More devoted to man creatures than dogs are impossible to even imagine. They love us, their owners, selflessly, and in return we surround our pets with affection and care. The main thing that a pet has always been healthy and it largely depends on the owner of the dog whether it will have health problems or not.
Symptoms of Constipation in Dogs
The main symptom of constipation is complete or partial retention of stool. Partial delay is manifested in the fact that the pet poops less often (the norm in adult animals is 1-3 times a day, in puppies it can be up to 5 times) and does it with great difficulty, the feces come out in dry and hard small pellets.
Constipation also manifests itself in other symptoms:
- the stomach becomes hard and painful due to the accumulation of gases;
- the dog loses its appetite or completely refuses to eat;
- the animal becomes lethargic, weak and inactive;
- in severe cases on the mucous membrane A white coating appears in the mouth and vomiting may begin - these are signs of intoxication of the body.
Causes of constipation in dogs
The following reasons can be identified:
- poor nutrition;
- insufficient water consumption;
- overfeeding;
- inactivity;
- foreign object in the intestines;
- medical problems.
Poor nutrition
Poor nutrition is the most common reason occurrence of rectal obstruction in dogs. They are strictly forbidden to eat baked goods, sweets, smoked meats and fatty meats.
Constipation often occurs in dogs that regularly chew bones. The fact is that bone debris accumulates in the intestines and this can cause not only constipation, but also intestinal obstruction. Especially hollow bird bones are dangerous, sharp pieces of which can cause perforation internal organs.
Insufficient water consumption
The basis of the dog's drink is ordinary water. If she consumes little water, then the likelihood of constipation increases significantly, especially when she eats mostly dry food.
Overfeeding
Overeating can cause dogs to become obese, which in turn can cause many health problems, including constipation.
Sedentary lifestyle
Lack of physical activity in dogs is one of the main reasons for the decline in muscle tone, including intestinal smooth muscles, which contributes to constipation. Especially Moderate is important physical activity
for older pets who, due to age, already have reduced intestinal tone.
Foreign object in the intestine
Often, a dog’s digestive tract may contain foreign objects that cannot be digested or excreted naturally. It could be bones small toys, pieces of cellophane or other items. In these cases, in addition to constipation, the animal may suffer from severe abdominal pain. If such symptoms are observed, the animal should be immediately shown to a veterinarian.
Medical problems
Quite often the cause of constipation is various diseases, such as:
- diseases of the digestive canal;
- metabolic disease;
- tumors in the intestines;
- diseases of the genitourinary system;
- neurological diseases;
- diabetes.
Consequences of constipation in dogs
Some dog owners take constipation in their pets lightly - they say there is nothing wrong with it. Indeed, in most cases there is nothing tragic in this situation. But constipation, especially long-term, can have very serious consequences, such as:
- intoxication of the body;
- intestinal rupture;
- critical damage to internal organs.
So, based on all the symptoms and signs, the dog was constipated. What should the owner do in this case?
In any case, it is necessary to find out the cause and first of all treat it, and this is difficult to do without the qualified help of a veterinarian.
Severe cases of constipation
If your dog shows signs of constipation with complete cessation of bowel movements and pronounced changes in behavior, then it is necessary contact your veterinarian immediately to promptly find the cause of constipation and prescribe treatment.
In some particularly serious cases, only surgical treatment. You cannot do without this measure in case of such problems:
- intestinal obstruction;
- volvulus;
- formation of a tumor or cyst;
- the presence of a foreign object in the digestive tract.
So that surgical treatment gives positive result, you must completely follow all the doctor’s recommendations on the rehabilitation of the animal in the postoperative period.
If the cause of constipation is some systemic internal disease that does not require surgical intervention, then you cannot do without the help of a veterinarian. And in this case, we can only advise one thing - to strictly follow all the doctor’s instructions.
Mild cases of constipation
Constipation does not always (and thank God!) require serious therapeutic or surgical treatment.
If symptoms of constipation do not cause much discomfort for the dog, then you can try the following treatment methods:
- change in diet;
- folk remedies;
- enemas;
- medications;
- increased physical activity.
Changing your diet
You must immediately exclude sweets, baked goods, fatty meats, smoked meats, eggs, rich broths, hard cheese and bones from your diet. The only meat a dog can eat is beef, veal and chicken.
If the dog is accustomed to bones, then it's better to give her bones from the veins, since they can be completely chewed.
Food should be given only in small portions, warm and softened. Boiled buckwheat porridge and stewed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, cabbage) are very useful for constipation. From dairy - low-fat kefir or natural yogurt. If the dog is used to eating food, then it is best switch to special dietary varieties stern.
