Almost each of us has our own pet that we care for and cherish. We are as concerned about their health as we are about our own. And sometimes even to a greater extent. After all, dogs are smart, but dumb animals, and they cannot tell us about their ailments. One of the common problems is constipation in dogs. What to do in such cases? How to help your faithful friend?
Causes of constipation
Normally, your dog should relieve itself 1-2 times a day. If you notice that this is not happening, then you should take a closer look at the animal. Constipation in a dog usually does not have dire consequences. Any veterinarian or veterinarian will explain to you what to do in such cases. experienced dog breeder with experience. But it would be nice to think about the reasons for this phenomenon. What caused the defecation disorder? The following factors may contribute to this:
Constipation in a dog: symptoms
How do you know if something is wrong with your dog? Actually, you will understand everything from her appearance, but there are other signs:
Constipation in a dog: how to treat?
As Exupery said, we are responsible for those we have tamed. Therefore, if you see that something is wrong with your pet, it should be treated. There is no need to think that everything will go away on its own. It won't work. And if it does pass, then it will be an imaginary recovery, which will still make itself felt later.
So, you are faced with a problem - constipation in your dog. What to do?
Laxative for animals
In general, there are several types of laxatives for dogs:
- Plant varieties can be used
- From salt help or sodium.
- Among synthetic ones, we can recommend “Bisacodyl” or “Purgen”.
- Oils include all types of oil: castor, vaseline, sunflower and others.
Preventing constipation in dogs
What should you do to ensure that once constipation occurs, it never happens again, and your dog is happy and healthy?
- Monitor your pet's diet. Very good remedy Pumpkin is used to prevent constipation. For a small dog weighing up to 11 kg, 1 spoon per day will be enough. But if your dog weighs more than 20 kg, then you will need 3 spoons.
- Walk your dogs more often. She should not just intelligently walk next to you, but run and jump, then the constipation will disappear without a trace.
- Pay attention to hygiene. The matted fur, especially at the back, needs to be trimmed from time to time, and the dog needs to be bathed regularly.
Vomiting in dogs
Vomiting is an active process of ejection of stomach contents. First, nausea occurs, possibly drooling, then anti-peristaltic contractions begin in the stomach, while the abdominal and diaphragm muscles tense. Vomiting occurs.
Your dog is constipated - what to do?
Symptoms
Coprostasis
Treatment
Postoperative constipation in a dog
Proper feeding in postoperative period
In the life of every dog, a situation may occur when defecation is extremely difficult, and it is possible that it may even be absent. It is at such moments that they say - the dog is constipated - many people have no idea what to do. As a result of such unpleasant difficulties, an accumulation of feces occurs in the colon and their subsequent hardening. In addition, the presence of sharp objects, for example, bone fragments, cannot be ruled out in these masses. When defecating, these objects will cause damage to the intestinal walls.
This disease is especially typical for older individuals, or those leading a sedentary sofa lifestyle. Severe constipation in a dog can be caused by a number of reasons:
Feeding bones;
Feeding with steep broth;
Overfeeding;
Improper feeding of dry food.
The most dangerous manifestations of constipation, which is a consequence of the presence and development of diseases:
Prostate;
Paraanal glands;
Liver;
Kidney;
Anus and intestines;
Neurological;
Orthopedic.
Elimination of the causes can be achieved through a review of the diet and its correct structure, for example, if a dog has constipation after bones, cure of diseases and complete monitoring of the animal’s feeding and urination processes. It is very important to consult a veterinarian at the slightest sign of difficulty with defecation. Only a full examination can reveal the cause, and the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and indicate how to treat the dog for constipation.
Symptoms
A healthy dog with a healthy intestine and stomach empties its bowels twice a day. If this procedure occurs once a day or does not occur at all, then you should be concerned about the pet’s health, as this symbolizes constipation. However, it is not recommended to panic right away - you should pay attention to the pet’s behavior.
The manifestation of constipation is characterized by the dog making significant efforts to empty the intestines, unsuccessful attempts and pain as a result of these actions. In addition, a dog may try its luck to go to the toilet several times during the day, but all these attempts will not be successful. This condition can last for several days. It’s no wonder that many people are very worried about the condition of their beloved friend, but have absolutely no idea how to cure constipation in a dog.
Coprostasis
Improper feeding of your pet can lead to the development of a disease such as coprostasis. It can occur as a result of your dog feeding on bones or eating large meals. It is worth noting that constipation from bones occurs very often in dogs. Among other things, this disease also affects male dogs suffering from an enlarged prostate gland. The latter factor is directly related to the formation of constipation, since as a result of enlargement, the intestines are compressed, and, of course, feces cannot come out.
Another reason for difficulty in passing feces is the presence of damage to the pelvic region, since this factor greatly affects the condition of the intestines. In such cases, pets simply need to take laxatives. Dogs suffering from coprostasis are quite easy to identify, since they are always restless, periodically run to relieve themselves, but they do not succeed. Among other things, the stomach of such dogs is always somewhat swollen.
Dogs suspected of having this disease must be sent to a hospital for an X-ray examination with contrast in the intestinal area. Mild conditions can be cured in the simplest ways, for example, with the help of antispasmodics.
Treatment for constipated dog
Another effective medicine is a combination of petrolatum and castor oils. Of course, severe cases require surgery. Thus, an enema for a dog with constipation is carried out under general anesthesia, and the procedure is supplemented by removing feces using obstetric forceps. To avoid complicating the existing situation, under no circumstances should you feed your dog when his intestines are full.
Only its owner can help a pet get rid of constipation quickly. First of all, you should not feed your dog chicken bones and other small ones. Such bones can split, which will bring little pleasure to your pet. It is recommended to give large bones to the dog raw; they should not be cooked. What to give your dog for constipation? It is important to remember that in this condition the dog must follow a strict diet. The diet should be built primarily on vegetables - celery and pumpkin. Unprocessed bran has a good effect.
A diet based on raw vegetables helps improve intestinal motility in dogs. The most useful among them are carrot juice, always freshly squeezed, and beets. However, following a diet will not always allow you to get rid of an unpleasant disease. In this case, it is worth moving on to the use of additional laxatives, for example, vegetable oil. White magnesia has the same property. The first remedy should not be used more than 2 times a week, while the second can be used somewhat more often. Moreover, the dose should be about 1-1.5 teaspoons.
