trying to defecate, circle excessively, scoot along the ground, or squat frequently without defecating. If you press on their stomach or lower back, they may have a tense, painful abdomen that causes them to growl or cry.
There are a number of possible causes of constipation in dogs, some of the most common include:
Elderly pets may experience constipation more often. However, any dog that faces one or more of the scenarios above can suffer from constipation.