And we must not forget that the dog should always have water in his bowl, especially if dry food makes up the majority of his diet.
Folk remedies
Proven folk remedies for the treatment of constipation:
- a weak decoction of buckthorn;
- infusion on pumpkin seeds– pour a teaspoon of seeds with half a glass of boiling water, let it brew for 30 minutes;
- flaxseed oil - give large dogs a tablespoon twice a day, small dogs a teaspoon also twice a day;
- warm Vaseline oil - give twice a day in the following portions: for miniature dogs - a teaspoon, for medium dogs - a tablespoon, for large dogs - two tablespoons. Most The best way- from a syringe behind the dog’s cheek.
Enemas
One of the best treatments for constipation is a warm Vaseline enema. The oil is introduced into the rectum very slowly, without effort. For dogs of very large breeds - 200 ml of oil is enough, 100 ml - for dogs weighing from 20 to 40 kg, for small dogs– 50 ml, for miniature breeds – a tablespoon.
If the oil does not flow, then this procedure must be stopped immediately, as this may be intestinal obstruction.
Medications
“Human” laxatives help well:
- “Lactusan” – syrup or tablets;
- "Duphalac" - syrup;
- "Bisacodyl";
- "Purgen";
- magnesium and sodium sulfates;
- Castor oil.
To relieve pain, you can use No-shpu and Baralgin.
Physical activity
This is the most affordable way prevention of many ailments in dogs, including constipation. You just need to walk your dog more and more often - at least three times a day, for at least 30 minutes, and weekends can be longer.
Treatment of constipation in puppies
Symptoms of constipation in puppies are the same as in adult dogs. If your puppy exhibits these symptoms, it is, of course, best to consult a doctor, especially if the dog exhibits a pronounced change in behavior.
In mild cases of constipation, you can do without the help of specialists. In principle, recommendations for the treatment and prevention of constipation in puppies and adult dogs are the same.
But there are some nuances.
Enemas
This procedure must be approached with extreme caution, and it is best if an experienced specialist administers the enema to the puppies.
Physical activity
An active lifestyle is especially important for puppies. So play and walk more with your small pet - the puppy needs to be walked at least 4-5 times a day.
Vaccinations
Constipation in a puppy can be a consequence of various internal diseases.
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.
Constipation in a dog occurs when defecation is difficult. Moreover, it may not be there for several days. Feces stagnate in the intestines, in the large intestine, and become hard.
In rare cases, inclusions can be seen in feces foreign objects, after the dog has eaten bones. When a pet tries to go to the toilet, this leads to painful sensations.
Constipation can often be observed in older pets who do not exercise much. Let's consider what to do if constipation occurs, how to help at home, and other information.
general information
The movement of feces in the intestines should be facilitated by wave-like contractions. We will consider the reasons why it gets stuck below.
For normal bowel movements, the stool must be moist and of sufficient volume. If there is excess or dryness, the feces stagnate.
Keep it properly, give liquid food and water. Conflicting opinions about dry food. Some say it can lead to constipation.
Others it can turn into mush in the stomach. However, if there is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, then such food still creates constipation, and serious consequences. To begin with, the stomach hardens and the appetite disappears. The dog's pushing does not cause normal bowel movements. Vomiting begins, the mucous membranes turn pale.
Intoxication appears if the condition does not change to for three days. Prolonged constipation dries out the contents and stones form.
Volvulus occurs in the intestinal loop, tumor, a large number of worms will also be a cause. You can't help in this situation manually. An enema will only increase the contents.
The lumen in the intestine does not open. The fecal mass puts pressure on it, the mucous membranes are damaged, and organ rupture may occur.
Causes
The most important thing lies in the fact that the owner feeds his ward incorrectly. Gives him bones, tubular, boiled. The stomach simply cannot process such contents.
You should not treat yourself to fiber, which is also poorly absorbed. Do not give broth or overfeed the animal. Dry food can lead to constipation. Therefore, you need to select it carefully.
Its occurrence can be attributed to the symptoms of diseases in which internal organs suffer:
- paraanal glands;
- prostate;
- neurology;
- orthopedics;
- rectum;
- anus;
- crotch;
- pancreas;
- intestines;
- liver;
- kidneys
To establish the real reason, pay attention to your appetite, how much water you consume, whether you vomit, and how the urination process occurs. Diet and the age of the dog also play a role.
During an external examination, a veterinarian can already identify some diseases that prevent defecation. If the visual does not allow you to find out, research is prescribed.