Quite often prescribed Vaseline oil for a dog with constipation and a rather unpleasant procedure for washing out the intestines with a water enema. In the latter case, it is recommended to use water cooled to 30 degrees, but not boiled. For a small breed dog, a rubber syringe is quite suitable for rinsing, while representatives of large breeds will need an Esmarch mug. This element must be suspended, and the height must reach 1 meter.
Postoperative constipation in a dog
It is quite common for a dog to become constipated after surgery. It is possible that after undergoing surgery, the dog’s intestines may well begin to suffer from obstruction. The most important thing is to eliminate this side effect. If the veterinarian has diagnosed an obstruction, the dog will again have to undergo another operation. An enema containing a cooled, sterile solution is given to dogs after surgery if intestinal obstruction has been avoided.
Sometimes no means in the postoperative period can help the dog, and veterinarians resort to using various laxatives - from folk (oils) to medications. It is often necessary to use antispasmodics. The most popular use here is No-shpa and novocaine, and baralgin is not excluded. Further elimination of constipation symptoms is achieved through three-day use of suppositories and related medications, which help maintain the intestinal microflora in a normal state.
Proper feeding in the postoperative period
Of course, the diet after each specific operation should be prescribed exclusively by a veterinarian, but there are general rules, in which the dog should not experience vomiting and constipation. First of all, the dog should not be fed or watered within the hours set by the veterinarian after surgery. When the allotted time has passed, do not think that the dog will immediately develop an appetite - this will not happen. It is very important that the portions of food are small, but they need to be given quite often.
Do not give heavy foods, hard and dry, to eat. Nutrition should be based on light foods, preferably liquid. If the dog has previously eaten dry food, it must be slightly softened with water. However, it would be much better to replace this food with wet canned food, which can also be found in a special dietary form. This diet should last about a month, only after this the pet can be gradually returned to normal nutrition.
With normal nutrition, it is worth starting post-operative feeding of your pet with a weak broth. Next, you can start giving kefir and porridge a try in a very liquefied state. It would be a good idea to add wet minced meat to them. Most importantly, the dog must always have access to clean drinking water, regardless of food choice.
Constipation in dogs is difficult bowel movements or absence of bowel movements for several days. At the same time, stool hardens and accumulates in the colon. Sometimes foreign inclusions (bone fragments) are observed in them and painful sensations occur during defecation.
Constipation is not uncommon in dogs, especially in sedentary and elderly dogs.
Causes of constipation in dogs
First of all, this reason is improper feeding animal: feeding bones, especially tubular chicken or boiled ones, as well as other items of questionable digestibility. As well as errors in the diet, such as
feeding with steep broth,
a large amount of difficult-to-digest fiber,
overfeeding the animal
Constipation often occurs when feeding dry food if it is not suitable for the pet. Also, constipation in dogs can be a consequence of various diseases of the internal organs:
liver and kidneys, intestines, pancreas, perineum, rectum, anus
neurological and orthopedic problems
diseases of the paraanal glands
prostate diseases in males.
In order to establish the cause of constipation in a dog, you need to take a closer look at changes in appetite and thirst, the presence of vomiting and urination patterns. You need to take into account both the diet and the age of the animal.
My dog is constipated: what to do? Already during the examination, a doctor can establish a diagnosis, since even without special examination and tests, diseases of the rectum, perineum, para-anal glands, the presence of foreign bodies in the digestive system, orthopedic or neurological problems that can interfere with the normal act of defecation can be identified.
Additionally, for diagnosis, an X-ray examination of the abdominal cavity, blood tests are used, and, if necessary, an X-ray with a contrast agent (barium sulfate), which allows you to assess the patency of the intestines and ultrasound. abdominal cavity.
Treatment of constipation in dogs What to do if your dog is constipated? How to treat?
As therapy, first of all, agents that can soften stool are used: petroleum jelly or lactulose preparations (Lactusan, Duphalac and the like).
The best therapeutic and preventive remedy for constipation in dogs has always been enemas. They are able to free the intestines from a large amount of hardened feces. And if there are a lot of bone fragments in the intestines, then often under general anesthesia their mechanical removal is required.
If, in addition to constipation, the animal has vomiting, the dog does not eat anything for several days, then infusion therapy (drips) is necessary, which saves the body from dehydration.
In more severe cases, veterinarians resort to surgical removal of part of the large intestine along with its contents.
If a dog, especially an older one, has a tendency to constipation, then you need to take preventive measures (add greens and kefir to the diet) and never feed bones.
Complete or partial stool retention is always an alarming sign, which can lead to intestinal rupture, intoxication, and serious damage. internal organs and even to the death of a pet! Of course, not all cases are so scary. But the owner must know why the dog is constipated, what to do in such a situation, and how to avoid problems with bowel movements in the future.
To spot problems early, notice how often your pet goes to the toilet. Puppies have bowel movements up to five times a day, because... their metabolism is accelerated. Aging pets poop less often because... metabolism is slow - once every 2-3 days. Adult dogs defecate once a day, giant breeds - once every two days.
The stool should resemble a sausage, smooth and shiny, of the same consistency and evenly colored. Causes and Effects 1. In order for stool to move through the intestines, sufficient peristalsis (wave-like contractions that push the contents) is necessary. The intestines can “stand up” for various reasons - diseases of the internal organs and neurological disorders, infections, obesity or exhaustion, low activity, diabetes. In such cases, signs of constipation in dogs are expressed by constipation - the pet pushes often and for a long time, but the output volume is clearly less than usual, the feces come out in rounds or flakes, the pet whines. Anesthesia almost always leads to a decrease in peristalsis due to the relaxing effect of the drug on the muscles.
To avoid problems, veterinarians recommend a postoperative diet (light food in small portions in the form of slimy porridges, soups) and mild laxatives. It is important to follow all instructions, since constipation after surgery can cause sutures to diverge, hernia, and severe pain. Difficulties with defecation are possible due to the formation of adhesions during abdominal surgery.
