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 uncomfortable and even painful, possibly causing other more severe 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. However, treating dog constipation and making sure your dog can eliminate systematically is critical for a dog's basic wellbeing.
Usually, constipation in people or animals is cured with a laxative. Doctors warn, however, that over dependence on laxatives can cause a series of other health difficulties, for example the inability to eliminate in the future, 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 often seen eating fiber, like grasses. Unfortunately, most regular commercially available 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 just about anything, even items that we consider to be inedible!
Signs of canine constipation are usually not hard to notice, if you pay attention. A dog cannot eliminate, though he could keep trying. Eventually, he will become bloated and sluggish, less playful and less likely to eat. He might even become slightly 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 take more proactive actions. First, increase your dog's water intake. One solution I have myself 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 include more oil and protein is generally quite effective.
It is often recommended to give your dog a nice little stomach 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 canine enema might be necessary. Anyhow, making these adjustments 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, it's necessary to handle the problem straight away, usually with a change in food and more water and exercise. Should these solutions be insufficient, more aggressive techniques might need to be employed, including a trip to the vet before the issue becomes more serious.
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