The abdominal cavity is x-rayed and a blood test is taken. In some cases, a contrast agent - barium sulfate is used to determine intestinal patency, ultrasound.
Treatment
Vaseline oil is used for therapeutic purposes. Drugs, for example, Duphalac. The best remedy Enema for constipation in dogs.
There is no need to explain how to give a mug to your pet. It frees the intestines from stool that has hardened. If multiple bones are present, they are removed under general anesthesia.
When constipation is accompanied by vomiting and the dog has no appetite, infusion therapy is used and drips are placed. To avoid dehydration. In a very sad case, part of the large intestine with the contents inside will be removed.
For older dogs that often suffer from constipation, add fresh herbs and kefir to their main diet. Do not serve bones under any circumstances.
First aid at home
Before the veterinarian arrives, you should not give laxatives, other drugs, or tablets. How to help yourself? Meat, broth, cheese, eggs, rice, corn, and spoiled foods are excluded from the diet.
Give warm, liquid food in small portions. Buckwheat in water, vegetable stew, sea fish, yogurt, kefir, raw beets, plums are perfect for feeding.
Use canned food for a puppy; for sick dogs, light food. For constipation, use yogurt, cabbage juice, pumpkin infusion, flaxseed.
If you still don’t know how to do an enema, then we’ll briefly tell you. Vaseline and warm oil can be injected into the rectum. Slow movements, without effort.
When you notice that the oil has stopped flowing, it is better to stop. This indicates obstruction. Before the procedure, place your pet in a bathtub or basin.
If the dog is large, up to 20 kilograms, you need half a glass of Vaseline. For a Yorkshire Terrier, 2 spoons are enough. If this procedure bothers you, or if you have no experience, then turn to professionals.
Before the enema, you can give your pet Vaseline oil inside. Just fill the syringe, carefully insert into the oral cavity, behind the cheek. A teaspoon is enough for a Yorkie, two tablespoons is enough for medium and large ones.
The body will not absorb Vaseline oil, so you don’t have to worry about an overdose, it will still come out where it’s supposed to. A constipated dog needs to be walked frequently.
When walking, the intestines will begin to work. Follow this regimen for a couple of days. If there is no positive effect, call a doctor. Constipation is no joke; it can lead to serious problems.
Prevention
Pay attention to how often your dog visits the toilet. Puppies walk five times, their metabolism is accelerated.
Old pets only once every three or two days. Adults once a day.
Feces should be smooth, shiny, and evenly colored. Has this situation ever happened to your pet?
Constipation in dogs is a common phenomenon that is far from harmless. If this alarm signal is left unattended, it can cause intestinal rupture, serious damage to internal organs and systems, intoxication or death. U healthy dog bowel movements occur at least twice a day. A caring owner should know what measures to take if the pet experiences discomfort and how to avoid this problem in the future.
Causes of the problem
The presence of constipation in a dog cannot be called a separate disease; most likely, it is a sign of concomitant physiological pathologies. There are a number of reasons that are associated with disorders of organs and systems:
- Diseases of the liver, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.
- Worms.
- A tumor in the anus or intestines.
- Diseases of the nervous system with accompanying paralysis.
- Volvulus.
- Inflammation or swelling of the prostate.
- Dysbacteriosis.
Severe discomfort in the intestinal area can occur due to disturbances in food quality or intestinal motility:
Intestinal blockages in dogs can be caused by foreign objects in the intestines. In this case, the animal may swallow the bag or wrapper from chocolate candy, which will lead to a lack of stool. Constipation in a dog chihuahua breed or toy terrier often occurs after bones; the owner does not always know what to do in this case. And the small intestines of a Yorkshire Terrier or Spitz can become clogged due to rolled hair that gets into the stomach during licking. A common cause of intestinal blockage is taking medications with the wrong dosage.
Symptoms
To identify the problem, you need to observe your pet for several days. In puppies, bowel movements occur up to 5 times a day, and in adult dogs - 2 times. The exception is giant breeds, which go to the toilet once every 2 days. If there is no bowel movement, the following symptoms will help identify why your dog is constipated:
Constipation in dogs, the symptoms of which may not appear immediately, causes severe discomfort for the dog. When a puppy is constipated, the symptoms manifest themselves in the same way, and the pet may behave restlessly and whine not only during bowel movements, but also at home.
The presence of vomiting in a puppy or adult dog is one of the signs of complete blockage of the intestines and its obstruction. In this case, the dog must be treated urgently. If this symptom is present, then the animal should be immediately taken to a veterinarian for emergency care!