2. For normal bowel movements, sufficient volume and certain moisture content of the stool is necessary. If there is too much feces, they simply will not be able to pass through the intestines and will accumulate inside. The same thing happens if the stool is very dry. For example, constipation in a dog after bones occurs precisely for these reasons - dry bones literally clog the intestines. To avoid problems, your pet needs to be fed properly and monitor the amount of fluid consumed. A semi-liquid menu is recommended for light-drinking dogs. Dry food, contrary to popular belief, does not cause constipation in dogs, because... in a healthy stomach, granules quickly turn into mush. But with gastrointestinal diseases, dry food can cause constipation.
3. With obstruction (from “obstruction”), constipation in a dog shows quite severe symptoms - weakness, painful and hard stomach, thirst and poor appetite. The pet is pushing hard, but there is no stool. Sometimes vomiting develops and the mucous membranes turn pale. If the condition lasts longer than 3 days, intoxication increases (feces poison the body). The cause of obstruction can be feces (prolonged constipation leads to drying out of the contents and the formation of stones), a foreign body (toy, bone), intestinal volvulus, tumor, or a large number of worms. In such a situation, treating constipation with improvised means threatens the life of the pet! Enemas, laxatives and other drugs increase peristalsis and increase the volume of masses, but the intestinal lumen is closed - feces press on the intestinal walls, which leads to damage to the mucous membranes and, ultimately, to rupture.
First aid
When thinking about how to help a dog with constipation, owners often rely on laxatives from a human medicine cabinet. As mentioned above, in some cases this can seriously aggravate the problem, so any pills and medicines should only be taken after a visit to the veterinarian. If you can’t see a doctor right away, you can try to solve the problem yourself:
1. We exclude from the menu muscle meat, meat broths, rice and corn, cheese, eggs, yesterday’s sour milk. We feed in small portions, the food is warm and semi-liquid (well-boiled buckwheat in milk or water, stewed vegetable stews from cabbage, carrots and zucchini). You can have some boiled sea fish, preferably white. We treat the dog with fresh kefir or yogurt (without additives, dyes), raw beets. If there is no allergy, you can give a couple of plums. You can temporarily switch to canned food for puppies or chronically ill dogs (an easily digestible diet).
2. From what can be given to a dog for constipation without fear of complications, you should choose one thing (either/or, and not shove everything in a row). Curdled milk, cabbage juice (can cause flatulence), a weak decoction of buckthorn, an infusion of pumpkin seeds (a spoonful of seeds and half a glass of boiling water, warm for 30 minutes) help. You can grind flaxseed and mix it with vegetable oil or buy flaxseed oil. Large dogs 2 tablespoons per day, small dogs 1 teaspoon. Curdled milk instead of breakfast.
3. In many cases, a Vaseline enema helps a dog. For constipation, lukewarm oil is introduced into the rectum slowly, without effort. If the oil does not flow, you cannot continue (there may be an obstruction, and in this case any pressure is dangerous). For hygiene reasons, your pet should be placed in a bathtub or basin. The volumes are gentle (a glass for a very large dog, half a glass for a pet weighing 20 kg, a couple of spoons for a miniature toy). Without experience, we strongly recommend that you entrust this procedure to a specialist.
4. Before treating constipation with an enema, try giving Vaseline oil orally. Also warm (not lower than room temperature) and in small portions, from a syringe without a needle into the pet’s cheek. For miniature dogs - a teaspoon, for medium dogs - a tablespoon, for large dogs - two spoons at a time. Twice a day or until effect is achieved. Vaseline oil is not absorbed or digested, so if the dosage is slightly exceeded, nothing will happen - the excess will come out naturally. Remove the carpet, cover the furniture - oil will drip from your butt and stain everything around.
5. Walk your dog more often, 3-5 times a day. Walking exercise is the best treatment for constipation if the condition is not complicated by a chronic illness. Walking awakens the intestines, forcing them to work. You need to stay in this mode for two days. If there is no effect, be sure to consult a doctor. If your dog has other (any!) symptoms of illness, take your pet to the veterinarian immediately. Remember that constipation can be a sign of a serious illness, bloat, or obstruction, and in these cases, delay can lead to the most tragic outcome. When possible, do not delay visiting the veterinarian
A dog normally defecates 1-2 times a day. If this does not happen, then we can talk about constipation. An attentive owner will always notice signs of constipation in a dog.
Constipation in a dog: symptoms
The first thing that causes a dog's stomach to swell is gas. Even from a distance you can hear the rumbling in it. This condition is replaced by diarrhea, poor appetite, lethargy and weakness, and thinness.
The cause of constipation in a dog is a narrowing of the intestinal lumen, intestinal atony, a foreign body located in the intestine, a narrowing of the anal lumen. Constipation occurs with injuries and tumors of the spinal cord, heavy metal poisoning, foreign bodies in the intestines, prostate tumors, and paraanal sinusitis.
How to treat constipation in a dog?
If constipation is detected in a dog, treatment must be carried out. Treating constipation is not difficult. It is necessary to give the animal Vaseline oil once or twice. You can also inject oil (1-2 tablespoons), soapy water or a glycerin solution into the dog's anus from a syringe. Identifying the root cause of constipation in a dog is not easy. If a dog has chronic catarrh in the intestines, it is very difficult to treat. For older dogs, it is not medication that is needed, but proper nutrition. It is good to give yogurt and raw milk.
Young dogs only suffer from constipation if they are sedentary and lazy. Old dogs suffer from similar problems much more often due to poor fluid supply to the body.
What to give your dog for constipation?
First of all, the animal is given an enema; if this does not help, a laxative is given: saline, vegetable, oil, synthetic. Spasms are relieved with no-shpa, baralgin and novocaine blockade. After the symptoms are relieved, the dog is given Anuzol suppositories and analogues 3 times a day, and lactulose preparations are given.
If a dog is prone to constipation, it should not be given bones - this is dangerous for it. The owner must be attentive to his animal and see when the dog cannot empty its intestines. Sometimes surgery is required to free the dog from feces containing bones.
For constipation, it is necessary to add 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil, prunes, and milk to the dog’s food in the evening. During a walk, the animal finds grass on its own and eats it.
When your dog is overweight, add exercise. It is necessary to increase your walking time every day by 10 minutes. The dog should walk for an hour in the morning and evening. We need to give her runs. The loads should be reasonable; if you see that the dog is tired, give it a rest.
When constipation in a dog recurs frequently, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian for advice and help.
