Modern living seems to have caused a decline in our health and our dogs are suffering too. Dog constipation is just as uncomfortable and painful as it is in humans and has the potential to cause more serious diseases if not treated quickly. While it is possible that constipation is caused by something serious, it is more likely a poor diet, dehydration, or lack of exercise. However, treating dog constipation and making sure your dog can eliminate regularly is critical for a dog’s overall health.
Often, constipation in humans or animals is treated with a laxative. However be aware that most doctors advise that relying too heavily on laxatives can bring about a slew of other medical complications, which may include the inability to expel waste in the future.
Wild animals naturally eat a high protein diet. If their stomachs’ become upset, they can often be seen eating substances that are loaded with fiber such as grass. Regrettably, commercial dog foods contain little protein, but plenty of fillers like corn, wheat and other carbohydrates. Dogs in the wild do not eat bread! Domesticated dogs often have another unhealthy habit: they will consume pretty much anything, even things that we don’t even consider to be food.
Symptoms of a constipated dog are usually easy to spot, if you pay attention. A dog will not be able to eliminate, though he may continue to try. Eventually, he will become bloated and sluggish, less playful and less likely to eat. He may even become a little gassier, as the undigested food left in his intestine begins to ferment.
While prevention of such things is usually the smartest route by means of a good diet, plenty of water and exercise, by the time your dog is constipated, it will be time to take more proactive measures. First, increase your dog’s water consumption. A quick solution I have used myself is a mixture of high protein food with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. The results were messy but very effective! A change in diet to include more oil and protein is usually quite effective.
It is often a good idea to give your dog a nice little belly rub. No need to go over the top here. Don’t rub too hard and always rub downwards, towards the tail. This will help discover things like hardened stools, for which an enema may be needed. In any case, making these changes should provide your dog with some relief.
Again, handling canine constipation is vital. Taking steps to prevent constipation from ever occurring is usually the most advisable way to go by means of a healthy diet and enough water and exercise. Should these methods be insufficient, more aggressive methods might need to be used, including a trip to the vet before the problem becomes more serious.
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