Owners of pets, and dogs, including at least once, but faced the fact that their pets had problems with stool. Many people panic because they don’t know what to do if the dog is constipated. In today’s article, we will take a closer look at how dangerous such a phenomenon is at all, is it worth it to seek help from a veterinarian in this case, or you can help a four-legged friend on your own.
But first you need to understand what constipation is all about. So, this is a rare defecation, which is either rather difficult or absent altogether, then it is necessary to help with methods from the outside, or by taking medications aimed at causing it. In the case when the pet does not go to the toilet for one or two days, it can be stated that he has constipation, or if you delve into medical terminology – constipation.
Distinctive symptoms of constipation
If a dog has problems of this kind, it feels uncomfortable, because the urge to go to the toilet will make it sit down from time to time, push, but without any result. Also, the pet may ask to be outdoors more often than on ordinary days. If constipation lasts too long, it may develop:
- health problems in general
- decreased appetite, which over time will lead to a complete rejection of food,
- vomiting will begin
- he will have bloating and rumbling in his stomach due to the accumulation of gas in them
- the pet will also drink a lot more water than on normal days
- will be lethargic, apathetic, inactive.
It is highly discouraged to let the situation take its course, as this can lead to rather unpleasant and serious consequences for the dog. So, she may experience constipation, which implies the inability to go to the toilet on her own due to too much accumulation of feces and stretching of the walls of the colon, and therefore the contractile function ceases to function. It is advisable not to bring it to such a situation, otherwise you will have to solve the problem surgically or manually remove the contents of the intestine.
What can be the causes of constipation
Among the most common are the following:
- the dog may have had a pelvic injury or spinal cord injury
- neurological problems that lead to problems with stool
- the presence of a foreign body in the dog’s intestines
- a large amount of accumulated bone wool
- a neoplasm in the large intestine
- prostate problems
- hyperplasia, presence of tumors
- overflowing perial glands
- having bites around the anus
- perineal hernia
- dehydration – this also leads to problems with stool
- inactive lifestyle and obesity
- improper nutrition
- frequent use of a variety of medications
And also, problems with the hind or front limbs, because if they hurt, then the dog cannot sit down and, accordingly, go to the toilet.
How and what to treat constipation in a dog
It all depends on what caused the constipation. If the reason is a change in diet, then most likely it will pass after a while, and you can do without going to the veterinarian. If the source is more serious and constipation lasts more than two to three days, you still have to visit a doctor.
Therapy in this case means
- drugs that are aimed at softening stool
- the second on the list are enemas, but despite the fact that this method is quite effective, it is not always recommended to use it, as it “chills” the large intestine
- if foreign objects or, for example, bones with sharp edges are found in the dog’s intestines, then there is no need for surgical intervention as quickly as possible
- in situations where constipation is accompanied by frequent vomiting and the dog refuses to eat, a course of droppers
- is prescribed to prevent dehydration
In the most extreme situation, it will be necessary to amputate part of the large intestine with its filling.
What is forbidden to do on your own
- Give your dog petroleum jelly. It is unlikely that it will help at all, but you can make it worse overnight. Aspiration can be a side effect – that is, oil gets into the pet’s airways. Plus, she might be allergic to it.
- the use of rectal suppositories, since they contain many toxic substances that can harm a dog’s health
- laxatives should not be given. Firstly, they have a number of contraindications, which, again, can harm the animal’s body.
- an enema is the most dangerous method, but nevertheless, if the causes of constipation are not clear, it is better not to risk it.
Eating during stool problems
If the cause of constipation lies in the diet, then consider the generally accepted recommendations.
Be sure to exclude the following foods:
- rice
- broths on meat
- beans
- corn
- cheeses
- fermented milk products that are more than one day old
- bones
- fresh baked goods
- dry food
Food should be in small portions, finely chopped into large pieces. Giving your dog warm, light soups, plus:
- stewed vegetables
- boiled buckwheat in water
- use a little fermented milk yogurt or kefir, but no additives
- one or two plums every few days, but on condition that the pet is not allergic to it
- a little flaxseed oil will not hurt the dog
But the most important thing, again, is not to overfeed and not overload the pet’s body with all of the above and immediately.
Preventing constipation in a dog
- you should not change the dog’s diet if it is not necessary, otherwise everything should be done gradually.
- it is not necessary for the pet to overeat in one meal
- do not use many different foods, this can lead to bloating, colic, pain and constipation
- the dog must drink enough fresh water
- it is necessary to give vitamins and minerals with food, but only after consulting a veterinarian
- walk the dog for at least 30 minutes daily
- on time and on the recommendation of a veterinarian, the pet needs to be vaccinated and given antihelminthic drugs
The more pet owners pay attention to their diet, the healthier they will be, and in this case, problems with stool (except for a situation that cannot be controlled) will not have to worry. But even if constipation happens, you need to do everything necessary to make it easier for the dog to get out of this state.