If a dog is constipated and vomiting at the same time, this means that the animal has an intestinal obstruction. This very severe pathology occurs when there is blockage by a foreign body, a tumor, volvulus or intussusception, as well as intestinal paralysis. If you don't provide medical care, the animal will die within a week. When providing first aid, under no circumstances should you feed or water the animal! You can't do an enema! This will cause excessive vomiting in the animal, and constipation is located in the small intestine, where water cannot reach. Don't hurt your dog again!
Dog breeds
No breed - mestizos
The first domesticated animal species was wolves, which became dogs. At first they served as hunting assistants, and later performed guard functions. The first evidence of “cooperation” between man and dog (a dog’s paw print) dates back to the 22nd millennium BC. e. Genetic calculations indicate that the dog and wolf finally separated about 125 thousand years ago, although the dog became a human companion much later. The first domesticated dogs were most likely both guards and hunting assistants. Subsequently, dogs were divided into groups depending on their economic purpose. The first to appear were hunting and guard dogs, later - decorative dogs, from which no service was required.
German Shepherd
At the end of the 19th century, Captain von Stefanitz began breeding, crossing varieties of German Shepherds from the central and southern regions of Germany, resulting in a very versatile working dog, the German Shepherd. Already during the First World War, the German Shepherd demonstrated its remarkable working qualities: it warned of a gas attack, performed guard duty and helped carry the wounded from the battlefield. According to the idea of temperament, a German Shepherd should be a balanced dog, with strong nerves, self-confident, absolutely sincere and completely good-natured dog, at the same time attentive and controllable. Capable of serving as a companion dog, guard dog, protection dog, service dog and guard dog. Height: 55 - 65 cm. Weight: 22 -49 kg.
Dachshund
The dachshund is extremely popular all over the world. Bred for hunting purposes back in the 16th century, today this miniature dog often makes a wonderful companion. The dachshund has a remarkable appearance: elongated body, small paws, wide, protruding rib cage. However, the dog does not look clumsy; on the contrary, it is active, mobile, and temperamental. The Dachshund barks loudly, its voice is deep and strong - a surprising trait considering the dog's modest size.
Yorkshire Terrier
The miniature indoor Yorkshire Terrier was bred in England in the mid-nineteenth century. The name of the breed was given by the county of Yorkshire, which was the place where this charming dog appeared. Thus, the Yorkshire Terrier breed is just over a hundred years old. During their short history, these dogs were able to win the hearts of millions of people both in Europe and in America, where they were brought in 1878. In the USA, the Yorkshire Terrier is affectionately called "Yorik".
Labrador Retriever
Introduced from Newfoundland at the beginning of the 19th century to England. Appeared in Russia at the end of the twentieth century. Height at the withers is 54-62 cm with a weight of up to 35 kg. The coat is short, thick, without fringes; color is solid black, brown or hard fawn to red fox. Ears are drooping. The tail is a distinctive feature of the breed: thick at the base, tapering towards the end, evenly covered with hair (otter). Used as a field hunting dog.
Russian Smooth Haired Toy Terrier
A small, elegant dog, agile, high-legged, with thin bones and lean muscles. The sexual type is morphologically weakly expressed, but clearly noticeable in behavior.
At the beginning of the 20th century, one of the most popular decorative dogs in Russia were English toy terriers, but then their number greatly decreased. Since the mid-50s, Russian cynologists have taken up the task of restoring this breed. Almost all the dogs collected were without pedigrees, many of them were not purebred. Soon the first pairs of dogs gave birth. This is how a new breed was developed - the Russian Toy Terrier.
Treatment of vomiting in dogs
In case of severe vomiting, droppers are used to replenish fluid and electrolyte losses, to relieve intoxication, and for nutrition. Treatment is used depending on the disease that caused the vomiting. For foodborne illnesses, antibiotics are needed.
The puppy is vomiting blood
Puppies can chew and eat various non-edible objects, which with sharp edges can injure the esophagus and stomach, and after this they may vomit blood.
Hunger vomiting in dogs
If a dog vomits in the morning on an empty stomach, this indicates a violation of bile secretion. Normally, bile enters the intestines only after eating and is involved in the digestion of food.
A healthy dog defecates up to 2 times a day every day. A single bowel movement should already attract the owner’s attention to the health of his own dog. If there are no bowel movements at all, then we can already talk about constipation and begin to take appropriate measures. So, your dog is constipated - what to do?
What is constipation in a dog?
Constipation in dogs is incomplete, irregular, severe, or completely absent bowel movements:
- According to general estimates, stool frequency twice every 3 days or pain during bowel movements with normal frequency can already be considered constipation.
- With constipation, stool accumulates in the intestines, which can dry out, harden and cause not only discomfort in the pet, but also cause injury to the intestinal wall.
- Constipation is quite common in dogs, especially in older animals, in sedentary animals, and in all ages.
Main reasons
Not related to diseases
- Dietary disorders:
- dog eating waste.
- low amount of fiber in food;
- feeding dry food with limited fluid intake;
- feeding food based on strong broths or monotonous food;
- general overfeeding;
- feeding with bones (constipation from bones predominates);
- Dehydration.
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle.
- Rare walks and running (walking).
- Incorrect dosage of certain medications (for example, iron supplements) or constipation after diarrhea (a side effect after long-term use of astringents).
Associated with physiological pathologies
- Diseases of internal organs (kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract);
- Fractures of the pelvic bones.
- Inflammation, swelling, abscesses of the prostate and paraanal glands.
- Blockage of the intestines with foreign objects (bones, toys).
- Volvulus.
- Intestinal atony.
- Worms.
- Dysbacteriosis of the large intestine.
- Tumors in the intestines or perineal area.
- Diseases of the nervous system, accompanied by paralysis and paresis.
- Injuries and pain in the spine.
What are the dangers of constipation?
The consequences of prolonged constipation are quite serious. The main risks are:
- general intoxication of the body;
- critical internal injuries of the intestine, up to rupture of the intestinal walls;
- disturbances in the functions of internal organs and systems;
- trophic disturbance skin followed by the appearance of itching, scratching, and bald spots;
- death of the animal if the intestines do not empty within 4-7 days.
How to determine that a dog has constipation and its main symptoms?
