Occasionally, what goes in doesn’t come out. If your dog doesn’t produce a bowel movement for one to two days, he may be constipated.
Causes
Not all constipated dogs are sick. For example, some dogs (especially toy breeds) will boycott bathroom breaks in frigid weather. Staying in an unfamiliar environment, such as a boarding kennel, or going on vacation also may cause dogs to “hold it” until they get back to the privacy of their own homes.
Constipation also can indicate more serious medical conditions. For example, arthritis, spinal problems, pelvic fractures, and anal sac disease make squatting difficult or painful. Medications, neurological disorders, dehydration, lack of exercise, and low-fiber diets decrease intestinal activity. Conditions that block feces, such as a stricture, perineal hernia, tumors, swollen lymph nodes, and prostate enlargement, also cause constipation.
What you can do at home
To prevent constipation, give your dog plenty of fresh water, and don’t give in when your dog begs to nosh on a real bone. Exercise will keep your pet healthy inside and out—it stimulates water consumption and intestinal activity and helps prevent obesity.
Talk to your veterinarian about increasing the fiber in your dog’s diet. You can do this either by switching to a high-fiber pet food or by adding fiber (bran flakes, canned pumpkin, or Metamucil) to his regular diet. Always discuss over-the-counter remedies with your veterinarian before administering them to your pet, or your next problem may be a messy case of diarrhea.
When to call the veterinarian
Schedule an examination if your dog hasn’t defecated in one or two days. If he seems uncomfortable, strains to defecate, passes blood from the rectum, stops eating, vomits, or acts lethargic, see your veterinarian immediately.
What your veterinarian will do
The doctor will carefully examine your dog to determine the cause and severity of the constipation. Depending on the examination results, your veterinarian may recommend blood tests and X-rays.
Treatment may include an enema, laxatives, medication to increase intestinal activity, or intravenous fluids to correct dehydration. In some cases, the doctor will anesthetize your dog and manually or surgically remove an obstruction. However, most episodes of constipation don’t pose a serious problem, and your pet will be back to his “regular” self in no time.
