Constipation is an uncomfortable condition that can affect dogs of any breed, age, size, or lifestyle. In this article, our Crystal Lake vets will explore one of the most common digestive issues seen in pets and discuss the causes of constipation in dogs, along with treatment options.
My Dog is Constipated
Have you noticed hard, dry stools or mucus when picking up your dog's poop? Perhaps your pup has not had a bowel movement in 48 hours or more. Either of these circumstances indicates your pooch is likely suffering from constipation.
Dogs suffering from constipation may display a variety of symptoms. They often crouch, whine, or strain while trying to defecate. You might even notice grass, string, or matted feces around your dog's anal area.
Today, we'll list some common causes of constipation in dogs, including signs, and discuss how to help a constipated dog.
What to Do if Your Dog is Constipated
If your dog exhibits any of the symptoms of constipation listed above, arrange an urgent care appointment with your vet immediately.
If your four-legged friend has eaten something they shouldn't have, a blockage may be causing the problem. This is a medical emergency that will likely require surgery.
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your dog's condition.
What causes constipation in dogs?
A wide range of potential contributing factors can lead to constipation in dogs. Some of these include:
- Insufficient daily exercise
- Not enough fiber in the diet
- Sudden change in diet or sampling new foods
- Ingesting hair due to excessive self-grooming
- Enlarged prostate gland
- Neurological disorder
- Side effects of medication
- Ingested pieces of toys, plants, dirt, bones, and gravel caught in the intestinal tract
- Pain due to orthopedic issues when trying to defecate
- Dehydration
- Masses, tumors, or obstructions on the anus or within the rectum
- Matted hair around the anus
- Trauma to pelvis
- Abscessed or blocked anal sacks
While senior pets may experience constipation more often, dogs can suffer from constipation at any age.
How is constipation in dogs treated?
When you bring your dog to our 24-hour specialty and emergency animal hospital in Crystal Lake for constipation, a veterinarian will likely ask about your pet's medical history before conducting a rectal examination to rule out certain causes of constipation or anatomical abnormalities.
The vet may perform diagnostic tests to determine what's causing your pooch's condition. Based on the exam results and any tests to alleviate constipation, the vet will recommend medical or at-home remedies.
Blood tests may help your vet discover that your pooch has an infection or is suffering from dehydration.
Dog owners often wonder, 'What can I give my dog for constipation?'. The veterinarian may recommend a combination of medical and at-home remedies for your dog's constipation. At-home remedies may include:
- Increasing the amount of fiber in your dog's diet
- Special dog-specific laxatives
- Increasing your dog's daily exercise
- Medication to increase the strength of the large intestine
- Enema (administered by a veterinary professional, not at home)
Follow the veterinarian's recommendations closely. Trying too many of these treatment options or the wrong combination of numerous options may lead to the opposite problem – diarrhea. You don't want to replace one digestive problem with another.
Never give your dog any medication without first consulting your veterinarian. We also recommend consulting a vet before administering at-home remedies.
Severe Conditions Resulting From Untreated Dog Constipation
Left untreated, your pup's constipation may progress to a point where they become unable to empty their colon on their own (a condition called obstipation). The colon then becomes packed with an uncomfortably large amount of feces, causing lethargy, unproductive straining, loss of appetite, and potentially vomiting. Intestinal blockages caused by ingesting foreign objects, such as toys or fabrics, can quickly become fatal.
Regarding your pet's health and safety, err on the side of caution and contact your vet if your pet is constipated.
When is constipation in dogs an emergency?
Constipation in dogs can cause you to wonder what to do. If your dog has a single episode of diarrhea and is otherwise acting normal, it is likely not a cause for concern. Monitor your dog's bowel movements to see if things clear up. More than two episodes could indicate a problem, and you should contact your nearest emergency vet in Crystal Lake.
If your dog is straining to pass a stool but only passing small amounts of watery diarrhea, it could be experiencing a painful blockage due to ingesting a foreign object such as a toy. This is a very serious concern and needs veterinary attention right away. Contact your vet or come to our emergency veterinary hospital for care.
Recurring bouts of diarrhea over a short period could be a sign of a very serious health issue, particularly if your dog is very old or very young or has a compromised immune system. Infections such as parvovirus are extremely serious, contagious, and life-threatening. Contact your vet immediately if your dog is experiencing repeated episodes of diarrhea.
Dogs showing other symptoms, as well as diarrhea, should be seen by a vet as soon as possible. These include:
- Blood in stool
- Unusual drooling
- Vomiting
- Lack of Appetite
- Weakness
- Signs of dehydration (Sunken, dry-looking eyes, dry nose, or dry, sticky gums)
If your dog displays any symptoms that cause concern, contact the vets at our emergency animal hospital in Crystal Lake immediately.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.