Constipation in a dog (symptoms) is manifested by the following main signs:
- difficulty defecating or frequent urge without bowel movements;
- the passage of dry, hard feces, sometimes in small quantities;
- pain, discomfort, accompanied by whining or restlessness of the dog when attempting to defecate;
- bloating due to gas accumulations in the intestines;
- lack of bowel movements due to lack of feces;
- lack of appetite;
- general state of oppression.
If your dog is constipated vomiting, this is one of important signs complete blockage and obstruction of the intestine. The animal should be taken to a veterinarian as quickly as possible to receive first aid and make an accurate diagnosis. Constipation with vomiting in a dog - the risk of death of the animal without qualified help!
Also, at home, the owner can carefully insert a finger dressed in a rubber glove and lubricated with vegetable oil into the dog’s anus to check for the presence of feces in the rectum. Thus, it is possible to distinguish banal coprostasis from complete intestinal obstruction, in which there may be no feces in the rectum at all.
What to tell your doctor
When contacting your veterinarian, it is important to provide the following information in more detail:
- the age of the animal and lifestyle;
- how long has constipation been recorded and in what manifestations;
- the presence of vomiting, its frequency and frequency, the type of vomit.
- usual methods and daily frequency of feeding;
- a list of food fed over the past 24 hours;
- changes in behavior, urination, defecation, appetite, thirst.
By examining the animal, the veterinarian can determine the presence of foreign objects in the intestines, the presence of inflammation of the perineum and anus, problems with the anal glands, neurological problems, and bone injuries.
To more accurately determine why a dog is constipated, the following may additionally be prescribed:
- general blood analysis;
- abdominal x-ray;
- X-ray of the intestine with contrast to assess its patency;
- Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.
How to help a dog with constipation
One form of constipation is coprostasis or stagnation of feces in the lower intestines. When there is a lack of fluid in the body, the necessary fluid begins to be absorbed by the intestinal walls from the stool, which is why they become dry and hard. It is with such constipation that the owner can effectively and relatively safely provide the necessary assistance to his dog. If such constipation does not cause the dog unnecessary discomfort, then help will consist of the following:
- change the diet and give the animal plenty to drink;
- increase the dog's physical activity;
- enema or folk laxatives;
- medicines for digestion and improving intestinal motility, as well as laxatives.
If a dog feels obvious discomfort during coprostasis, then first aid for constipation should be provided to the dog immediately in order to alleviate its condition as quickly as possible. In this case, the first aid algorithm is as follows:
- antispasmodics (if necessary);
- enema;
- give a laxative to your dog as a treatment;
- normalization of nutrition;
- laxatives until independent normal digestion is established;
- means for healing microtraumas and possible cracks of the rectum.
Be sure to start with an enema, because... Most laxatives stimulate intestinal motility. If you force the intestines to work hard, in which there is stagnation of dry and dense feces, pain and injury cannot be avoided!
This algorithm only applies to constipation that is not associated with any disease. If constipation is caused by internal diseases, then any assistance should be provided by a veterinary specialist after an accurate diagnosis!
That is, in fact, at home, a dog owner will be able to help his pet with those forms of constipation that are not accompanied by any other symptoms other than problems with defecation. If a dog does not empty its intestines due to the fact that there is simply no feces, then the problem of constipation lies much deeper than banal coprostasis.
If the intestines are completely blocked, it is quite possible that surgical help will be needed to remove the cause that caused it:
- worm lumps,
- foreign objects,
- bones,
- elimination of volvulus, etc.
All about dog enema
This is one of the first aid methods for a dog with constipation. Before your dog is given an enema, you need to know for sure that this procedure will not harm it even more. Before undertaking an enema for a dog, you should first consult with a specialist regarding the solutions introduced into the intestines, their volumes, as well as the nuances of the procedure itself.
Also, the doctor will be able to roughly tell, based on the symptoms described by the owner, whether it can be done at all. Enemas can be deep or shallow. Shallow cleansing enemas for constipation can be easily done at home by the pet owner themselves. If constipation lasts for a long time, then only a deep enema, which is performed only by a veterinarian, can help!
Injected solutions for enemas for constipation can be:
- boiled water;
- Vaseline oil;
- glycerin or soapy water;
- boiled water with fish oil.
How much fluid do you need and how to prepare
To flush the intestines, you need to adhere to the following volumes of liquid, depending on the size of the dog:
- weight about 50 kg – within 1 liter;
- weight about 20-40 kg – within 500 ml;
- weight up to 20 kg - within 200 ml.
The enema is done using Esmarch mugs (for large dogs), suspended at a height of no more than 1 m, as well as syringes and rubber bulbs of various sizes. For small breed dogs (dwarf dogs), a 10 cc syringe is allowed. It is safest to use instruments with rubber tips to avoid injury during the procedure. Before the enema, you can inject your dog with No-Shpu or Baralgin (intramuscularly, at the rate of 0.1 ml/1 kg of weight) to relax the intestines, relieve pain and prevent spasms during the procedure.
Sequencing:
- Measure the temperature of the potential solution. For spastic constipation, solutions should be warm (37-39ºC). If the dog has been constipated for several days, then warm liquid should not be given, because... swollen feces can completely clog the intestines. If the cause of constipation is not precisely known, then the temperature is adjusted to an average of 27ºC.
- The dog needs to be laid on its side. You can also rinse your intestines while standing, but only in extreme cases. Ideally - only on the side!
- The dog must be muzzled. Better procedure carry out together. The owner must be in the pet's field of vision, stroke and calm it so that the animal can relax. A second person must carry out the procedure.
- The animal's anus and the tip of the syringe should be lubricated with Vaseline or vegetable oil.
- The tip of the syringe is inserted into the rectum no more than 3 cm deep (in large dogs up to 5 cm). It is necessary to ensure that the animal does not squirm too much and does not injure itself.
- Start injecting liquid from the bulb (syringe), gently pressing on its walls. The liquid should flow in without any obstruction. If the liquid does not pour in, you need to check whether the tip is clogged with feces during insertion. If the patency of the tip is not impaired and the liquid is not infused, you need to immediately (!) stop infusion and seek help from a veterinarian.
