Is it Normal for My Dog to be Constipated in Tulsa, OK?
Do you have a constipated dog? Are you worried about whether this is normal? Constipation isn’t a normal situation for dogs, but it also isn’t very uncommon. Many dogs experience constipation at least once in their lives, and some may have bouts of this issue repeatedly.
In the article below, you’ll find out more information about constipation in dogs, as well as whether this is something to be concerned about. Read through this article to learn more and prepare yourself for the next time your dog is constipated.
What Causes Constipation?
Constipation can be caused by a variety of issues.
Dehydration
One of the most common causes of constipation in dogs is simply a lack of hydration. Even if your dog is not to the point of becoming dehydrated, she may still suffer slight dehydration that could lead to constipation.
Lack of Exercise
Another common cause of constipation in dogs is a lack of exercise. Exercise is the best way to help your dog’s bowels move the way they’re supposed to, so make sure she is playing, walking, or both every day.
Stress or Anxiety
Some dogs may also become constipated because of stress or anxiety. If your dog is very nervous, or if your household has undergone a lot of changes recently, this could be the underlying cause of your dog’s constipation issue.
Other Problems
Finally, constipation is sometimes a symptom of a larger problem. Colon health issues, digestive trouble, and other similar problems can be linked to constipation in some cases. It is important to work with your veterinarian to find a diagnosis if you think your dog’s constipation is part of a bigger illness. Your vet will be able to help you figure out the right treatment and course of action for your pet moving forward.
Is Constipation Dangerous?
Constipation is somewhat dangerous. If your dog is only constipated for a day or two, this is not a dangerous situation, and everything should be fine if you monitor her for further complications. However, if she remains constipated for more than two days, or if her constipation is extremely frequent, these can be signs that something is wrong and that your dog’s constipation has reached a dangerous point.
If your dog remains constipated for too long, this may lead to a blockage in her digestive system. This type of blockage can eventually cause parts of the digestive system to die off completely, which can potentially become fatal if left untreated. In a less severe situation, it is possible that your dog could become dehydrated or could lose a lot of weight in a short amount of time due to constipation.
Finally, dogs who are constipated for too long may be in a lot of pain and may be unable or unwilling to eat and drink. If your dog can’t or won’t eat and drink, she may become weak, lethargic, and sick very quickly. If she stops drinking, she will need to go to the vet for IV fluids.
How Can I Help My Dog Poop?
If your dog’s constipation is mild, and if she has only been constipated for about 24 hours, you can try treating the problem at home. To do this, you will need to purchase canned pumpkin, which can be found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. Be sure you do not purchase pumpkin pie filling, which has a lot of other added ingredients; canned pumpkin should have pumpkin as its only ingredient.
Feed your dog about one tablespoon of canned pumpkin at each meal until she can go to the bathroom. If this method does not work, try increasing her fluid intake by giving her plenty of water, ice cubes, or chicken broth (if it does not contain any other ingredients, especially onion or garlic).
If your dog has moderate to severe constipation, she will likely need to be treated at the vet instead. The vet may need to remove the dog’s feces manually or may need to give your dog a medication that will help loosen her stool. In extreme situations, your dog may need to be anesthetized and given several enemas along with IV fluids to relieve the constipation and help her heal.
Need to Talk with a Vet? Call Animal Emergency Center
As you can see, there’s a lot to keep in mind when it comes to constipation in dogs. Although constipation itself is not a serious problem, it can quickly lead to more concerning issues. For this reason, it’s important to take care of your dog’s constipation as quickly as possible so she can get back to her usual, healthy self once more.
If you have any further questions or concerns about your dog’s health and wellness, be sure to call Animal Emergency Center at 918-665-0508 for more information.