If your dog is having trouble going to the bathroom, it might be constipated. Veterinarians typically recommend a balanced diet with plenty of water and exercise to help dogs stay regular. However, sometimes dogs can still become constipated. Common signs of constipation in dogs include straining to go to the bathroom, passing small amounts of hard, dry stool, and general discomfort.
Constipation in dogs can be caused by a variety of things, including a change in diet, not getting enough exercise, or dehydration. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help your dog feel better. Keep reading to learn how to treat dog constipation.
Know the signs of dog constipation.
There are various ways to tell if your dog is constipated. One way is to look at their stool. If it is small and hard, then they may be constipated. Another way is to feel their stomach. If it feels bloated or hard, then the dog might be constipated. Other symptoms of constipation can include lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you think your dog may be constipated, you should take them to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment plan. It’s important that you get your pet looked at as soon as possible, as severe constipation can lead to other health problems.
Prevent constipation in your dog.
There are a few key things you can do to help prevent your dog from getting constipated. You can ensure that you are feeding them high-quality kibble and supplementing their diet with items that are healthy and help create a balanced diet. You should also make sure they are getting enough water, especially if they are getting a lot of fiber. Another thing you can do to help prevent constipation is to exercise your dog regularly. A good 30-minute walk will help get things moving in the right direction. Finally, if your dog is constipated, you can try giving them a warm bath or using a hair dryer to help stimulate their bowel movement.
Incorporate foods to relieve constipation in dogs.
There are a variety of foods that can help relieve constipation in dogs. Some of the most effective include water, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, and pureed pumpkin. Water is essential for keeping dogs hydrated and healthy, and it also helps to soften their stool and promote regularity. Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables provide the same benefits as they do for humans, while pureed pumpkin is a natural laxative that can be especially helpful in getting stubborn cases of constipation moving again. Other good options include cooked white rice, boiled chicken or beef, and low-fat cottage cheese.
Seek vet care to help with dog constipation.
If you can’t take care of your dog’s constipation at home, you will need to seek care from a vet as soon as you can. The veterinarian will likely start by taking a complete medical history and consider things such as the dog’s diet, bowel movements, and any other symptoms the pet may be experiencing. They will then perform a physical examination, looking for signs of constipation such as an enlarged abdomen, dehydration, decreased appetite, and lethargy. Once the cause of the constipation is determined, the vet will prescribe appropriate treatment. If there is an underlying medical condition causing constipation, that will also need to be treated.
Owning a dog can be a great experience and can even come with several benefits. However, you will need to work to ensure that your dog stays healthy. It is important to understand dog constipation and how to treat it because it can help you to keep your dog in good shape. Additionally, constipation can be painful and lead to other health problems, so you’ll want to get it taken care of as soon as possible. Paying attention to your dog and staying in touch with your vet will help you ensure that your dog feels good.
