Long-term or chronic constipation may lead to a buildup of dried fecal matter that gets stuck in the colon, known as obstipation. This may contribute to another condition marked by an inability to defecate normally —megacolon.
The colon becomes distended and loses its ability to move feces along. Chronic constipation is both a contributor and a sign of this disorder. When you visit the vet, make sure you come armed with as much information as possible, including:. Most cases will resolve with mild treatments, such as boosting liquids and dietary fiber or getting more exercise. Laxative suppositories and enemas may be helpful, but should only be used with guidance from a veterinarian, especially if they are needed for long periods.
For most dogs, constipation will be an infrequent problem, kept under control through a well-balanced diet , access to fresh water, and regular exercise. AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. Compare Breeds Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side. Dog Name Finder Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration.
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What Are the Signs of Dog Constipation? The signs of constipation are pretty obvious, including: Lack of defecation for a few days; Hard, dry stools that feel like pebbles when you pick them up. Dogs whose fur is extremely matted can become constipated if the fur mats around the anus.
This problem can be prevented entirely by making sure your dog stays well-groomed and trimmed, especially in his more sensitive areas. If this is happening to your dog, you may need a professional groomer or a vet to help you get his fur back under control and resolve the problem. Dogs with enlarged anal glands may have trouble going to the bathroom normally. This can also happen if your dog eats part of a chew toy. This is a very dangerous situation and must be treated, usually via surgery, by a vet immediately.
Dogs with tumors in the rectum or on the anus may develop an obstruction because of the tumor. This must be treated by a vet and often involves surgery. One of the easiest and most common at-home treatments for constipation in dogs is to feed them some canned pumpkin.
Pumpkin is a high-fiber food and is perfectly safe for a dog to ingest, as long as nothing else has been added to it. Many dogs will also eat it right off of a spoon. Your vet may tell you to give your dog a stool softener.
Some dogs can take stool softeners meant for humans, but others should not. This is one of the many reasons why you should speak to your vet before medicating your dog, especially with medications that are not originally intended for dog use. Your vet may also suggest you simply exercise your dog more for a few days and see if that helps. A lack of exercise can contribute significantly to constipation in dogs.
Your vet might instead suggest you start feeding your dog a prescription dog food that contains more fiber than regular dog food mixtures do. If your dog does not respond to any of these treatments, you may need to take him to the vet for an enema.
This should never be done at home and should always be performed by a professional. Trying to do this at home may result in severe injury and could even be fatal to your dog.
Dogs become constipated often, and most of the time, the problem can be taken care of with something as simple as a little canned pumpkin or extra water for a couple of days. However, if your dog is in pain or seems to be struggling at all, take him to the vet. Be sure to do this especially if your dog goes more than two days without being able to poop, as he can develop an obstruction quickly after this time. Larger dogs can handle up to a tablespoon or so.
Psyllium e. Do NOT give your constipated dog a laxative without first speaking to your veterinarian. Many are not safe for dogs, particularly if used under the wrong circumstances. But if your veterinarian is comfortable doing so, they may recommend that you try giving your mildly constipated dog a gentle laxative at home before making an appointment. Petroleum-based lubricant gels like Laxatone are a good first option. Also, never give your dog liquid mineral oil to help with constipation.
This product can cause severe pneumonia if inhaled. Never give your dog an enema at home unless your veterinarian has recommended a specific product and has shown you how to safely perform the procedure.
Home Slideshows. Published: June 14, Previous Next. Signs a Dog Is Constipated Knowing these signs is important because if your dog is showing severe symptoms of constipation, you need to call your vet for an appointment. Here are a few signs to look for in constipated dogs: Signs of Mild Constipation If a dog is mildly constipated, the typical signs include: Straining to defecate Taking longer than normal to defecate Seeming a little uncomfortable while defecating Producing small amounts of feces that are harder than normal If your dog is showing only mild signs of constipation, there are a few remedies that you can try at home to help ease their constipation.
Always ensure that your dog has constant, easy access to fresh water. Two safe options are: Canned Pumpkin : Small dogs can get 1 teaspoon mixed in with each meal.
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