Constipation in dogs can be a serious issue, yet it’s often difficult for pet parents to detect proactively. If your dog isn’t having bowel movements as usual or hasn’t defecated at all, it can be very distressing for them and may lead to subsequent gastrointestinal problems. Typically, dogs will defecate 1 to 3 times a day, usually after meals, with feces being brown in color. However, when dogs are constipated, their feces can become small, round, hard, and dry, or even turn black. Severe constipation can damage the intestinal walls and accumulate toxins from retained feces, leading to harmful health conditions such as lethargy and indigestion.
In this article, we will inform pet parents about the symptoms of dog constipation, why dogs may become constipated, how to care for a constipated dog, and when to take a constipated dog to the vet.
Symptoms of Dog Constipation include observing changes in the shape and frequency of their bowel movements. Constipated dogs may have very hard, dry feces that look like small stones. Overly hard feces can scratch the intestines, causing slight blood in the stool. Since dogs can’t communicate verbally, it’s important for pet parents to monitor stool shape and dog behavior to detect any abnormalities early.
If the constipation is severe, dogs may also exhibit discomfort, such as difficulty in defecation, appearing painful or straining. They may walk with their hind legs dragging, appear nervously pacing, have reduced bowel movements or stop defecating altogether, show a hunched back, have an swollen belly, and may even refuse to allow their pet parents to touch them. Occasionally, they may pass a small amount of blood during defecation. In severe cases, they may stop eating and vomit. If your dog has stopped eating and is vomiting, immediate veterinary attention is required for a professional diagnosis.
Why Do Dogs Get Constipated? Normally, feces are absorbed of their last nutrients in the large intestine, and the remaining water and electrolytes are absorbed, turning the watery chyme into a solid form for excretion. However, if feces cannot be expelled normally and stay in the intestines for too long, they become hard and dry, making it difficult for dogs to defecate. Common causes of constipation include dietary changes, ingesting foreign objects, lack of fiber in the diet, aging, lack of exercise, metabolic or other diseases, stress and psychological issues, and insufficient water intake.
How to Care for a Constipated Dog? If the constipation issue is mild, simple adjustments can help dogs adjust their gastrointestinal health and monitor their condition. Pet parents can start with the following daily care tips. If the situation worsens or does not improve, a visit to the vet is necessary.
– Encourage hydration: Make sure dogs drink plenty of water and consider wet food or canned food for those on dry kibble to supplement hydration.
– Improve diet: Foods rich in dietary fiber like pumpkin, okra, and cabbage can help with gastrointestinal motility (ensure no allergies first).
– Increase exercise: More physical activity promotes gastrointestinal motility, improves mood, and prevents obesity.
– Gently massage the belly: Use circular motions in one direction without pressing too hard to avoid scaring the dog.
– Groom the dog’s fur: For long-haired dogs, groom at least once a day to prevent ingestion of their own hair.
– Monitor diet and bowel movements: Prevent ingestion of garbage or dog bones and track the dog’s bowel movements regularly.
– Supplement with quality probiotics: Quality probiotics can help with intestinal motility and replenish good bacteria, providing ongoing protection for the gastrointestinal tract.
Pet parents must diligently maintain their dog’s health, starting with daily improvements in gastrointestinal health.
Do not use mineral oil or Vaseline to help dogs defecate, as these tasteless substances can be absorbed by dogs, leading to fatal aspiration pneumonia. Unless specifically instructed by a vet, do not use any over-the-counter enemas. Many common human enemas are toxic to dogs. Olive oil can be fed to dogs, but only under veterinary guidance.
When to Take a Constipated Dog to the Vet? If your dog hasn’t had a bowel movement for one to three days, it’s time to have a vet check their condition. Chronic constipation can lead to the accumulation of dry feces in the colon, a condition known as megacolon, where the colon loses its ability to move feces, which is very serious. When taking your dog to the vet, pet parents should prepare the following information to help the vet quickly understand the dog’s condition:
– The last time the dog had a normal bowel movement
– The color and state of the most recent feces
– The dog’s usual dietary habits
– Any possible foreign objects ingested
– Whether the dog shows hind leg weakness or fatigue while walking
– Any recent medication treatments
– Any possible外伤 or diseases
– Any other abnormalities, such as lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, etc. Particularly, lethargy, decreased appetite, and vomiting are signs of serious illness. If pet parents notice these symptoms along with constipation, immediate medical attention is required.
