by Janet Farricelli CPDT-KA

Created on: May 03, 2010

You are taking your dog out as usual when you notice something out of the ordinary. Your dog positions itself as to have a bowel movement but nothing seems to happen. Minutes later, your dog is straining as you realize your dog must be suffering from a bout of constipation.Constipation  in dogs may be a simple symptom of irregularity, but in some cases it may indicate much more worrisome circumstances. It is vital, therefore, to be able to recognize key symptoms suggesting trouble. Listed below are some causes of constipation.

Less Serious Causes of Constipation

• Dehydration

Some dogs simply do not drink enough. Try your best in providing fresh water and encouraging your dog to drink.

• Lack of exercise

Dogs need to exercise routinely in order to maintain regular bowel function. Ensure that your dog gets at least a half hour walk every day.

• Old age

Just as humans, senior dog's intestinal tracts tend to "get lazy". Try to offer fiber, water and encourage sufficient exercise.

• Lack of fiber

While dogs in nature do not tend to consume much fiber, some fiber added to their diet may help their regualrity.

• Medications

If your dog is on medications read the labels carefully. See if constipation is listed as a side effect. Common medications causing constipation are: diuretics, antihistamines and antiacids.

More Serious Causes of Constipation

• Intestinal obstruction

If your dog tends to eat non-food items or bones consider this a possibility. Dogs exhibiting a foreign body obstruction will strain to defecate, vomit and become lethargic. Do not be fooled if your dog has diarrhea as sometimes some feces may make it past the obstruction in this liquid form. If these symptoms seem familiar, have your dog seen by a veterinarian promptly: an obstruction can be life threatening.

• Enlarged prostate

Many intact males dogs over 8 years old suffer from an enlarged prostate. Watch for constipation, painful defecation, thin stools and trouble urinating.

• Parasites

In some cases heavy parasite infestations may cause an intestinal obstruction. Have your dog's stool checked for parasites.

• Rectal Issues

Sometimes problems are located in the back end. Anal gland abscesses, fistulas, rectal prolapses, or even anal tumors may be the contributing factors.

• Neurological problems

Traumas, nerve damage or spinal cord disorders may disrupt the delicate nerves responsible for eliciting bowel movements.

Home Remedies From Your Pantry

If you dog is acting pretty normally and is active, you can try some of the remedies below:

• Pumpkin

Try to add one to two teaspoons of simple canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) to your dogs' food. This should help get things moving.

• Milk

Many dogs are lactose intolerant. You can try to give a little bit of milk however, you must be very cautious in doing this since giving too much may cause the opposite problem!

 •Bran

Some people have had success adding some bran to their dog's diet. You can add a small amount daily if your dog is prone to frequent episodes of constipation.

•Metamucil

A sprinkle of Metamucil may do the trick. Try 1/2 teaspoon for small dogs and 2 teaspoons for large dogs twice a day. Keep in mind though that this should be added to canned food only and with plenty of water available.

•Olive Oil/Vegetable Oil

A tablespoon of oil added to your dog's food routinely may help some obstinate cases of constipation. Try not to give it too often though as your dog may incur in the opposite problem.

Hopefully one of the above or a combination will help get things finally moving. Pun intended!

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