Examining your dog’s health closely is an important element of vet care. Problems like diarrhoea can be easily observed by dog parents. However, they should also pay attention when their pet dog is not pooping regularly. Constipation could be the most suspected cause of trouble in pooping. An early observation would enable you to take demanding actions. How to make a constipated dog poop quickly a regular health checkup and diet management could work wonders for a dog’s regular poop. The below-given guide below will navigate you towards remedies to alleviate your dog’s constipation.
What is Constipation in Dogs?
Alike humans, dogs may suffer pooping their waste out. A slow or blocked bowel movement could lead to such health issues. How to make a constipated dog poop quickly however, if prolonged it turns into a streamlined health problem, constipation.
Constipation is a condition when one faces difficulty in defecating. The waste becomes sluggish to move or it gets blocked inside the digestive tract. If this problem is not addressed and followed up by timely treatment, it could convert into obstipation. It is a more severe condition when stool gets drier and harder. The complicated waste cannot be excreted by the dog despite trying.
A dog who has not pooped in the last two or three days is assumed to be constipated. Proper treatment and veterinary consultation are advised to ensure ease. However, many times it’s normalised on its own. Still, if your dog is facing trouble in pooping effortlessly, get the examination done. It’s better to stay a step ahead when it comes to speechless pets.
Causes of Dog constipation
In healthy digestion, waste is comprised of electrolytes and water. It is forced to the colon by a muscular movement called as peristaltic waves. Later, water gets absorbed in the colon. If this absorption is slowed, more than the required water would be removed from the stool. This will leave the waste harder and drier, making it difficult to poop. The most common reasons behind constipation could be:
- Lack of exercise
- Poor diet or sudden diet alternation
- Insufficient fiber
- Obstruction by engulfing non-edible items like garbage, bone, gravel or plants
- Excess self-grooming causes hair accumulation in the stool.
- Age
- Hypothyroidism
- Renal issues
- Enlarged prostate
- Enlarged colon
- Anal gland problems
- Dehydration
- Spinal injury
- Certain medications
- Surgery or anaesthesia effects
- Stress or anxiety
- Tumors
- Traumas to the pelvis
- History of constipation
Symptoms of dog constipation
You can observe your dog while pooping to figure out its digestive health. If it is having trouble to defecate, notice some key issues:
- Rock hard stool
- Decreased or no bowel movement
- Taking longer than usual to go potty
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Lack of energy
- Abdominal pain
- Distended or swollen belly
Dogs lick their belly in constipation. Pacing back and forth to help out in pooping could be a suspectable symptom. This problem of constipation is more likely to be observed in older dogs. Lack of electrolytes or any kidney dysfunction could be a cause behind it.
Dog constitution home remedies
There are multiple ways of easing your dog from constipation. In severe cases, the surgery could be the only option. Well, if it’s an early stage and not consistent, home remedies could work out.
1. Plain Canned Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin is a rich source of fibre, a dietary nutrient well known for curing constipation. Alongside, it is also a prebiotic i.e. it enables the growth of good and helping bacteria in the digestive tract. Adding more value, it contains vitamins and nutrients like:
- Iron
- Lutein
- Calcium
- Vitamine C
- Vitamine A
- Beta carotene
Ensure to feed your dog with plain canned pumpkins. The pumpkin pie filling tends to cause sickness. This home remedy will keep your dog fuller and healthier. The provided moisture will make sure your dog’s happy pooping.
The effects of a home remedy could be observed only when given in the right amount. Therefore, it is advised to feed 1 tablespoon of plain canned pumpkin for every 10 pounds. The dose must be repeated twice a day until relief.
2. Exercise
Get your indolent dog running and playing. A proper routine of exercise could accelerate blood circulation. Additionally, it will enable the effortless flow of juices and enzymes for healthy digestion. Active body movements would help your dog to poop trouble-free. You can take some time to play with them for their better gut health.
3. Canned Food and water
Replace your dog’s dry food with canned one. Wet foods are easy to digest and excrete. Switching to wet food items could help your dog poop smoothly. It is one of the most effective home remedies to treat your pup’s constipation.
Dehydration is a common cause of digestive illness. Make sure that your pup consumes plenty of water. It will help in water retention and hence help in producing a smoother stool. If your dog defecates hard and dry waste then this solution is worth discovering.
4. Flaxseed
Flaxseed is packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It has great anti-inflammatory properties that ensure relief from the following concerns:
- Ease arthritis
- Helps with treating kidney and heart disease
- Improve kidney function
- Lower blood pressure
- Promote healthy skin and coat
- Reduces susceptibility to intestinal parasites.
Furthermore, it is well known for curing digestive and intestinal health issues. Try giving your pup flaxseed by adding a little to their customary diet. You can either mix it with peanut butter or choose to sprinkle it on a plain Greek yoghurt.
5. The Fiber in Certain Foods
The following foods can help out with your dog’s constipation:
- Apple
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Spinach
- Sweet potato
- Kale
Fruits and vegetables can make your dog poop effortlessly. Unflavoured oatmeal is also a source of fibre that can be a solution for a dog’s digestive illness.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
A trivial amount of Apple cider vinegar can shoo away a dog’s constipation. Dogs can experience the following benefits from apple cider vinegar.
- Healthier coat
- Reduced allergies
- Decreased inflammation
- Balance of pH
- Healthier immune system
- Improved gastrointestinal system
Apple cider vinegar contains great prebiotic properties that are best proven for constipation. You need to be alert while giving this solution. Only a small amount is advised as an excess of it can lead to gastric irritation.
7. Probiotics
If constipation is constantly troubling your dog then probiotics could be a preferred tip. Some probiotics are especially advised for dogs. They accelerate the growth of beneficial bacteria and hence help in curing constipation. Human probiotics should be strictly avoided as they can deteriorate your pup’s health.
8. Laxatives
A consultation with your vet about Laxatives is advised if the problem persists. Laxatives like docusate sodium could help them poop. It works by the principle of absorbing more water in the gut.
Dog Constipation Treatment
For chronic constipation, the following treatments are suggested by your vet. These include:
- Enemas for dogs: Enemas cause discomfort to your dog. At times it may be unbearable. Well, you should avoid it in such cases. Also, a wrong procedure could harm them. Rather than rely on your vet for such treatments.
- Laxatives for Dogs: The benefits of Laxatives could be appreciable when it comes to dog constipation. Although, a proper guide to precaution is a must. Such as laxatives are advised against long-term use. It must be accompanied by a proper hydration routine.
- Low-residue diet: A low-residue diet could be a successful and permanent solution for treating constipation. This allows your pup to metabolise more nutrients thus leading to low waste production.
In fact, it could be preferred over a long-term high-fibre diet. Fiber exhibits a more water-absorbing tendency. They can evoke constipation over a period.
Other treatments to cure severe constipation are as follows:
- Manual removal in case of colon impaction
- Enzyme-blocking medication
- Nerve-stimulating medications
- surgery
When to consult a Veterinarian
Your dog can signal you to see a Veterinarian by circling a much, dragging its bottom against the floor, squatting often or sometimes crying in pain. When your dog poops small faeces with water and mucus, it is suffering from constipation. It can be sometimes misunderstood as diarrhoea. Try pressing your pup’s abdomen and see if it pains or not.
Furthermore, a regular check on a dog’s bowel measurements is important to conclude about their digestive health. The issue of constipation could be solved in two days if provided with plenty of water, regular exercise and a well-balanced diet. Still, if it continues, you should not delay in seeing a veterinarian.
Conclusion
When your dog suffers from constipation, implement above mentioned home remedies. If not cured, get a vet appointment. How to make a constipated dog poop quickly taking care of your pet’s gut health could elevate their joy. Happy pet parenting!!
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I am a passionate writer and a student who is building his career in engineering. Hello everyone! Myself is Kuldeep Rawat and i write in multiple domains such as technology, entertainment, sports, etc.