If during an enema the liquid does not flow into the intestinal cavity, it is necessary to exclude intestinal obstruction (the first sign) - very dry feces, helminths, dense bones, etc. Only a specialist can do this, so the dog should be shown to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
- If the solution is infused normally, then after the end of the infusion the tip is carefully removed, and the dog’s tail is pressed tightly to the butt. After 5-7 minutes the animal will be able to get up. With a quick effect, the dog will defecate as soon as it gets up. Sometimes you will need to take a walk to further stimulate your bowel movements.
If a small puppy requires an enema, then the algorithm of actions is similar, with the difference that the volume of liquid should not exceed 1 tbsp. spoons, instead of a pear, use a syringe without a needle, and only boiled water at a temperature of 27-30ºC is used as an infused solution.
General prevention of constipation
In the absence of internal diseases, constipation can be successfully prevented. To prevent constipation from causing inconvenience to your pet, you must:
- exclude small and soft bones from the diet, the fragments of which can be a direct cause of constipation and intestinal injuries with sharp edges;
- large bones (for example, beef bones) should be given only raw;
- diversify the entire diet, excluding feeding monotonous food;
- when using dry food, provide free access to water in sufficient quantity;
- be sure to add fiber-rich vegetables, bran and cereals to your diet;
- periodically add beef tripe (raw, frozen) to food, which contains enzymes and microflora that allow food to be more fully digested;
- deworm the animal in a timely manner to prevent blockage of the intestines by “helminth balls”;
- daily active walks twice a day for at least one hour;
- watch out for what the dog grabs into its mouth (pebbles, small toys may cause intestinal blockage).
All of these measures imply their use in a healthy animal. If constipation has already been detected in a dog, then heavy feeding and increased activity are contraindicated for the animal!
Homemade laxatives for constipation
The dog owner is primarily concerned with two main questions: how can the owner help at home and how to treat constipation in a dog at home? The following home remedies have a pronounced laxative effect:
- Kefir. It is given at night and as much as the dog drinks. If you don’t want to drink kefir yourself, pour in with a syringe or rubber bulb through the toothless edge: small dogs– several teaspoons, medium – several tablespoons, large – up to 200 ml.
- Lenten, flaxseed or castor oil given to dogs very often . At night, add 2-7 tablespoons to the food according to the pet’s weight until a lasting effect of normal bowel movement is achieved. It is good to add to boiled vegetables, especially carrots. There are no contraindications. There is no overdose. It begins to weaken after 5-8 hours.
- Vaseline oil. From 5 to 80 ml orally through the mouth (also through the toothless edge using a syringe or syringe without a needle), depending on the size of the dog, twice or thrice a day. Frequency: every 12 hours until a lasting effect of normal bowel movements is achieved. It is not absorbed by the body, but enters the intestines unchanged, lubricating its walls and softening the stool. It can be administered rectally using a syringe in the form of a slightly warmed enema.
Constipation medications
Pet owners immediately wonder what to give their dog for constipation? Everything regarding medications should be prescribed only by a veterinary specialist and only after the exact cause of constipation has been established.
All laxatives have general contraindications that are the same for all:
- pregnancy;
- exhausted and sick dogs;
- any problems in the gastrointestinal tract;
- the presence of foreign bodies (for example, bones) in the stomach or intestines;
- intestinal obstruction.
Most medications used in dogs to relieve symptoms of constipation are human medications and can be purchased at any regular pharmacy. There are very few drugs directly for use in veterinary medicine. It is important to observe the dosage, consider side effects, as well as the peculiarities of the digestive tract of dogs. The effect of all drugs is approximately the same; the main selection criterion is price and ease of use.
Magnesia (magnesium sulfate)An effective laxative for dogs that thins feces by “attracting” fluid and has a pronounced peristaltic effect.
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Duphalac
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Lactusan
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Bisacodyl
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Senade
Herbal laxative tablets for symptomatic treatment constipation Available in three forms; dry tablets are suitable for dogs. This medicine for constipation is good for chronic constipation.
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Mukofalk
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Vetelakt
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Laxatone
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Vetasyl
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Constipation is not a condition where you can wait for it to go away on its own or get rid of it with laxatives or an enema alone. Before you start taking measures, you need to know for sure the exact reason why the dog is unable to empty its bowels, so as not to make things worse.
Constipation in a dog is a persistent dysfunction of defecation (lack of stool) for several days, accompanied by stagnation in the intestines and intoxication of the body. The causes of the disease are most often violations of the feeding regime, exposure to digestive system foreign bodies
In most cases, the owner can help the pet at home. However, if the intestines are blocked with bones or hard feces, you will need qualified help, including surgery.
Read in this article
Bones and other causes of constipation
Disorders of intestinal motility, leading to the development of coprostasis in dogs, according to veterinary experts, can occur for the following reasons:
- Overfeeding or underfeeding the animal. Large or, conversely, too small portions of food contribute to disruption of the movement of contents through the large intestine, cake into solid formations and make it difficult to empty.
- Insufficient fiber content in the diet. Often dog owners forget about this important component four-legged friends, especially if used for feeding natural products. Fiber is necessary for the formation of fecal formations and the removal of toxic substances from the body.
- Violation of drinking regime. The problem is especially acute for dogs fed dry food. Insufficient water intake leads to disruption of the absorption function of the intestine, the formation of hard feces, which complicates the process of defecation.
- Physical inactivity and... Low physical activity a pet living in a city apartment is common cause chronic constipation due to decreased muscle tone smooth muscles of the digestive tube. Mostly older animals suffer from such atonic types of disease due to decreased motor activity.
- The cause of persistent constipation can be neoplasms in the colon and rectum, polyps, and diverticulum.
- Postoperative anesthesia can lead to temporary atony of the intestinal muscles.
- Foreign objects. Picking up trash while walking plastic bags, wrappers and other foreign objects often leads to the development of coprostasis. Foreign bodies complicate the normal movement of feces through the intestines, causing not only constipation, but also obstruction.
- Bones. Unfortunately, veterinarians often have to deal with the misconception of owners who believe that bones are necessary for the dog and are a treat for it. The consequence of such an illiterate attitude towards the pet’s health is chronic constipation, and in severe cases, intestinal volvulus.
The sharp parts of tubular bird bones injure the intestinal mucosa and lead to impaired peristalsis. The bones literally close the lumen of the digestive tube.
Veterinary experts believe that chronic constipation in four-legged friends can be caused by stressful situations (moving to a new place, the appearance of a new family member or pet, change of owner, etc.).
