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NATURAL REMEDIES
Constipation in Dogs: Causes and Treatment
WebMD Veterinary Reference from ASPCA Virtual Pet Behaviorist
Constipation -- difficult, infrequent or absent bowel movements -- is one of the most common health problems associated with a pet’s digestive system. Telltale signs include dry, hard stools and straining when trying to defecate. Some dogs may also pass mucus when attempting to defecate.
What Causes Constipation?
There are various reasons why a dog may be constipated:
- Too much or too little fiber in his diet
- Lack of exercise
- Blocked or abscessed anal sacs
- Enlarged prostate gland
- Excessive self-grooming can cause large amounts of hair to collect in the stool
- Matted hair around the anus from lack of grooming or from obesity
- Ingested gravel, stones, bones, dirt, plants or pieces of toys, etc. caught in the intestinal tract
- Masses or tumors on the anus or within the rectum, causing an obstruction
- Side effect of medication
- Trauma to the pelvis
- Orthopedic problem that causes pain when adog positions himself to defecate
- Neurologic disorder
- Dehydration due to other illness
How Can I Tell if My Dog Is Constipated?
If your dog has not had a bowel movement in over two days or if he strains, crouches or cries out when attempting to defecate, you should see your veterinarian right away.
Note: These signs may be similar to those seen with a urinary tract problem, so it’s important that you see your vet to determine the cause.
Which Dogs Are Susceptible to Constipation?
Elderly pets may suffer more often from infrequent or difficult bowel movements. However, the condition can occur in any dog that has one or more of the causes of constipation listed above.
How Can I Treat My Dog’s Constipation?
Depending on what’s causing your dog’s constipation, your vet may recommend one or several of the following treatment.
- A stool softener or other laxative agent
- Medication to increase the contractile strength of the large intestine
- Adding fiber to your dog’s diet with canned pumpkin, wheat bran or a product such as Metamucil
- A veterinarian-prescribed, high-fiber diet
- An increase in exercise
- An enema (administered by a professional, not at home, as there could be risks for toxicity or injury if done inappropriately)
What Can Happen If Constipation Goes Untreated?
If your dog’s constipation is not alleviated, obstipation-the inability to empty his colon on his own-can occur. In this state, the colon is packed with an uncomfortably large amount of feces, causing unproductive straining, lethargy, appetite loss and possibly even vomiting.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Dogie Stew
These colder nights have us dreaming about soups and stews, which lead us directly to this dogie style stew, a stew that that only takes about 15 minutes of prep and then 5-8 hours in a slow cooker. It stays fresh in the fridge for a couple of days and thaws beautifully.INGREDIENTS:
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 zucchini, shredded
- 3 pounds ground turkey
- 1/2 cup peas, canned or frozen
- 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
DIRECTIONS:
- Place ingredients in slow cooker in order listed, covering chicken completely with vegetables
- Cook 5 hours on high or 8 hours on low
- Remove from slow cooker, shred chicken and stir into rice and veggie mixture until evenly distributed.
- Store covered in fridge for up to three days or freeze in single-serve portions.
- Pro Tip: Mix in some bone broth powder into the stew. It is so healthy and dogs love the taste.
HOLIDAY LUNCHEON & MEMBER AWARDS
ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
BRAGS
At the Murfreesboro KC show weekend, Edgar was awarded BOS, Select Dog and Best of Breed Owner Handled and an OH Grp 3.
At the Jackson MS KC shows, Edgar was awarded BOB on Thursday and Select Dog on Friday and Saturday, with an OH Grp 3.
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THE CAVALIER CHRONICLE
Mark Fitchpatrick, editor