Is There Such Thing As Dog Constipation?

Constipation doesn't just happen to humans, but to animals as well. Dog constipation is no different from the disorder experienced by people. They too will have difficulty in expelling their poop. For those not familiar with the condition, it is the hardening of feces/poop in the colon, therefore making it difficult to dislodge. That simple, but it can lead to other complications if left untreated. Some symptoms that your pet will show if it's constipated is a sudden loss of appetite. Sometimes it won't eat at all, even if its favorite meal is served. There will also be a change in your dogs physical activities.

It will tend to get lazy, and not play as much. You'll see it lying around or sleeping more often. Eventually your pet will start vomiting. There are several factors that have been taken into consideration that may be a possible cause for your pet's disorder. One being something that it has digested that is obstructing the path of its poop; not allowing it to go down, and pile up in the colon. This is usually rough or coarse food digested. Bones in particular are very hard to break down, as well as some fibrous materials. Many people feed their dogs bones, which isn't always a good idea.

If your one of them, and no problems have happened yet, it will be bound to happen in the not so far future. Another factor may be you aren't giving it enough water. This is a very probable cause, since the feces can dry and harden due to a lack of moisture. Inactivity of your dog may also be the reason for infrequent or no bowel movements. All pets, including the ones living indoors, and regardless of build, will need exercise. Having it sleep or stay still on the floor all day will make it very possible to get your dog constipated.

It's possible for your doggy to get better on its own. But if it doesn't, it's best you see a veterinarian. Treatments usually involve the use enemas. It is not taken the same way as a laxative, which is usually orally taken. Enemas are administered directly to your dog's rectum, or bum. It softens the feces, loosens it up, and then is discharged. The success rate of this is not 100%. There are times were the condition has reached a point where this procedure won't work. When it fails, physical removal of the poop stored inside may be needed, or worse, surgery.

Some veterinarians, after the operation, found obstructing tumors to be the cause of the disorder - all of this will be very expensive. To prevent this from happening to your pooch, make sure you're feeding it properly. Equally divide your dogs meals into 3. Some owners actually give their pets one big meal a day, which is very bad for digestion. Have it drink lots of water - it needs to be hydrated after meals to soften up its poop. Make it exercise daily – whether it likes it or not it will be necessary. Do your part in preventing dog constipation from happening.