First aid at home
One of effective means is enema using Vaseline oil . Slightly warmed oil is injected into the intestine using a syringe. The procedure can be continued only if nothing interferes with the movement of the oil. If you have to make some effort, then the procedure should be stopped, because the reason may be intestinal obstruction.
Instead of an enema, you can give Vaseline oil inside. Add 1 to 4 tbsp to food. l vegetable or petroleum jelly depending on the weight of the pet. If your Yorkie, Toy Terrier or Chihuahua is constipated, use 1 - 2 tbsp. l oil. For dachshunds, pugs and Pekingese, the dosage may be 2 - 3 tbsp. l. If larger breeds need an enema, you can give 3 - 4 tbsp. l oil.
If a puppy is constipated, then his mother will be able to understand what to do. But there are situations when a puppy is the only animal in the house. At the first problems with stool, it is worth reducing the amount of food consumed at one time. If the puppy has partially excreted feces, half a teaspoon of petroleum jelly will help stimulate this process. After this, you should give the puppy a tummy massage. The laxative can be used no more than 2 times a week, for both puppies and adult dogs. An enema can be done only if constipation is not associated with diseases of the internal organs.
Treatment methods
If stool is present in a small amount, then medications will help cope with the situation. Among them are Duphalac, Lactusan and Sodium Picosulfate. These remedies can normalize intestinal function. If there is no bowel movement completely, You should not feed your animal medications on your own.. At a veterinarian's appointment, foreign objects may be found in the intestines. Then medications can only do harm. If a dog is constipated after bones, then only a veterinarian can tell you what to do in this case. If bones or other objects are present, the veterinary clinic will order an x-ray. Most likely, your pet will need surgery.
If there are no organ diseases, the puppy or adult pet will be given an enema and prescribed a laxative. To relieve spasms, use no-shpa, baralgin or novocaine blockade. After the symptoms are completely relieved, the dog is prescribed Anuzol suppositories and given products with lactulose. In this case, the doctor will advise you to adhere to proper diet. To improve intestinal function, your dog should eat the following foods:
It is necessary to exclude fatty foods from the diet, whole milk and baked goods. If problems with bowel movements are regular, then you should not give your dog a lot of boiled meat. Doctors also recommend completely eliminating dry food from the diet and switching to natural nutrition. If breeds such as Yorkies, Chihuahuas or Spitz are prone to constipation, you should refrain from feeding bones - this can be life-threatening!
Prevention
To prevent the recurrence of fecal stagnation, you must follow simple recommendations. They will help you prevent constipation in your pet and save him from suffering.
- Proper nutrition. It is worth providing the dog with constant access to water, including fresh and boiled vegetables, bran and cabbage in the diet. carrot juice. If the animal eats dry food, it should contain more than 12% fiber.
- Active lifestyle. It is necessary to allow the animal to be on daily fresh air at least two hours a day.
- Eliminate bones from your diet. Instead, sinew bones, which can be purchased at a pet store, work well.
- Anthelmintic prophylaxis monthly.
- Add to food daily on 1 tbsp. l vegetable oil. This will help prevent constipation.
If your dog has constipation, this may indicate existing problems in care, nutrition or maintenance. You should carefully monitor your animal in order to prevent the development of complications in time.
Attention, TODAY only!
Every dog owner at least once in his life has encountered such a problem with his pet as the absence or difficulty of defecation. Older animals are most often susceptible to this phenomenon. What is constipation in a dog, and what to do at home to help the animal in this situation?
Symptoms
A healthy dog goes to the toilet “in a big way” at least 1-2 times a day. The owner should be alerted to a decrease in the number of bowel movements or their absence - not even once in 3 days. However, there is no need to sound the alarm ahead of time. The number of bowel movements depends largely on age, physiological characteristics, the size of the animal.
If your four-legged pet is alert, playful and cheerful, eats well, and its feces have a uniform consistency, then there is no reason to worry. It’s a completely different matter if, on a walk, you notice how the dog tries, but cannot go to the toilet, strains and at the same time whines and squeals. This means he is constipated.
Other symptoms of constipation:
- the consistency of stool is hard and dry;
- feces have irregular shape, their number is very small;
- there are hairballs in the stool;
- the abdomen is hard, swollen (due to the accumulation of gases), painful on palpation;
- lack of appetite due to intestinal obstruction;
- increased thirst;
- vomit;
- feverish condition;
- malaise, apathy, decreased activity.
In advanced cases, the feces contain blood, undigested food, and an unpleasant putrid odor is felt.
