Depending on the type of diet, a healthy dog usually has one to two bowel movements a day. Occasionally, a dog may go without having to poop for one day or even two. This is no cause for worry provided that when the dog does pass stool, he is not straining and the stools are firm and normal in size.
Constipation in dogs refers to infrequent, absent, or difficult defecation.
Constipated dogs usually pass hard or dry feces.
Dog Constipation Symptoms
Constipated dogs show the following symptoms:
- You may notice that the dog is straining to defecate, and the process may look painful to the dog.
- Sometimes even when your dog is straining hard to poop, he passes only a small amount of feces or none at all.
- A constipated dog normally passes feces that are hard and dry.
- Finally, dogs with constipation go poop less frequently and rather irregularly than healthy dogs.
In severe cases, a constipated dog will become restless and depressed. He may also vomit and show a lack of appetite.
Causes of Constipation in Dogs
There are quite a few possible causes of dog constipation. Here are the most common ones:
Ingestion of Indigestible Objects
One of the most common causes of dog constipation is the ingestion of something that is indigestible, such as hair, grass, paper, bone chips, and sticks. The indigestible object mixes with feces to form hard, rock-like masses in the colon, causing constipation.
One way to prevent constipation in dogs is to monitor the dog closely so he doesn’t eat anything inedible and indigestible!
Diet
As in humans, dogs whose diets are low in fiber tend to develop constipation. Insufficient water intake also predisposes a dog to constipation.
Making sure that your dog has access to clean water 24/7 is one way to tackle the problem of constipation. Another way is to add more fiber (e.g. pumpkin puree, sweet potatoes, etc.) to the dog’s diet.
Age
Constipation is also a common problem among older dogs, who tend to drink less water. This results in hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. In addition, older dogs tend to exercise less, and have weaker muscles of the abdominal wall.
Older male dogs may also have prostate problems.
Again, if you have an older dog, make sure that he has sufficient water to drink every day. Also add fiber to his diet. Encourage your dog to exercise every day. Take him out for long walks or even for a swim in the summer. All these exercises can help strengthen the old dog’s muscles.
Medications
Many drugs cause constipation in dogs as a side effect. Some of these drugs include antacids, antihistamines, iron supplements, and diuretics.
Environmental Factors
Some dogs may inhibit the urge to defecate when left alone in the house and have no access to the outside to release themselves. Other dogs may be unwilling to empty their bowels when they are in an unfamiliar environment, e.g. in a hospital, a kennel, etc.
Diseases
Some canine illnesses cause constipation in dogs. For example, hypothyroidism is an occasional cause of chronic constipation.
Fecal impaction, which is a mass of hard stool that has got stuck in the rectum and colon, can also cause constipation despite forceful straining.
Older male dogs suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement) or prostate cancer also tend to have constipation.
Constipation can also be a symptom of cancer of the gastrointestinal tract.
When To See A Vet
- The dog does not have a bowel movement for over two days.
- When you notice that the dog is straining hard to defecate.
- The dog shows pain during defecation.
- There is blood or mucus in the stools.
Treatment of Constipation in Dogs
Treatment of canine constipation involves the identification, and elimination or control of the underlying cause, while at the same time, relieving the symptoms.
Symptomatic treatments may include:
Bulking Agents
For mild cases of constipation, bulking agents such as methylcellulose, bran, or pumpkin can be added to the dog’s diet.
Frequent Exercise and Water Intake
Regular exercise and sufficient intake of water can promote regular bowel movements.
Use of Laxatives
Products that contain lactulose may be prescribed by your vet and are safe to use on dogs. Milk is sometimes added to diets to give a mild laxative effect. Milk of magnesia is also used as a mild laxative.
Stronger stimulant laxatives (e.g. Dulcolax) are effective in treating constipation but should only be used under veterinary supervision and as a last resort, since repeated use can interfere with the proper functioning of the colon.
Finally, if a dog is suffering from a more serious case of constipation, enemas may be given at a veterinary clinic.