Canine Constipation Can Be Traumatic - What You Can Attempt To Relieve Your Dog's Discomfort

It seems that mankind is suffering from an epidemic of poor health, so it should come as no great surprise that our dogs are equally affected. Just as in humans, canine constipation can be quite uncomfortable and even painful, perhaps leading to other more serious issues, like gastrointestinal blockages. While it is possible that canine constipation is caused by something threatening, it is more likely a poor food choice, dehydration, or insufficient exercise. But nonetheless, treating dog constipation and ensuring your dog can eliminate systematically is critical for a dog's general health.

Often, constipation in people or animals is treated with a laxative. Doctors warn, however, that over reliance on laxatives can lead to a range of other health problems, for example the inability to eliminate in the long run, as the body becomes accustomed to a laxative and can not eliminate effectively without it.

In nature, animals, including dogs, consume a diet high in protein. If they get an upset stomach, they are normally seen eating fiber, like grasses. Unfortunately, most typical commercial dog foods are deficient in protein and fiber plus high in wheat, corn, fillers and carbohydrates. Dogs in the wild will not eat bread, it's that simple. Domestic dogs often have another harmful habit, they will eat almost anything, even items that are inedible!

Signs of canine constipation are usually easy to notice, if you pay attention. A dog cannot eliminate, though he will probably keep trying. Eventually, he will become heavy and sluggish, less playful and less likely to eat. He may even become slightly gassier, as the undigested food left in his bowel begins to ferment.

While controlling the condition is usually the smartest route by means of a good diet, adequate water and exercise, at the point your dog is constipated, it will be time to take more proactive steps. First, increase your dog's water intake. One solution I have myself used included a few cans of very high protein pet food with a few tablespoons of olive oil. The effects were unpleasant but very helpful. A change in diet to include more oil and protein is normally quite effective.

It is often good to give your dog a nice little body rub. This shouldn't be anything too harsh. Don't rub too hard and always rub in a downwards direction, in the direction of the tail. This might enable you ascertain such things as a hardened stool, in which case a canine enema may be necessary. At any rate, making these adjustments should have your dog with some comfort.

Again, managing canine constipation is important. Prevention is obviously best, but should your best friend be unable to eliminate, you will need to to handle the problem straight away, usually with a change in diet and more water and exercise. Should these techniques be insufficient, more intense techniques might need to be applied, including a visit to the vet before the problem becomes more serious.