Dogs, like humans, can suffer from constipation due to certain causes. If you have noticed that your dog defecates infrequently, in small amounts, or you observe that he makes unsuccessful efforts to expel the stool, he is probably constipated. The dog should defecate once or twice a day, however, do not be alarmed if your dog has not eliminated for a day or two, as long as after these two days the stool is consistent and of a normal size, not too small . The problem comes when the stool is retained in the colon for more than two days and requires a lot of effort to expel it to the outside. There are many reasons why it can appear constipation in dogs, but luckily there are laxatives to help this defecate, so if you want to know about these Laxatives for Dogs: Medications, Food, and Dosage, keep reading because in this oneHOWTO article we will tell you everything.
Constipation in dogs: causes and symptoms
There are several reasons why a dog can become constipated. In addition, you must pay special attention to the symptoms that it produces, since it could be indicating a more serious problem in the dog. between the main causes of constipation in dogs we find:
- The most common cause, especially in middle-aged or elderly dogs, is lack of water. Not drinking enough water dehydrates the stool, making it too dry and thick to pass through the colon.
- Ingesting foreign materials such as sticks, grass, hair, cloth, paper, bone chips … it is also a cause of constipation in the dog because they are indigestible materials and cause the stool to become too hard.
- There are several drugs that have constipation as a side effect. If you suspect that this may be the cause, consult your veterinarian.
- A pelvic injury it is another cause when we talk about the appearance of constipation, either due to pain or narrowing.
- Conditions such as hypothyroidism, hypercalcemia, and a lumbar nerve injury can also lead to constipation.
- Stress It can cause constipation, for example when you change your house or your routine.
- The dog may be holding the urge to defecate. A frequent situation that occurs in these cases is when the dog is taught not to relieve himself inside the house and he spends a lot of time indoors. For this reason, when the dog is admitted it is also normal that it does not defecate due to stress and an unknown location. During a trip this situation can also occur.
If a dog is constipated it will surely present these symptoms:
- Lack of defecation.
- Vomiting
- Loss of weight and appetite.
- Small, hard and dark stools.
- Efforts to defecate without success.
- Swollen abdomen
- Signs of pain while trying to have a bowel movement.
- Bloody stools or mucus.
In this other oneHOWTO post we explain more about why my dog doesn’t poop.
If the dog is constipated for more than two days, if the constipation stops but returns frequently or the dog vomits and is listless, it should be go to the vet as soon as possible, since the life of your faithful friend could be in danger.
Treatment and prevention of constipation in dogs
The treatment against constipation in dogs is based on eliminating the cause that produces the problem. As well as treatment and prevention of constipation in dogs, veterinarians usually indicate the following, although in each case there may be changes in the instructions to follow.
- The first thing is to make sure that the dog drinks enough water. There are water fountains for dogs and cats, which they also think may seem fun and curious, so it encourages them to drink.
- Make sure that the dog does not ingest foreign objects and buy chewable objects suitable for him, give it to him when going out for a walk to reduce the chances that he will try to bite other inappropriate objects. You can opt for cookies or other prizes or for chewy toys, such as kong.
- Regarding pelvic injuries, lumbar nerve injuries, hypothyroidism and hypercalcemia, the veterinarian will be in charge of administering certain medications or treatments.
- Try to stress the dog as little as possible.
- As the years go by, the intestinal activity of dogs decreases, so you can give them croquettes or feed with water in equal parts and well mixed, leaving them to rest for 20 minutes.
- Take your dog for a walk whenever you can. It is recommended to take the dog out at least 3 or 4 times a day, but the more it comes out the better, so it also exercises so that the intestines will move better.
- Laxatives can also help the dog to defecate, so they serve both as treatment and prevention (by giving small amounts of a natural laxative in the food on a frequent basis).
- In addition, fiber can also be used as a laxative, which is why it is very important to give your dog a diet rich in fiber.
Laxative medications for dogs
There are different types of laxative medications for dogs, among which you can find:
- Osmotic laxatives: These aim to increase the amount of water in the large intestine to soften the stool.
- Stimulant laxatives: increases the force of the bowel movements so that the stool falls and can be expelled.
- Emollient laxatives: used against hard and dry stools but should never be administered to a dehydrated dog.
- Mineral oil: can be used as a lubricating laxative to help hard stool pass through the anus.
Laxatives are only used in dogs that suffer from constipation only, if the problem comes from another cause such as a pelvic injury or an obstruction they can cause serious damage to the dog. Will be the vet who determines the best treatment according to the case.
Laxative foods for dogs
In addition to laxative medications for dogs, there are a series of foods that we can also use to end constipation. The Most common laxative foods for dogs are as follows:
Water
As we have mentioned before, your dog always has to have fresh water at his fingertips and you have to make sure he drinks the right amount of water. That is why it is important to carry a bottle of water during the walks, especially if it is summer. You can give your friend a piece of watermelon from time to time, since thanks to its high water content it will help to hydrate it. You can also offer broth or soups (without added salt). A dog should drink about 60 ml of water for every kg of the animal’s weight per day.
Milk for constipated dogs
Milk should not be given to dogs as it causes diarrhea, but precisely for this reason, when faced with constipation, a good option is to administer a small amount of milk to your dog. Offer the dog 1/8 of a cup for a puppy or 1/2 of a cup for an adult.
Pumpkin for constipation in dogs
A pumpkin puree is also a good option because this food has a high amount of water and is high in fiber. You can give it one or two tablespoons a day, but never give it more than two in a row, to prevent it from developing diarrhea.
Psyllium
This is a source of fiber that stimulates bowel contractions and helps bulk up your stool. Give half a tablespoon to two tablespoons every 24 hours.
Oils
Offer your dog oils in small amounts, such as a half or a whole tablespoon, once a week. This will help relieve and prevent constipation. Mix olive oil, mineral oil, or safflower or safflower oil with the dog’s food.
Ginger
Ginger mixed with chicken broth is a great option against constipation, as it serves as a natural laxative that takes effect in a short time. Add 1/4 tablespoon of ginger infusion to half a glass of chicken broth and offer it to your dog.
In this other oneHOWTO article we give you more information about Home Remedies for constipation in dogs.
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