What to give a dog that is constipated?
Constipation is a very common problem in dogs and the most common symptom of this condition is infrequent or difficult defecation. Other symptoms can include: shaking, whining, straining to defecate, and large quantities of bloody stool due to the depletion of red blood cells from extended straining. In this blog post, I’m going to display some information about what you should give to a dog that is constipated.
Symptoms and possible treatment for constipated dog
Symptoms tend to be more severe when constipation has been present for an extended period of time. The severity of the condition often depends on whether fluid levels are high or low during constipation. Similarly, the amount of water the dog has consumed also matters equally.
While you are trying to solve the underlying problem for your dog’s constipation, it is important to attempt to move the bowels. You can do so by making sure that your dog has access to regular opportunities for exercise and by providing a reasonable amount of food that is high in fiber.
To maximize the effectiveness of these changes, you will want to make sure that your dog is drinking plenty of water. Make changes gradually rather than changing your pet’s diet all at once.
Causes of constipation and diets
The most common cause of constipation in dogs is dehydration and one quick way to tell if your dog may be dehydrated is if it has been consistently urinating outside of its usual schedule. Another sign of dehydration is if your dog’s tongue is dry. If your dog is dehydrated, you can give it a mild laxative by treating it with a small amount of mineral oil. Mineral oil will often pass easily through the intestines and in this way be effective in loosening any impacted fecal matter so your dog can begin passing stools on their own.
Even despite this, if your pet has constipation, the problem may lie in the type of food that your dog has been eating. It is possible that a diet rich in insoluble fiber or foods high in phytates (soybean products) may be contributing to the problem. Some dogs are able to tolerate a diet rich in insoluble fiber, but many dogs that have developed severe constipation issues develop them as a result of their long-term diet.
If your dog does not respond to treatment on its own after two or three days, you may want to consider consulting the veterinarian. Medical conditions such as megacolon and rectal foreign bodies can also cause constipation in some pets. In cases of megacolon or other medical conditions, your pet may need additional treatments at the hands of a veterinarian in order to move the bowels.
Bottom Line
Constipation can be a very serious problem for your dog that demands prompt attention. If you are worried about your dog’s constipation, do not wait for it to get worse before getting help. Take action now and seek professional advice from a veterinarian.