Your dog could be suffering from constipation if they’re having difficulty passing stool regularly and straining to do so, leading to redness, swelling and blood in their stool or anus. This could cause reddening, swelling and blood in their stool or anus – signs that they need veterinary help!
Dog constipation treatment typically entails treating the source of constipation directly, such as increasing fluid consumption or giving your pet laxatives or stool softeners; in extreme cases an enema may even be performed to alleviate symptoms.
Contents
Exercise
Constipated dogs’ colons cannot move fecal matter through efficiently, leading to hard, dry and compacted stool which may indicate neurological or metabolic disorders.
Constipated dogs typically display symptoms like appetite loss and decreased frequency of pooping. If your pup strains to poop or refuses food or drinks, consult a veterinarian immediately.
A veterinarian will perform a physical exam and conduct bloodwork and urine tests on your pet to identify any cause for constipation. Sometimes x-rays or ultrasound imaging is also necessary.
Water
As part of an effective treatment for canine constipation, ensuring your pup stays adequately hydrated is key. Provide them with plenty of fresh water, and consider occasionally including low-sodium broth or other liquid in their meals to increase hydration levels further.
Exercise is another effective means of keeping your dog’s colon moving efficiently, and taking them for walks every morning and afternoon can be just what’s needed to stimulate movement and get their digestive system back on track.
Constipated dogs may experience vomiting, lethargy and appetite loss. If this is the case for your pup, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible; they will likely order abdominal x-rays to assess how serious their situation is before possibly prescribing laxatives or stool softeners as necessary.
Diet
If your dog suddenly stops pooping regularly or goes days without passing stool, a visit to the vet may be in order. A veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s belly for changes and inquire as to any recent modifications; in severe cases they may perform a rectal exam to check for blockages.
An increase in fiber consumption will aid bowel movement; however, make sure your pet remains well hydrated first.
Your dog could become constipated by indulging in something they shouldn’t, such as grass, pieces of toys or feminine products he found sniffing around in your yard. Ingestion such as this must be addressed promptly with your veterinarian as it could result in megacolon – an obstruction in their bowel which leads to serious health risks for both you and your pup!
Medications
If your pup becomes severely constipated, a visit to the veterinarian might be in order. An enema helps guide poop out of the colon and back into digestion or, in extreme cases, break up impacted stool that has formed. Your veterinarian will prescribe appropriate medication that can assist your dog’s constipation; often diet modification, fibre additives or herbal remedies such as dandelion root or Oregon grape can also improve bile production and transport to push out their stool more quickly.
Mild constipation may be relieved at home using medications like rectal suppositories. But for optimal results, seek professional veterinary advice to address its source.
Enemas
If your dog is straining to defecate or cannot pass stool, immediate medical intervention by a veterinarian should be sought immediately as this medical emergency called obstipation could prove life-threatening if left untreated.
Your veterinarian will develop a treatment plan for your pet’s constipation, which may include adding fibre-rich diet supplements or giving an enema. However, do not attempt this on your own as this could result in infection or injury!
Enemas involve injecting water or other compounds directly into the colon to coat and soften hard faeces, according to Lopez. As this treatment should only be considered as a last resort option for severe constipation when other methods have proven ineffective or feasible; they are not advised for dogs undergoing surgeries or very old dogs.
