What Can You Give A Puppy For Constipation

What Should I Do If My Dog Is Constipated

Wear rubber gloves when dealing with faeces and related anal problems.

Check your dogs temperature. If it is abnormally high or there is blood on the thermometer or resistance when inserting the thermometer, see your vet immediately.

If you can see a thread or string in the anus, do not pull it as this can cause internal damage.

If you can see grass in the anus, gently ease it out.

If faeces are matted around the anus, trim carefully with scissors. Wash the anal region with warm, soapy water and apply a soothing, water-soluble jelly to the inflamed area. Long-haired dogs, especially small ones like Yorkshire terriers, can become distressed with the discomfort caused by matted faeces around their bottom and the trimming process. You may need to soak your dogs bottom in warm water before you begin trimming to make it more comfortable.

Constipation Caused By An Inadequate Diet

Reduced water consumption

If your dog drinks less water, the stools that form will be drier and harder and will be more likely to become blocked.

Change in diet

An imbalance can affect the health of the digestive tract. In fact, recent dietary changes can cause constipation in dogs. For example, if you feed your dog a lot of table food, it could upset the digestive system.

Also, if your dog consumes too much or too little fiber, it could develop constipation.

Ingestion of indigestible material

Your dog can become constipated if it is the type to eat everything! Hair, bones, grass, etc. can clog your dog’s intestines.

Consult a vet if you suspect that your dog has ingested a foreign object.

Causes And Symptoms Of Canine Constipation

Its important to know the symptoms of constipation in dogs so that you can tell when your pet needs some help. Pay attention when your dog goes to the bathroom are they straining or struggling? You might notice a difference in their stool as well.

Dogs who are constipated often have pieces of stool that are smaller and harder than normal. Theyll also whine and want to go outside more often. Constipation can also make your dog appear bloated and uncomfortable, and they may have a hunched posture. If theyre experiencing constipation regularly, they may also lose their appetite.

There are a number of different factors that can cause constipation in dogs. If they dont have enough fiber in their diet or arent drinking enough water, they may struggle to process food. They may also feel constipated as a result of eating something they arent supposed to, like hair, grass, or feces.

Other foreign objects can also cause blockages that prevent your dog from passing food normally. In more serious situations, your dog could also be experiencing constipation as a result of a hernia, enlarged prostate glands, neurological condition, tumor, or other chronic health problem.

Certain dog breeds could also be struggling with hip dysplasia or another painful condition that limits their ability to squat. This is why its so important to consult your vet if your dogs constipation goes on for an extended period of time.

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Increase Your Dogs Fiber Intake

Making sure your dog gets enough fiber is key to preventing constipation. Its one of the most important nutrients for your dog to have without it, your dog could end up with chronic constipation or even blocked anal sacs. Assess your dogs diet and see if there are any ways to add more fiber on a regular basis. This could mean switching to a new type of food that is higher in fiber.

However, there are also supplements that you can add to your dogs diet that will improve their digestion. For example, topping your dogs meals with a bit of unsweetened wheat bran is an easy way to add a bit of fiber to their diet. Additionally, you can consider adding chopped leafy greens to some of their meals, which are very high in fiber and are safe for dogs to eat.

Is Butternut Squash Good For Dogs With Kidney Disease

Butternut squash contains potassium and carotene. We all know that potassium is beneficial for the functioning of the kidney. So if your puppy is suffering from kidney-related diseases, feeding them with butternut squash wouldnt make it worse.

Instead, it will make them feel better since potassium helps in smoothening kidney function. So without any worries, you can feed your puppy with butternut squash since it is also suitable for its kidney.

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Constipation Prevention For Puppies & Dogs

Here are some simple things you can do to help prevent your puppy from getting constipated in the first place….

The bottom line ….

If your puppy is constipated and you’re worried that he may have an intestinal blockage, bloat, or be in pain/distress then you need to have him seen by a vet right away.

If he seems happy and healthy apart from the constipation, but you’ve tried the tips on this page but your pup still can’t pass any bowel movements then you need to consult a vet for advice.

For your peace of mind, puppy and dog health information on this site has been approved by veterinarian Dr. Megan Teiber, DVM

Signs Of Mild Constipation

If a dog is mildly constipated, the typical signs include:

• Straining to defecate

• Taking longer than normal to defecate

• Seeming a little uncomfortable while defecating

• Producing small amounts of feces that are harder than normal

If your dog is showing only mild signs of constipation, there are a few remedies that you can try at home to help ease their constipation.

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Symptoms Of Constipation In Your Dog

Symptoms of constipation in your dog include:

• Straining to defecate
• Hard, dry stools
• Absent or infrequent stools

The cure for constipation will depend on the cause. Some cases may be treated with natural home remedies, while others may need immediate attention from a vet.

