My dog ​​is constipated, what should I do?

Just like their owners, almost all dogs periodically suffer from constipation; Some more than others. In most cases, simple precautions and home remedies work well enough to help them. However, if the problem gets out of hand, it could become serious, costly, and possibly fatal.

Owners of medicated, inactive, older and older dogs should pay special attention when their dog is going to relieve himself. They are commonly known to be more prone to constipation difficulties.

Dogs with pica are also prime candidates. Pica is a disorder in which a dog habitually eats inappropriate items, usually indigestible. For example: bottle caps (metal or plastic), coins, balls, screws, nails, stones, string, wood, concrete, clothing, pillows, and toy and toy stuffing. These items can cause a lock, preventing them from being removed.

The forms of physical blockage due to health problems are: tumors, polyps and intestinal intussusception. Intussusception occurs when one section of the intestines pushes into another section causing a blockage. These are serious conditions that require immediate veterinary attention!

Certain medications can cause elimination problems. Learn about the side effects of all medications prescribed for your pet. If you know the side effects, you may be able to prevent them.

Stress, thyroid problems, parasites, low-fiber dog food, trauma, lack of exercise, and dehydration are also on the list of possible sources of blockage.

Raw hides are a common cause of not only choking, but also obstruction. Do your dog a favor. Play Mr. Wizard by cutting off a piece, place it in a glass of water overnight, and watch it grow! Even a small piece stuck in his intestines could not only cause a blockage, but could also cause his intestines to rupture.

Chances are your dog is telling you that he needs help. Watch for straining, vomiting, appearing lethargic, having difficulty walking, having a mucus discharge when passing the bowels, dragging, dry, hard stools, whining, being restless, showing weight loss or bloating abdominal pain, appear stressed/uncomfortable and/or show no interest in food. You and your dog may have a problem.

If the situation has not reached the critical stage, some folk remedies can help them get through this painful moment. Here are some proven suggestions:

To be prepared. You should have on hand, milk, canned pumpkin (not pie filling), Mylanta Gas, GasX and Metamucil, unsweetened bran or bran cereal, chicken or beef broth, stool softeners for dogs, canned wet food and oil. olive or mineral oil. Some also recommend aloe juice.

Ways to help your dog include:

Water, water, everywhere! Have several water bowls strategically placed around the house and garden. Often just finding a new water bowl somewhere is enough to tempt them into taking a few licks.

Ice cubes! Most dogs love ice cubes. It’s a great way to make them think they’re getting an award…and you know they’re hydrating.

Soften your food. Adding water or broth to dry food and allowing it to soften and swell in the bowl before giving it to your dog often makes it easier to digest and expel. It can also help prevent swelling.

Mylanta Gas, GasX, or Metamucil can help relieve discomfort before your dog develops a serious blockage. Sprinkle or mix a tablespoon of Metamucil on or in your food. Make sure your dog drinks plenty of water after Metamucil!

A tablespoon or two of plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) mixed into your meal not only adds nutrition, it’s got lots of fiber! This can be used as a preventive measure or as a remedy.

A little olive oil, mineral oil, or the oil from a can of tuna added to your food can help lubricate them. You can even give them a little taste by adding the tuna. It can inspire a dog that isn’t interested in eating to take a few nibbles.

Canned salmon is high in Omega-3 oils. Mix some in with their dry food as a treat from time to time. Most dogs love fish!

Don’t forget the fruits and vegetables! Green beans, fresh or frozen, are high in fiber. Add a handful to your regular diet. Some dogs love carrots, watermelons, bananas, and apples. A few small pieces can add needed fiber to your diet in a nice way. Do not give them grapes or raisins!

Smaller portions, more feedings. Instead of feeding your pet once or twice a day, give him his usual amount, but in smaller portions spaced every few hours.

For those fast eaters who don’t chew, let alone taste their food, there are specially designed bowls, with a large “ball” in the center. The dog has to work around the ball so he doesn’t inhale the food.

For larger dogs, about a half cup of milk can get the pipes back on track. For little ones, a tablespoon or two should do the trick. You can also add some bran or high-fiber unsweetened cereal to the milk. What a special gift!

Some dog owners add a tablespoon or two of plain yogurt or cottage cheese to their dogs’ daily diet to keep them regular. It also makes mealtimes a bit more appealing than just dropping a plate of dry food.

Exercise, exercise, exercise! If your dog is a swimmer, great! It is a wonderful way to exercise your pet. Otherwise, a couple of short walks a day can help get things moving. It won’t hurt you either! Three or four 20-minute walks spaced throughout the day can help.

For older and older dogs, get them food made especially for them. They generally contain more fiber. Keep an eye on the grain content. Look for low-grain dog foods.

For puppies, a warm, wet towel sometimes helps. They don’t get constipated very often, but if they do, moisten and warm a towel, place your pup on his back, and gently rub his tummy back and forth. Normally, only a few strokes are needed. Her mother did this with her tongue when they were in the litter to stimulate them to urinate and defecate.

Now for the serious stuff! If your dog has been suffering from constipation for more than two days, take him to your veterinarian. They may be able to treat them with IVs, suppositories, and/or enemas before it reaches the critical stage. Complications of constipation can include what is known as a megacolon. That is the advanced stage where the stool is too hard and dry to pass. It will require surgery.

Constipation, also known as intractable constipation, occurs when the blockage is so dangerous that neither gas nor stool can pass through. Again, this will likely require surgery.

As disgusting as it sounds, dog owners need to be aware of their dog’s “normal” bowel habits and bowel movements. Not only does that trigger an early warning signal, but it can also help you recognize when your dog is back on track. Note: Diarrhea does not necessarily mean that the problem has been resolved. Loose bowel movements can be contracted by blockages.

Bottom line: It is always better to prevent a situation than to have to deal with it. A few precautions can help prevent your dog from discomfort and pain. The most important thing to know is when you can no longer help them; take them to your vet before it’s too late.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *