Article Title: Dog Constipation Awareness
Author: Janie Knetzer
Most dogs normally have a bowel movement at least once a day,
if not two or three times due to their systems ability to
process food and nutrients much faster than ours can. Many dog
owners are surprised to learn that their pets suffer from
similar health problems or ailments much like we do.
Although dogs can become constipated, a premium diet, daily
exercise and plenty of fresh water will usually keep bowel
movements regular and healthy.
Symptoms
Although it's true that dogs are rather expressive animals,
they still can't actually tell us when something is wrong or
when their not feeling well. It's up to the owner to be diligent
in monitoring their dog's health, and to watch for any signs of
complications or problems.
Besides the lack of a bowel movement for one or two days, the
most common symptoms of dog constipation include:
- A loss of appetite.
- Signs of nausea or vomiting.
- Lethargy with no interest in toys or playing.
- Small amounts of blood in the stool.
Causes of Dog Constipation
A balanced diet designed specifically for dogs that contains
enough fiber to keep their bowels moving as they should is
important not only for warding off constipation, but for the
overall health of the dog in general. Any age or breed of dog
are susceptible to constipation, and dehydration is another
culprit of causing the potentially painful condition.
There are also cases of dogs with long hair that have not been
properly groomed where the fur becomes entangled and causes a
blockage within the bowel. Many dogs also tend to eat whatever
strikes their fancy, so it's important to make sure that no
foreign objects have been ingested which may be causing the
constipation or blockage.
Treatment
One method of alleviating dog constipation is to add a teaspoon
or two of bran to your dog's food, which will help them move
their bowels easier as it adds moisture to the stool. A half
teaspoon twice daily of psyllium added to your dog's diet will
also help to soften the stool.
Yet another option for treating your dog's constipation is
mineral oil, which is used if the dog has a build-up of hard
stools that they are unable to pass on their own. The
recommended dosage is two teaspoons twice a day for no longer
than one week.
Of course if your dog's constipation does not improve after a
week, you should take him to your veterinarian as soon as
possible. Your vet will be able to tell if the constipation is
due to some underlying medical condition, such as a blockage
within their bowel, or because of some other ailment including
mega colon, which is a painful inflammation of the colon. A
veterinarian can also prescribe a medication or laxative to help
ease their pain and regulate the bowels if needed.
Prevention
There are several things you can do to prevent dog constipation
from affecting your best friend. The most important components
for a long, healthy life are daily regular exercise and an
adequate diet. Adding a little warm water to your dog's dry
kibble will help. A little raw meat and vegetables will also aid
with constipation, particularly for older dogs who may have more
trouble digesting their food.
Although some feel that feeding a dog table scraps or human
food may contribute to digestive issues, table scraps in
moderation are an added treat and not generally a problem. Dog
owners must use good judgment when it comes to their dog's diet
and avoid certain foods all together such as pork. The bulk of
the diet should be that of a healthy blend of an all natural
premium canned and dry dog food.
With regular check-ups, an adequate supply of fresh water at
all times, a balanced diet, and regular exercise, you can be
sure that your beloved dog is happy, healthy, and enjoying their
life with you.
About The Author: Dog Constipation
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