The most worrisome cases are those where dogs develop other symptoms along with constipation. Its easy for an attentive owner to diagnose constipation, but it’s not easy to diagnose the underlying cause.

How Can I Prevent My Dog From Becoming Constipated Again

Based on the exact cause of your dog’s constipation, your veterinarian may advise you to feed a therapeutic diet, add supplements or medications to the food, or return for additional tests or treatments. For the majority of dogs, constipation is directly related to eating an unfamiliar food or object and further medical intervention is unnecessary. Other dogs may require lifelong treatment to help maintain normal bowel movements.

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Visit Germantown Vet To Treat Constipation In Dogs

At Germantown Vet, were pet owners too, so we treat your dog like he is part of the family. With state-of-the-art technology and knowledgeable veterinarians, were the team you can trust for veterinary services in Germantown.

If youre concerned about your dogs digestive health, call Germantown Vet at 240-252-7467 for personal advice from one of our experts. Then, if your dogs constipation persists, schedule an appointment at our clinic.

How To Make A Dog Poop Quickly

Since this procedure can get a little messy, you might want to first try it at home. Use our Posh Pee Pads to avoid getting your floor wet and train your dog. This method works best while you are creating a toileting schedule for your puppy.

If you are trying the above methods at home, we also recommend keeping our Wee Away & Stain Away on hand to get rid of any mess and neutralise unpleasant smells.

Be Patient

For most dogs, going to the toilet is quite a vulnerable time for them. While some dogs have no problems doing their business in new or busy places, other dogs will refuse to go to the toilet in unfamiliar areas or around new people and other dogs.

Remember to be patient, find a private area and give them some space. Sometimes, the act of us hovering over them or staring at them can also cause performance anxiety!

If your dog is still refusing to poop, they might just not be ready. Head back inside and try again in another hour. Keep a close eye on your dog if you know they have not yet gone to the toilet. If you see your dog sniffing the ground and circling, be sure to take them outside right away.

Finally, if taking a long time to poop is out of character for your dog, be sure to consult with a vet to rule out any health concerns or internal blockages.

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Puppy Constipation: Causes Remedies And Prevention

A healthy puppy should have 2 to 3 bowel movements in a day. If your puppy goes for 24 hours without passing stool, exhibits infrequent bowel movements over a few days and has difficulties defecating because the stool is dry and hard then he is certainly experiencing constipation.

Contents

How To Tell If My Puppy Is Constipated

If your dog has not defecated in two or more days, this is often a telltale sign that she is suffering from constipation. Additional indications of constipation include straining, crouching, or whimpering while trying to defecate. Grass particles, string, or matted feces around the anal area may also be signs of constipation in your dog.

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Best Home Remedies For Dog Constipation

If its a bout of occasional canine constipation, home treatment is relatively simple to get the poop chute going again. Just remember to contact your vet before administering any home remedy.

A few easy fixes include:

When using a home-based remedy, make sure youre around to offer potty breaks as needed, and always check the labels!

Get Your Dog Some Exercise

Regular exercise is often very effective for helping your dog work things out, so grab his tennis ball and head out to the backyard. You could also take your dog on a longer walk than normal or allow him to go swimming.

In fact, swimming is one of the best exercises to help relieve constipation, as it provides a full-body workout.

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What Do I Do When My Dog Is Constipated

Your dog is constipated if hes having difficulty in pooping. Much like dog owners, older dogs are more prone to constipation, although it can happen at any dog age. If your dog is constipated, he will feel very uncomfortable. Extended periods of constipation may lead to lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, and serious health concerns.

Veterinary Treatment For Dog Constipation

Your vet will be able to help your dog get back to their normal self. A physical examination will be performed at first to determine the severity of your dogs constipation. If additional tests are needed to find out whats wrong with your dog, your vet may recommend laboratory analyses, x-rays, or endoscopy. In some cases, a sample of gut may also need to be taken, or abdominal surgery required none of these sound particularly pleasant, but in the end they will all help your dog.

Once your dog has been thoroughly assessed, the vet will decide the best course of action to treat dog constipation. This may include adding fibre additives to their diet, dietary alterations or performing an enema. You may also be provided with probiotics, laxatives or stool softeners by your vet for use at home.

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When To See The Vet

When constipation is accompanied by lethargy, loss of appetite, and vomiting, it needs attention visit a vet as soon as possible. In fact, any time your dog exhibits a symptom that does not go away, appears unexplainable, or is accompanied by other symptoms and pain, please drive him to a vet or emergency center the same day. In simple words, when in doubt, get on route!

