Constipation in a dog: what to do

It does not only occur in humans, but also in dogs, there are bowel problems due to constipation. As an owner, you know the pattern of your dog’s bowel movements. When you walk the dog, you see that he is trying to get rid of his stools and that after a lot of effort this does not or hardly succeed. Fortunately, as an owner, you can do a lot to promote bowel movements. If treatment doesn’t help or your dog is sick, see the vet. What are the causes of constipation and what can you do about it?

blockage

Dogs can also suffer from constipation. It is also known as constipation or constipation. It is the medical name for a slow or difficult bowel movement. You recognize it when you, as an owner, are waiting endlessly until your dog has finally done his business. Sometimes the dog makes several attempts. In some cases, it will not work at all and there is no stool. This is very annoying for both the owner and the dog.

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The dangers of constipation

The gut contains bacteria that produce waste products. This is normally discharged with the stool. If this is not removed through the stool, too much waste can build up in the intestines. The intestines cannot handle this amount and release the waste into the bloodstream. These are harmful and poisonous and pose a threat to your dog’s health.

Causes

It is possible that your dog has eaten something wrong that has caused a blockage somewhere in the intestines. The food builds up in the intestines and this can lead to a life-threatening situation. Sharp and hard foods such as bones are difficult to digest, which can lead to constipation. Too much fiber and drinking too little can also be causes. Due to the lack of moisture, the stool becomes dry and hard. In some cases there is a tumor in the intestines, causing a blockage. It can also occur in older dogs, whose bowels are not functioning as well.

How do you know if your dog is affected by this?

This isn’t the most fun part of keeping a dog, but you should make sure you know your dog’s bowel movements well. It can be annoying if you have to wait a long time for your dog to do something. If your dog tries all the time, but it doesn’t come or it takes a long time, your dog is constipated. However, it is not always easy to determine whether your dog has a blockage. If your dog is always off-leash, you will have less view of his stool.

Symptoms

In addition to checking whether your dog has regular stools and how often, it is important to check what his stool looks like. A clear sign of constipation is the bloody mucus that comes with the stool. The dog may suffer from flatulence. Other symptoms are that your dog suddenly no longer feels like eating, even something he normally likes. He becomes lethargic and doesn’t want to play anymore. Furthermore, he can lie a lot, sleep a lot and he can start vomiting.

What can you do?

If your dog has difficulty with his stool, this is also very annoying for your dog. There are a number of things you can try yourself to promote his bowel movements. Here are some tips:

Feed him fiber

A lot of fiber in the food causes the stool to be enlarged because it attracts water. It makes bowel movements easier and stimulates the passage through the intestines. For example, dogs generally like canned pumpkins, which are very high in fiber. Mix this with his normal food until the bowel movement has started again.

Give him beans

Dried beans are very high in fiber and make a good addition to your dog’s diet. You don’t have to cook beans yourself, but you can simply use beans from a can. Dogs are usually very fond of canned green beans.

Leftovers from dinner

Under normal circumstances, it is not recommended to feed dogs leftovers from dinner. Otherwise, the stool will become too soft. With constipation, however, that may be just what the dog needs. That’s why you can treat him to raw or cooked vegetables. Avoid dairy products and fatty leftovers, as they easily lead to diarrhea.

Mix linseed with his food

You can also use linseed to maintain bowel movements and mix it with his food. It is a natural yet powerful laxative. A small dog may have half a teaspoon in his food and a large dog two teaspoons. Be careful with flaxseed if your dog has had an intestinal infection or intestinal problems.

Movement

Like all muscles in the dog’s body, the large intestine works best with sufficient exercise. Give your dog plenty of exercises, take him out regularly and take long walks, preferably at least an hour, at least twice a day.

To the vet

It is possible that your dog will get better without treatment and that the blockage will disappear on its own. If the above does not help, or the dog looks ill, or in case of doubt, you should go to the vet as soon as possible. The vet will administer an enema. An enema connects directly to the dog’s rectum. It will soften and loosen the stool, allowing it to be drained. An enema is not always successful. If this fails, the vet will have to remove the stool manually or alternatively with surgery.