Symptoms in dogs
A healthy adult dog should have bowel movements 1-2 times a day. If there is no stool for at least one day, this should alert the owner. The following symptoms in a pet should be concerning and cause you to contact a veterinarian:
- No bowel movements for more than 24 hours.
- During a walk, the dog sits down repeatedly, sits down for the toilet, takes a characteristic pose, but no bowel movement occurs or the volume of feces is insignificant.
- During defecation, the animal becomes restless due to painful sensations.
- The feces have a small volume, are dry, compressed, and dark in color. Often the owner may notice foreign objects and blood.
- The dog loses its appetite. Becomes lethargic and inactive.
- The stomach is swollen. When palpating the peritoneum, the pet becomes worried due to pain.
If the illness is protracted (no stool for more than 2 days), the dog develops signs of intoxication: vomiting, dehydration, deterioration in general condition. Similar symptoms are typical for the development of life-threatening intestinal obstruction.
Treatment at home
Without prior consultation, the use of laxatives and other methods of self-help is strictly prohibited. In the event that there is a blockage of the intestines with solid feces, obstruction of the digestive tube and illiterate help from the owner can result in serious consequences for the pet, even death.
If you notice constipation, you should immediately stop feeding your dog. A new portion of food will lead to expansion of the intestinal wall, blockage, and severe pain. Water should be available in unlimited quantities if there is no vomiting.
Vaseline oil
If the veterinarian believes that coprostasis is not a threat to health
Vaseline oil
imagines that your pet can be prescribed Vaseline oil. The product is successfully used in veterinary practice and is considered safe.
Being a product of petroleum refining, petroleum jelly is not absorbed in the intestines. The mechanism of its action for constipation is to envelop compacted fecal stones and make them easier to move during bowel movements.
The owner should be aware that the limitation in the use of petroleum jelly is pregnancy and lactation in female dogs.
The product promotes not only the contraction of the muscular layers of the intestines, but also the uterus, which is unacceptable when bearing and feeding puppies.
It is forbidden to use petroleum jelly for acute inflammatory processes in the intestines, obstruction, and symptoms of intestinal bleeding. Some dogs may have individual intolerance to the medication.
The dosage of oil is determined by the veterinarian based on the size of the sick dog. For small breeds, use 5 - 10 ml; large pets need to add up to 50 ml of Vaseline oil to achieve a therapeutic effect. Use the drug for chronic coprostasis 2 - 3 times a day, no more than 5 days in a row. The laxative effect usually occurs within 4 to 5 hours.
The most radical method of helping an animal is an enema. With its help, you can successfully cope with the problem at home. Veterinary experts recommend carrying out the procedure using warm Vaseline oil. A large breed dog is injected with 200 - 250 ml of oil, small pets need 50 ml, and miniature dogs - no more than 25 ml.
If the oil cannot be introduced into the rectum, the manipulation should be stopped due to the risk of the dog developing intestinal obstruction. In this case, the pet should be immediately taken to a specialized facility to provide qualified assistance.
To learn how to give an enema to a dog, watch this video:
Other traditional medicine methods
Having first consulted with a veterinarian, the owner can use folk remedies to combat constipation. An effective laxative is a decoction of buckthorn bark. A tablespoon of raw material is poured with 100 - 125 ml of boiling water and kept in a water bath for half an hour. Before use, dilute half with water.
It is enough to give a large dog 70 - 80 ml of this decoction, small breeds - up to 30 ml. The medicine is not used for obstruction of the digestive tube.
No less effective for constipation in animals are folk remedies such as linseed oil, infusion pumpkin seeds. Laxatives, including herbal ones, should be used only with the permission of a veterinarian.
Medicines and laxatives
The use of laxatives is possible only if you are completely sure that the dog has not developed intestinal obstruction. As a rule, this is determined by a veterinarian, using, if necessary, a contrast X-ray examination or ultrasound examination.
Among laxatives, Bimin and Magnesium sulfate (magnesia) are widely used in veterinary practice. The action of Bimin is mild, the drug envelops the feces and facilitates their movement to the anus. Magnesia has a number of contraindications and is prescribed only by a veterinarian.
Human medications are often used as laxatives: Duphalac, Lactusan, Bisacodyl. However, giving them on your own is not recommended. The dosage, frequency of use, and course duration are determined by the attending physician.
Laxatives Depending on the pet’s condition, analgesic and antispasmodic drugs may be prescribed: No-shpa, Spazgan, Baralgin. They relieve muscle spasms, facilitate and anesthetize the process of defecation.
For more information on the causes, symptoms and treatment of constipation in dogs, watch this video:
Help from veterinarians in severe cases
The owner can help a sick pet independently only in mild cases of uncomplicated constipation. If the process is in an advanced stage, hard fecal stones form in the rectum. They can only be removed in a specialized institution. The veterinarian, after examining and anesthetizing the animal, will remove the caked feces with forceps. After which the dog will be given a cleansing enema.
If the veterinarian detects signs of dehydration in a tailed patient, infusion therapy using buffer solutions will be carried out.
The owner can seek the help of a specialist not only if the pet’s condition is serious, but also if he is unsure of his abilities regarding the procedure for administering an enema to the animal.
In rare cases in case of coprostasis of the large intestine, as well as when an obstruction is detected, an emergency surgical operation is performed with resection of a section of the digestive tube.
Laparotomy is performed under general anesthesia and requires the professionalism of a doctor and careful postoperative care.
Preventing constipation
- Veterinary specialists, based on many years of medical practice, advise owners to adhere to the following rules and recommendations for the prevention of constipation in four-legged pets: Dog food should be rich in fiber and easy to digest. Avoid foods that cause bloating and increased gas formation
. Useful vegetables: pumpkin, carrots, beets. After surgical intervention With the use of general anesthesia, dogs often experience constipation. 
This is due to the phenomena of atony of the intestinal muscles.
- You can help your animal by following the recommendations of veterinarians:
- Use special medicinal food with a laxative effect during the postoperative period.
- Use Vaseline oil and laxatives in recommended dosages as prescribed by your doctor.
- The animal must consume enough water.
- After surgery, the dog should be fed small meals 6 times a day. Food should be warm and liquid.