When To Contact Your Veterinarian

Any time you have a concern about your dog, contact your veterinarian, especially if the constipation lasts more than two days or if your dog is sluggish, vomiting or has no appetite. Chronic constipation can lead to obstipation, a severe medical condition in which the colon is unable to empty on its own. Make sure to provide your vet with as much information as possible. This could include:

• The time, color and consistency of your dog’s last normal bowel movement
• Changes in diet or routine
• Medications or supplements your dog is taking
• Any injuries or other signs of discomfort

Your vet may recommend a medication or stool softener, prescribe a specific diet or administer an enema. Importantly, you should not give a constipated dog over-the-counter laxatives, as this could cause them harm.

Constipation can be very uncomfortable for dogs, but there are ways to help avoid it. While making sure your dog gets enough fiber, fresh water and exercise can assist in preventing constipation, you can also give them probiotics to help support proper digestion and bowel health.

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Complications Of Untreated Constipation

If your dogs constipation goes untreated, it can develop into obstipation. This happens when the waste in the colon becomes so dry and hard that it can’t be moved. The colon then becomes packed with stool and your dog is unable to pass it. This leads to a condition called megacolon.

The colon becomes uncomfortably large and your dog may become bloated and lethargic, lose their appetite, strain while defecating, and vomit. These can lead to more serious complications and may require medical interventions like surgery, or a manual stool removal called de-obstipation.

It may be difficult to manually remove all the stool, which can lead to multiple procedures and a high cost. Given that the process involves anesthesia, this can lead to a greater risk to your dog’s health.

What To Give A Dog For Constipation

If this is your dogs first constipated episode, its best to consult with your veterinarian to make sure you dont do something harmful. If your dog is no stranger to this game, its also time to seek veterinary help to find out how to keep constipation from becoming your dogs constant companion. For minor cases of constipation in dogs, there are a few things to try at home, and many vets may recommend these before asking you to bring your puppy in.

Enemas offer a more one-the-spot relief for most constipated puppies. They require the infusion of a solution into the rectum to help soften and lubricate hard feces. Again, professionals only, please, unless a veterinarian has directed you. Other possible remedies include mineral oil, herbal supplements, and a correction of the underlying problem. Seeing your veterinarian is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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Are There Other Natural Options For Dog Constipation

HomeoAnimal suggests the CONSTIPATION natural product to support your dog who’s suffering from constipation. This product is intended to support animals intestinal health with mild and occasional constipation. It acts to regulate and promote intestinal movements. It will help your pet regain abdominal comfort. This can be useful in cases of dogs with flatulences.

Options For Helping Mildly Constipated Dogs At Home

The following home remedies for mild dog constipation may work for your dog, but please use only 1 of the methods listed below.

Option #1: Switch to Canned Food

Pets who are accustomed to eating only dry food should be switched to canned food for 2 days.

The moisture content will usually help the dog have an easier bowel movement within that time.

Option #2: Canned Pumpkin for a Constipated Dog

Some veterinarians recommend feeding a constipated dog canned pumpkin.

Most dogs love the taste and will usually eat it readily.

The water content and high fiber will help the puppy poop. But please dont use pumpkin pie filling, as it contains sugars and spices only canned pure pumpkin will do the job.

Option #3: Olive Oil or Mineral Oil

The addition of olive oil to your dogs food bowl will usually allow the dog to eliminate.

Take caution when adding any oil to the food because it could potentially cause diarrhea. Trading one digestive problem for another is never a good solution.

Instead of olive oil, you could mix a little mineral oil into the food.

Do not syringe it directly into your pets mouth that slippery mineral oil doesnt feel like other fluids do in the mouth and may not trigger the swallowing reflex. The risk is that it could be accidentally inhaled into the lungs.

So mix the oil in with food as a safe way to provide a natural laxative for your dog.

Option #4: Ginger and Chicken Broth

Option #5: Provide Plenty of Water

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How Much Pumpkin Should You Give A Dog For Constipation

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Every dog owner understands his or her pups bathroom habits probably due to the unpleasant chore of cleaning up dog poop from time to time. It is, therefore, quite easy to notice if your furbaby falls off his regular routine.

Unlike other forms of stomach upset in dogs, constipation is not very common. In most cases, it is mild and tends to resolve quickly on its own or after giving your pup a few home remedies.

However, there are instances when it becomes serious, especially when it is related to an underlying health condition.

If your dogs constipation is mild, a natural remedy may already be in your kitchen shelves: pumpkin.

Canned pumpkin is an excellent natural treatment for both diarrhea and constipation in dogs.

But how much should you give to a constipated dog? Well find out shortly but before then, lets learn a few basics