Constipation in Dogs - What To Do

Dog Constipation Symptoms

Are your dog's bowel movements infrequent, difficult for them to pass or absent altogether? If so, your pet is likely suffering from constipation.

Straining when attempting to pass a stool and/or is producing hard, dry stools, are also considered signs that your dog should be examined by a vet as soon as possible.

Constipated dogs may pass mucus when trying to defecate, circle excessively, scoot along the ground, or squat frequently without defecating. If you press on their stomach or lower back, they may have a tense, painful abdomen that causes them to growl or cry out.

Causes of Constipation in Dogs

As with people, there are a number of possible causes of constipation in dogs. Some of the most common causes of dog constipation include:

Senior dogs are more prone to bouts of constipation. Nonetheless, any dog that experiences one or more of the scenarios above could develop constipation.

What To Do If Your Dog Is Constipated

“What can I give my dog for constipation?” is a common search on the web, and the answers provided come from trustworthy and dubious sources.

The first thing that you should know is to never give your dog medications or treatments formulated for humans without consulting your vet first. Many human medications are toxic to dogs.

If your dog is showing signs of constipation, the best thing you can do for your pet is to contact your vet to book an urgent examination. The treatment for your dog's constipation will depend upon the underlying cause of your pup's condition.

If your four-legged friend has eaten something they shouldn't have there is a chance that there is a blockage causing the issue. This is a medical emergency that will likely require urgent surgery.

Blood tests may be recommended to help determine whether your pup has an infection or is suffering from dehydration. The vet will likely take a medical history, conduct a rectal examination to rule out other causes or abnormalities, and may recommend one or a combination of these treatments:

Follow your vet’s instructions closely, as trying too many of these or the wrong combination may bring on the opposite problem - diarrhea. You don’t want to trade one digestive problem for another.

When Constipation Is Left Untreated

Left untreated, it is possible that your pup could reach the 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 the ingestion of foreign objects such as toys or fabrics can quickly become fatal.

When it comes to your pet's health and safety err on the side of caution, contact your vet if your pet is constipated.

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.