Who Gives A Crap (Or Who Doesn’t)
Dogs of all ages can become constipated. Senior dogs can become constipated as their systems find it harder to digest foods. Just like humans, dogs may not be able to eat like they did when they were younger. You might want to consider adding digestive enzymes to your fur-baby’s diet. Digestive enzymes break down the dog’s food for better absorption in the digestive system.
Puppies are a whole other subject when it comes to constipation. There are some puppies that will try to eat just about anything they come into contact with, or anything they can get into their mouths. Beware of socks, stuffed toys (especially the stuffing), rocks, and just about anything a rambunctious puppy might choose to eat. Eating non-digestible items can become a medical emergency and require surgery if the item will not pass safely through his system.
An obstructive bowel is a real consideration when it comes to cotton items (like socks and stuffed toys). A Veterinarian can assist finding out the real problem by taking x-rays to see what is really in Rover’s tummy. Through careful observation and diagnosis, your vet can determine if the item will pass through the intestines, or if there will be a need for surgical intervention.
Just like with babies, we want to make sure objects are put up and out of the reach of an inquisitive puppy. Puppies lose their teeth around four months, and it’s during this time they will choose to chew on everything! Make sure to keep a sharp eye on your dog when giving him a new chew or toy. Things can happen quickly when it comes to puppies or an aggressive chewer.
Constipation can also occur when there is not enough moisture in your dog’s diet. Make sure you have fresh water out for your dog at all times. One way to add moisture into the diet is by adding warm water, or bone broth to kibble. If you do add a liquid to the kibble, make sure it is eaten in a timely manner, and not left at room temperature for more than an hour, as it can start to create bacteria in the food. If you question how long the food has been out, just throw it away. It’s not worth having a sick dog.
It’s also important for your dog to drink plenty of water, as water assists with defecation. Adding fresh foods that have moisture in them can also assist in keeping your dog’s system moving along properly. You can add fruits and veggies like melons, bananas, apples, carrots, and green vegetables as a topper to meals. But make sure the food is either fresh or frozen. Don’t use canned human foods, as they typically have too much salt and preservatives in them to be healthy for your furry friend.
Fiber (or a lack thereof) is one of the main reasons for constipation. If your veterinarian says Rover needs more fiber, try adding it in the form of organic pumpkin. Pumpkin is one of nature’s superfoods and can really help with constipation. If you are lucky enough to buy fresh, organic pumpkin at your local farmer’s market, just remember to boil it first. If you purchase canned pumpkin through your local pet store (or grocery store) make sure it is labeled pumpkin-only.
Most commercial canned pumpkin for humans comes with unwanted spices, sweeteners, or salts. You don’t want to give Rover something harmful when you add pumpkin to the diet. One fun way to add pumpkin is to make it into ice cubes. Simply put the pumpkin into an ice-cube tray, freeze it for an hour, and watch your pup have fun devouring a fun, frozen treat. For a longer-lasting treat, try freezing one of his stuffed treat toys with pumpkin.
Constipation comes in many forms. Some natural, some caused by non-edible items. But other, more serious causes of constipation include blocked or abscesses in the anal glands, tumors, neuromuscular disorders, stressful situations, or lack of exercise. If your dog exhibits symptoms of constipation and quick home remedies aren’t helping, it’s time to head to the Vet.
Remember, a watchful eye and accompanying your dog outside will be a good idea to observe his bowel health. So, take a walk and watch your dog during elimination. Make sure Rover doesn’t show any of the constipation signs like straining, not going at all, or hard stools. If he does show signs, make that call to your local Veterinarian.
And remember: a healthy digestive system leads to a happy, healthy pet!
In order to get your dog to eat these foods, its best to grind them up, says Carol Osborne, DVM, a veterinarian at Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic. Your dog should eat about one tablespoon of these foods per 25-30 pounds of their weight once or twice a day.
You can also purchase fiber-fortified dog food. Typically a dog needs roughly 1 tablespoon of fiber per 25-35 pounds of body weight per day, says Osborne.
“Constipation arises when stools are too dry to move easily in the intestines, so they become stagnant and slow things down. Fiber holds onto water and can coat the stools and increase gut motility, pushing things in the right direction,” says Anthony Hall, DVM, a veterinarian with pet telehealth Airvet.
Its not just humans who have to deal with uncomfortable constipation from time to time –– the problem can affect our dogs, too. If its been a few days since your dog has pooped, its very likely that they are constipated. To keep your pup healthy and happy, its important to take action.
Be sure to consult your vet to make sure your dog is indeed constipated, and its best to let the vet perform an enema. “Enemas are only performed for the purpose to relieve a constipated bowel. If your pet is not constipated, you may be doing more harm than good,” says Hall.
Probiotics
Probiotics are a collection of good bacteria that live in the gut. When your dogs gut is in balance, the good bacteria help break down food and ward off bad bacteria. But, when there isnt enough good bacteria, it can lead to digestive issues. Probiotics for dogs can help keep your dogs gut in balance, which can help them produce normal stool. In studies in humans, probiotics helped improve constipation by 10-40%.
Top 4 Home Remedies for Dog Constipation (Safe, Natural and Effective)
No one wants their dog to feel pain if they can spare it. But many dogs experience many of the same common and complex health concerns as their humans. When a dog is constipated, it can lead to feelings of helplessness in pet owners, and discomfort for your pet. This blog post will share causes and signs of constipation in dogs, as well as tips on how to help a constipated pet.
Only licensed veterinarians can diagnose medical conditions. If you think that your pet is sick, injured or experiencing any kind of physical distress, please contact a veterinarian immediately.
Veterinarians classify more complex causes of constipation in dogs into three categories: intraluminal, extraluminal, and intrinsic. The word ‘intraluminal’ refers to obstruction of bowel movements within the colon, including inflammation, abnormal growths, and foreign objects. ‘Extraluminal’ can refer to causes that block bowel movements from outside of the colon, such as a pelvic injury or other painful conditiona that make it difficult to pass stool.1
Lastly, intrinsic causes of constipation in dogs covers a broad range of hormonal and neurological diseases that can affect digestive tract.1 Dogs may become constipated due to a medicine to treat these injuries and illnesses, or as a side effect of the injury itself.
The most common cause of constipation in dogs is ingestion of irritating or indigestible substances.1 Dogs with long hair or a habit of excessive licking or grooming expose themselves to bacteria and other agents in their surrounding environment that may irritate the stomach or the gastrointestinal tract.
Constipation in dogs is also commonly caused by dehydration. Healthy dogs should be drinking about an ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. Though staying hydrated can prevent constipation in dogs, there is such a thing as drinking too much water. Polydipsia can also be an early indicator of other health issues in dogs.
Dogs can also experience constipation as the result of an overly sedentary lifestyle. Common pet health practices suggest that dogs go for a fifteen-minute walk twice a day to regulate bowel movements and contribute to overall quality of life.