Dog Constipation

Dog constipation is one of the most common digestive ailments in dogs. This is one of the ailments that dog owners have to deal with. Dogs that suffer from constipation may find it extremely painful to defecate and may produce hard and dry feces.

Constipation can be a very unpleasant experience to our dogs. This could affect their appetite and activeness because of the pains they are feeling.

Causes of Constipation

The type of food you give your dog can be a major cause of your dog’s constipation. Unlike humans, dogs do not normally chew their food. Chewing is the most important step in food digestion. During digestion, food is broken down to smaller pieces to make food easier to process in the stomach. Large chunks of food are therefore more difficult to digest. Refrain from giving your dog processed food for they contain hardly any fiber.  A high fiber diet has been shown to prevent constipation. Fiber absorbs large amounts of water which makes stool softer and easier to pass.

Another cause of dog constipation is dehydration or inadequate water intake. So be sure to provide your dog water. Constipation could also be a side effect of a certain medication that your dog is undergoing. Always check the label of the medicine and see its side effects.

Treatment and Prevention

To prevent dog constipation, make sure that your dog always has plenty of clean water. This could help flush his intestinal tract. To achieve a high fiber diet, include vegetables in your dog’s diet. You could also give him plenty of exercise to help stimulate his bowels. You can walk your dog around everyday to keep his digestive system in tip top shape

To relieve the uneasy and bloated feeling, try increasing the amount of fluid your dog is taking and apply light pressure on his stomach while rubbing downward toward the anus to encourage him to eliminate the waste.

You can also try adding a couple of teaspoons of mineral oil or even olive oil to your dog’s food. If not necessary, do not give your dog any medication as this may complicate the situation.

If after doing these home remedies and adjusting the dog’s diet your dog still displays dog constipation symptom, it is high time to visit your veterinarian for a consultation.

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