On the recommendation of a doctor, your pet can be given a belly to prevent coprostasis. Constipation in dogs is common and has many causes. The problem is the absence of stool in the animal for more than a day, difficulty in defecation. In uncomplicated cases, the owner can give the pet an enema, give laxatives, and adjust the diet. Severe cases require the intervention of a veterinary specialist, including surgical solution to the problem.
Difficulty or prolonged absence of bowel movements is far from a harmless phenomenon. Fecal matter retained in the intestines can lead to intoxication, intestinal rupture, serious damage to internal organs and death of the pet. Therefore, owners need to know why dogs become constipated and how to help their pet in this situation.
The movement of feces in the intestines occurs due to wave-like contractions of its walls. For the process to proceed normally, the stool must be soft, sufficiently moist and voluminous. Violation of these requirements leads to difficulty in moving stool in the intestines and, as a result, the development of constipation.
Constipation in dogs is a prolonged absence of bowel movements. It may be the result of poor diet or serious illness.
The causes of constipation in a dog may be related to the quality of food and impaired intestinal motility:
A clear sign of constipation is the absence of stool. Normally, a dog should defecate twice a day. If the owner observes a decrease in the number of bowel movements or their complete absence, then the dog suffers from constipation.
Additionally, you may notice the following signs:
Diagnosis and treatment
Only a veterinarian can find out the cause of constipation with 100% certainty. The condition of the intestines is assessed using a special examination. If the specialist is unable to establish a diagnosis through palpation and external examination, the dog is prescribed an abdominal x-ray, a blood test is taken, and an ultrasound is performed. To determine the patency of the intestine, an x-ray using barium sulfate, a contrast agent, is used for examination.
If no serious diseases are detected during the examination, the doctor prescribes drugs that soften stool:
- Duphalac.
- Lisolak.
- Portalak.
- Enemas are prescribed as an aid. Pain syndrome can be removed using No-shpa or Baralgin.
If the examination reveals that the intestines are filled with bone remains, urgent surgery is required. It is performed under general anesthesia. Sometimes it is necessary to remove part of the damaged intestine.
If constipation was caused by intestinal obstruction, immediate surgery is required to remove the foreign body. An operation may be necessary even if the process is neglected. The veterinarian will perform an enema and then use special forceps to remove the fossilized feces.
Constipation may recur after surgery. Normalizing your dog's diet will help avoid this. One of the conditions is to eat small portions 4-5 times a day. This regime should be followed for 1-1.5 months, then switch to the usual two meals a day.
If you can’t go to a clinic, you can try to solve the problem yourself. To do this, do the following:
- Exclude broths, muscle meat, rice, cheese, eggs from the menu.
- You need to feed your dog warm food, in small doses.
- Include boiled buckwheat, vegetables, boiled fish, fresh kefir, and raw beets in your diet.
- For quick solution problems, the dog is given cabbage juice, an infusion of pumpkin seeds, yogurt instead of one meal. You should not use everything at once, but one at a time.
For constipation, an enema with Vaseline oil works well. A radical method is an enema with Vaseline oil. Lightly heated oil is injected into the rectum using a syringe. The procedure is only possible if the oil flows easily. If insertion is difficult, no effort should be made, since the cause may be intestinal obstruction.
The enema is done with a pre-boiled syringe. The tip is pre-lubricated with Vaseline. A muzzle is put on the dog or the muzzle is bandaged. The dog is placed in a bathtub or basin. The tail is lifted with one hand, and the tip of the syringe is inserted into the rectum with the other. The oil is injected and the tip is removed. Then the tail needs to be pressed for a few minutes.
Instead of an enema, Vaseline oil can be given orally. For small dogs, a teaspoon is poured into the cheek, for medium dogs - a tablespoon, for large dogs - two tablespoons twice a day. The oil will soften the stool, cover it with a slippery film, and the problem will be solved naturally.
Active walking will help normalize intestinal motility.
Important. If all the measures taken do not produce results, in any case you need to contact a veterinarian, since constipation can develop against the background of a serious illness and delay will lead to dire consequences. All of the above measures can be used only if there is confidence in the absence of intestinal obstruction.
Conventional remedies for humans are not suitable for dogs, since their action is based on stimulating intestinal function. If you give a dog popular drugs like: Gutallax, Bisacodyl, etc., this will cause a sharp contraction of the intestines. But the compressed feces cannot budge. Which can lead to injury and even intestinal rupture.
For constipation, a solution of Magnesia is prepared for a dog, but this drug has many contraindications. The following remedies effectively help the animal:
- Bimin - envelops the intestinal walls containing hairballs and feces and promotes their painless and easy exit. It is an odorless, oily liquid. The dog is prescribed 1 ml per kilogram of weight.
- Magnesia – effective remedy, but has a number of contraindications. It should not be given if the dog has liver, kidney, or heart diseases. Magnesia thins the stool so that it can pass out of the intestines without problems. A solution is prepared for administration, the concentration of which depends on the age and weight of the dog.
Any laxative is contraindicated for intestinal tumors, adhesions and obstruction.
If you are prone to constipation, you should follow the following recommendations on feeding a dog:
- Food should be as liquid and warm as possible.
- You need to feed your pet in portions.
- Periodically include raw vegetables in your diet: carrots, cabbage.
- If you are not allergic, you can give it fresh plums.
Important. If you are prone to constipation, feeding dry food is not recommended; it is better to switch to natural food.
Laparotomy is performed under general anesthesia and requires the professionalism of a doctor and careful postoperative care.
You should not give your dog tubular bird bones; instead, offer your pet a special bone made from veins. Constipation is easier to prevent than to cure.
To ensure that your pet never suffers from this problem, the following must be observed:
- Organize balanced diet easily digestible food.
- Eliminate foods from your diet.
- Don't let your dog chew bones. As a treat, you can use special sinew bones, sold in pet stores.
- Provide your dog with access to clean water.
- Walk with your pet at least twice a day.
- Conduct the dogs in a timely manner.
- Once a day, add a spoonful of vegetable oil to your food.
Any disease requires clarification and elimination of its cause. Constipation in a dog does not just happen. It means that there are problems in keeping and caring for the animal or indicates the presence of internal diseases. The pet needs to be provided with qualified help so that constipation does not torment him in the future.
We invite you to watch a video of a veterinarian answering questions about constipation in dogs. We wish you pleasant viewing!
