Constipation In Dogs
Constipation In Dogs: What Can You Do To Help?
Constipation in dogs is an issue that tends to occur more often as the canine gains age. Just as with humans, the organs begin to slow as age progresses, and your dogs food sources may need to be altered about as he shows signs of discomfort or difficulty. Constipation in dogs is slightly easier to distinguish than it is in cats, as our canine friends to be a bit less private, more vocal, and more expressive about pain or depression. We are usually charged with the clean up and removal of our dogs fecal matter, so this is a great opportunity to assess whether or not he is having problems. If he has not left a dropping, or the ones that he leaves are dry and less frequent, he could need some help. Also, if you ever see blood left where he has gone or on the anus afterwards, he will need to see the vet right away.
The most common causes for constipation in dogs are diet, age, and stress levels. There are three levels of severity in the symptoms that you might notice, hopefully at the earliest stages of the issue. If your dog goes outside frequently, and spends an elongated period of time doing circles or pacing while straining or tucking his pelvis under, but there is little or no result to his efforts, he may be showing early signs of an uncomfortable binding in the lower intestine. This can be addressed initially by using petroleum jelly on the anal area, making sure that it gets into the most important area. Be sure that he has constant access to clean, fresh water and that you consult your vet about his dietary needs. You may be able to nip it in the bud, but be prepared for the next symptoms which may occur.
Constipation in dogs as it progresses will cause them discomfort and pain, just as it does for we humans. As they can not walk up to us and say “hey, I’m in a bit of pain here,” we need to be able to read the signs that they leave for us along the way. Constant cleaning and sniffing of the anal and genital regions is a tell tale sign that there is an issue, as are straining to no avail and a state of mild depression in your dog.
The most severe symptoms of constipation in dogs are cries, whimpers, and screams of pain, bleeding during and after relief attempts, and loss of appetite. If your dog doesn’t want to eat anymore, and he is in clear physical pain, he will need some medical attention as soon as possible. The vet may be able to clean out the blockage and give you some important information about controlling this issue in the future.