Most of the dogs with healthy daily diets will have their bowel movement about once or thrice times a day. Which depends on their metabolism, weight, breed, amount of food they eat and rest of depends on other physical factors. On the other hand, puppies eliminate waste multiple times or more frequently than adults while depending on their breed and age. However, dogs can go easily for about 48 hours without pooping.
But if your doggo hasn’t eliminated in over 48 hours or your dog is straining to poop or trying poop but unable to then you should pay attention. Or if your doggo has been able to pass some stool but you observe it is hard and chalky then these signs are of constipation.
In fact, dogs can treat their constipation by themselves within the first 2 days you if it happens you don’t have to worry. But if this condition extends for more than 3 days then immediately consult your animal doctor and cure your little doggo.
What Are Constipated Canines?
Constipation is not unusual, and you not a major concern. However, it is related to the more severe condition, so it is important to have some basic information relating to your dog if your doggy is experiencing not normal bowel movements.
After observing your dog and noticing that your dog is not having other symptoms, then the situation is under control and it is okay to wait 48 hours before consulting any vet.
In this article, we will be telling you some common causes of constipation, its symptoms that could be a serious concern and some solution that you should consider.
What Causes Constipation?
As constipation is a common disease in dogs. However, there are many possible causes for constipation but some of the causes can be serious and life-threatening in this case there is a need for specialized treatment.
These are the most common causes of constipation in dogs:
-
Lack Of Fiber:
Dogs love to eat meat and bones rather than vegetables which are the rich source of fiber and vitamins. As some pet owner only feed their pets meat and bones forgetting that fiber is important.
To keep in mind, fiber is essential and plays a key role in the dog’s digestive system. Fiber makes the digestive system healthy and helps to promote a regular bowel movement. As well as it reduces the chances of constipation or other disease related to the digestive system.
-
Lack Of Water:
Water is essential and essential need of every living being. While some of the dogs drink less water, as this is a normal thing. But if the constipation is caused due to this reason that’s the problem. As lacking water can cause dehydration, due to this it makes stool harder and makes their bowel movement difficult. And if you notice your dog is drinking less water and showing other signs of dehydration such as sticky saliva and tight skin or less elastic than usual then you need to consult your vet.
-
Diet Changes:
Sudden diet changes for your dog can sometimes cause changes in stool and bowel movement, which sometimes leads to constipation. To avoid such difficulty, make sure you gradually make changes in your dog’s food and diet and also include vitamins and fibers as to maintain digestive system healthy.
-
Stress:
It quite funny but yes stress can be a factor that can cause constipation in dogs just like humans. While there are many reasons for stress, a new place can be a reason of stress. As the strange or scare feeling may affect your dog’s mental life.
-
Age And Exercise:
Age and exercise can be a reason for constipation. As older dogs and those dogs who are less active are more likely to have trouble with regularity than other normal dogs. To avoid such a situation simply add fiber to your dog’s diet and take them for a walk for their well-being.
-
Hairball:
Hairball is mostly happening in cats than dogs. It is quite rare, but it does happen in dogs too. Same as like cats, due to excessive self-grooming dogs also get a hairball in their stomach. In normal condition, dogs vomit their inside-hairball like cats do. But in some of the case for some reasons the dogs are unable to vomit or poop hairball. Due to this situation, their hairball stuck in their stool and causes constipation.
-
Parasites:
Another reason for constipation is parasites which sometimes cause constipation in canines. And for this reason, your vet will definitely help you out if your dog faces such a situation.
Other Dangerous Symptoms:
Beside above symptoms that are mentioned in this article, there are other few symptoms that may be signs of real and serious in this case you should immediately consult your vet and treat your doggo before it gets too late.
- Loss of appetite
- Your dogs do vomit.
- Lethargy
- Or your dog shakes or you notice visible discomfort.
How To Treat Constipation:
If your dog shows any symptoms of constipation, it is important to consult your veterinarian immediately before administering any course of treatment on your own. While there are some of the safe home remedies that can be helpful if the constipation is not advance or is not serious with any of the worrying signs as listed above in this article.
-
Pumpkin:
Pumpkin is a perfect choice for maintaining a healthy digestive system. It can eliminate any worrying signs related to digestive problems. By adding few tablespoons of plain canned pumpkin in your dog’s food a few times a day will help them out.
-
Exercise:
Sometimes non-serious bowel movement can be stimulated with exercise. Taking your doggo on a walk will make them healthy.
-
Stool Softener Or Laxative
Do not give any counter medications to your dog as they may be toxic to dogs always work with your veterinarian and follow their recommendations.
Conclusion:
Dogs can easily go without pooping for 48 hours. But if you notice some of the symptoms then immediately consult your vet. Un-Treated constipation can be a life-threatening condition.
