Canine Constipation Is Often Uncomfortable - What You Can Try To Ease Your Dog's Distress

It seems that the human race is suffering from an epidemic of poor health, so it should come as no great bombshell that man's best friend is equally affected. Just as in humans, canine constipation can be quite distressing and even painful, potentially leading to other more serious issues, like bowel blockages. While it is possible that canine constipation is the result of something serious, it is more likely a poor food choice, dehydration, or lack of exercise. Nevertheless, treating dog constipation and making sure your dog can eliminate regularly is critical for a dog's overall wellbeing.

Usually, constipation in people or animals is cured with a laxative. Doctors warn, however, that over dependence on laxatives can cause a range of other health problems, like the inability to eliminate in the long run, as the body becomes adapted to a laxative and can not eliminate well without it.

In nature, animals, including dogs, have a diet high in protein. If they get an upset stomach, they are usually seen consuming fiber, like grasses. Unfortunately, most typical commercial dog foods are deficient in protein and fiber and also high in wheat, corn, fillers and carbohydrates. Dogs in the wild tend not to eat bread, it's that simple. Domestic dogs often have another unhealthy habit, they will eat almost anything, even items that are inedible!

Symptoms of canine constipation are usually not difficult to notice, if you pay attention. A dog cannot eliminate, though he could keep trying. At some point, he will become heavy and sluggish, less playful and less likely to eat. He may even become a little gassier, as the undigested food left in his gut begins to ferment.

While precaution is usually the wisest route through a good diet, adequate water and exercise, by the time your dog is constipated, it will be time to consider more proactive measures. First, increase your dog's water consumption. One solution I have personally used included some cans of very high protein dog food with a few tablespoons of olive oil. The effects were unpleasant but very effective. A change in diet to have more oil and protein is usually quite effective.

It is often a good idea to give your dog a nice little belly rub. This shouldn't be anything too harsh. Don't rub too hard and always rub downwards, in the direction of the tail. This might allow you determine such things as a hardened stool, in which case a dog enema might be necessary. In any case, making these changes should have your dog with some relief.

Again, addressing canine constipation is essential. Prevention is obviously best, but should your best buddy be unable to eliminate, you will need to to deal with the problem immediately, usually with a change in diet and more water and exercise. Should these solutions be insufficient, more aggressive techniques might need to be employed, including a visit to the vet before the problem becomes more serious.

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