Causes
Stagnation in the intestines can occur for many reasons, including due to dangerous pathologies developed in the body. Constipation as one of the obvious symptoms can be caused by the following diseases:
- liver or kidney dysfunction;
- inflammation of the pancreas;
- orthopedic problems;
- neurological diseases;
- oncology or neoplasms in the intestines, anus;
- prostate enlargement, prostatitis, practitis;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, flatulence, chemostasis, coprostasis).
Constipation in a dog can occur not only due to health problems, but also due to external factors:
- poor nutrition (lack of fiber in food, predominance of dry food in the diet, consumption of fatty foods and hard tubular bones);
- foreign objects entering the stomach;
- overeating or undereating;
- lack of water in the bowl;
- long-term use of medications.
Whatever the reason for the difficult passage of feces, this problem requires immediate resolution so that the pet does not experience serious health complications - intoxication of the body, critical internal injuries to the intestines (up to rupture), stress on the heart. If a dog does not go to the toilet “in a big way” for more than a week, there is a high probability of death.
How to treat
The cause of difficult fecal passage is determined by the doctor based on an examination of the animal, an x-ray of the peritoneum, general analysis blood, ultrasound. The age of the dog, its lifestyle, feeding regimen and diet must be taken into account. After diagnosis and exclusion of others possible reasons that cause constipation, treatment of the underlying disease is prescribed.
If a dog becomes constipated after eating bones and the intestines are clogged with fragments, surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Surgical intervention is also necessary for chymostasis, suspected volvulus, since conservative treatment does not produce results.
For constipation, accompanied by excessive vomiting and lack of appetite, droppers are recommended, with the help of which the body receives protection from dehydration.
It is recommended to take medications containing lactulose (Lactusan, Livolak, Duphalac), which help soften stool.
In severe cases caused by constipation, amputation of part of the large intestine along with the masses of feces filling it is carried out.
First aid
How to help your dog with constipation at home? If constipation is not associated with pathology, the pet feels satisfactory, the feces are partially passed out - the pet can be cured on its own.
Vaseline oil, which is given orally, has proven itself to be effective for intestinal problems. To do this, Vaseline oil is warmed to room temperature and injected into the dog’s cheeks with a syringe without a needle. For puppies, half a teaspoon is enough, for representatives of miniature breeds - 1 tsp, for medium-sized dogs - 1 tbsp. l., large dogs- 2-3 tablespoons. It is recommended to give twice a day until the animal goes to the toilet normally.
Vaseline oil leaves the body naturally, so even if you accidentally overdose, there is no need to worry. Instead of Vaseline oil, you can give your dog flaxseed oil.
An excellent way to help a dog defecate is an enema, which ensures effective removal of feces (up to 100%). This should be done if the dog has not gone to the toilet for more than 2 days. A contraindication to this procedure is the presence of a serious illness or pathological neoplasms in the intestines. In such cases, an enema will do more harm than good.
To perform an enema, you will need warm water, saline solution or decoction. medicinal herbs, for example, chamomile. For best effect Warm Vaseline oil is added to the enema.
It is advisable to ask someone to help you, especially if the dog is very large: one person holds the animal, the second inserts the bulb into the rectum. This should be done carefully and slowly. After administering the solution, the anus is pinched with your fingers for two minutes to soften the feces. If the solution immediately flows out and does not go away, it is not advisable to continue the procedure - this may indicate intestinal obstruction.
For hygiene purposes, the procedure is carried out with rubber gloves; the most suitable place for this is the bath.
To treat poor bowel movements, dietary adjustments are necessary. The diet should not contain:
- rice, beans, corn;
- rich broths;
- cheeses;
- muscle meat;
- dry food;
- bones;
- fatty food;
- whole milk;
- fresh bakery.
Food is given in small portions in warm and liquid form. It is unacceptable to overfeed the dog. Olive (or other vegetable) oil, added 1-2 drops to food, will help improve intestinal motility.
Improves bowel function:
- porridge with water or milk:
- fresh or stewed vegetables (carrots, beets, pumpkin);
- boiled sea fish fillet;
- dairy products without additives;
- cabbage juice;
- fresh plums or prunes (no more than 2 pieces).
If you are constipated after surgery
Disturbances in bowel movement after surgery in dogs are not uncommon. If an animal develops symptoms of constipation during the postoperative period, consultation with the attending physician is necessary. otherwise the pet may undergo further surgery.
The causes of such constipation are usually antibiotics and other medications that are used to treat the dog for a speedy recovery.
In the first days after surgery, the animal must go on a diet. He needs to be fed with liquid broths, fermented milk products, kefir with added bran, porridge, minced meat, and light foods should be gradually introduced into the menu. Dry food is excluded.
