How to Help a Constipated Dog Poop Quickly
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Time to read 7 min
Dogs can become constipated for a variety of reasons, including diet, lack of exercise, and dehydration. When a dog is constipated, there are certain symptoms to look out for, such as them having trouble pooping, which can be painful and lead to other health problems. Fortunately, there are ways to help a constipated dog poop quickly which we are going to explore in this article.
Step One: Understand the Causes of Dog Constipation
There are many different reasons for dog constipation, from a lack of fibre in their diet to dehydration. Most often, it is simply due to your dog's anatomy. Smaller dogs or dogs with shorter digestive systems may be more prone to developing difficulty passing stool.
Another common cause is the ingestion of foreign objects which can block the intestines. If your dog has arthritis or structural issues like hip dysplasia, they may also have difficulty squatting to defecate properly, leading to constipation.
Some common causes of constipation in dogs include:
1. Diet
Dogs who don't eat enough fibre or get enough moisture can become constipated. Make sure your dog is getting enough healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, and give them plenty of water to drink. You could also try replacing their dry food with wet food.
2. Lack of Exercise
Dogs who don't get enough exercise are more likely to become constipated. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise each day to avoid dog getting constipated
3. Dehydration
Dogs who are dehydrated are more likely to become constipated. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water but if they're not a fan of drinking water by itself you could try adding it to their dried food or add goats milk or bone broth.
Step Two: How to Help a Constipated Dog at Home
There are a few things you can try at home for dog constipation before resorting to more drastic measures. Starting with the basics, make sure your dog has easy access to plenty of fresh water at all times and that they are on a well-rounded diet with enough fibre. You can add our Pumpkin Powder sprinkled as a powder or mixed with water to be a puree, adding more moisture into their food.
1. Help your dog drink more water
One of the best ways to help a constipated dog poop quickly is to make sure they're drinking plenty of water. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water, and try giving them a little more than usual. You can also add ice cubes or cold water to their food to help them stay hydrated.
Some dogs though just aren't that keen on drinking plain water so it would be worth trying to give them some goats milk, which can help boost their hydration. This isn't a replacement for water but can help encourage them to drink, especially as something cooling in hot weather!
2. Feed your dog a high-fibre diet
A high-fibre diet can help a constipated dog poop quickly by adding more bulk to their stool. There are a variety of high-fibre foods you can give your dog, including:
-fresh fruits and vegetables
-whole grain breads and cereals
-oats
-bran
-psyllium husk
3. Exercise your dog regularly
Exercise is an important part of keeping your dog healthy, and preventing dog constipation. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise each day, either through walks or playtime. This will help stimulate their bowels and make it easier for them to poop.
Step Three: Give Them a Little Help From Over-the-Counter Products
There are several over-the-counter products available that can help with mild cases of dog constipation. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the packaging carefully and always ask your vet before starting any new supplements or medications.
Step Four: Book an appointment with your vet
If you've tried home remedies and your dog is constipated, your vet may prescribe stool softeners to help them poop more easily. Speak to your vet to find out whether there is an underlying cause that could be addressed. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully, and administer the medication as directed. If your dog's constipation doesn't improve after taking stool softeners, please consult your vet for further assistance.
In severe cases of constipation where home remedies and over-the-counter products haven't worked, it's time to talk to your veterinarian about other options. An enema may be necessary to relieve extremely impacted bowels, but this should only be done under veterinary supervision as there is a risk of perforation if not done correctly.
Your vet may also recommend a prescription laxative or stool softener for long-term use if other treatments haven't been successful. During your visit, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam. In very rare cases, medical interventions such as surgery may be necessary to remove the foreign material or obstruction causing constipation or realign the rectum if there is a structural issue causing the ongoing constipation.
Conclusion:
Dealing with a constipated dog can be frustrating for both you and your canine, but there are luckily some things you can do at home to help ease their discomfort and get them back on track.
If home remedies don't seem to be working after a day or two, speak to your vet about possible over-the-counter treatments or prescription options that may be appropriate for your dog's situation. With patience and some trial and error, you'll find what works best for helping your dog go number two in no time.
FAQs
How do I know if my dog is constipated?
Constipation in dogs can be difficult to diagnose, as there are many different causes. Here are the most common dog constipation symptoms: straining to defecate, producing small amounts of hard stool, reluctance to eat or drink, and obvious discomfort. Some constipated dogs will have a tense, painful abdomen and cry or growl if you press on their stomach or lower back. If you think your dog may be constipated, please consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
What can I give my dog to help them poop?
The point is to soften their stool. Never give a dog human laxatives. There are a variety of home remedies you can try for mild constipation. Some helpful tips include adding water or broth to their food, feeding them fresh fruits and vegetables, providing high-fibre foods like whole grains and oats, and exercising them regularly.
If those remedies don't seem to be working after a day or two, talk to your veterinarian about over-the-counter treatments or prescription options that may be appropriate for your pet's condition.
As a cost effective alternative to calling the vet, you can use probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help keep the digestive system running smoothly. They are often used to treat constipation in dogs, as they can help soften stool and make it easier to pass. Probiotics can be found in both over-the-counter and prescription medications, and they come in a variety of forms including chews & powders.
If your dog is struggling with constipation, consider probiotics as a possible treatment option. Probiotics are safe and effective for most dogs, and they may provide relief from symptoms such as straining to defecate, producing small amounts of hard stool, reluctance to eat or drink, and obvious discomfort.
Are there any serious consequences of constipation in dogs?
There are a number of potential consequences of constipation in dogs, and these can range from uncomfortable to extremely serious. One possible consequence is an increased risk of gastrointestinal infections.
Because unprocessed stool can be a source for harmful bacteria and parasites, it is important for dogs to eliminate waste regularly in order to prevent these unwanted organisms from spreading. Another potential pitfall of dog constipation is bloating, which happens when gas accumulates in the digestive system due to difficulty passing faeces. If left untreated, bloating can become extremely painful and even life-threatening for dogs. See a vet immediately if your dog fails to produce a bowel movement within 48 to 72 hours and they will decide on the appropriate treatment.
Additionally, constipation may make it difficult for dogs to receive effective nutrition through their food, resulting in weight loss and other health problems. Therefore, dog owners should not take constipation lightly, as it could potentially have serious repercussions for their furry friends.
Is There Medication for My Constipated Dog?
If your dog is constipated, you're probably wondering if there's medication that can help. The answer is yes, there are several options available. There are three main types of constipation medication: stool softeners, laxatives, and enemas.
Stool softeners add moisture to the stool, making it easier to pass. Laxatives, on the other hand, stimulate bowel movements. Enemas add fluid directly into the rectum, which helps soften and move the stool.
So, how do you know which type of constipation medication is right for your dog? The answer depends on the severity of your dog's constipation and how long they've been dealing with it. If your dog has mild constipation that has only been going on for a day or two, a stool softener may be all they need. However, if your dog has severe constipation or has been dealing with it for an extended period of time, a laxative or enema may be necessary.
It's always best to talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog any type of medication. They can help you determine the best course of action based on your dog's individual needs.
