Constipation in Dogs Guide
While constipation is commonly thought of as a problem that only humans suffer from, any animal can suffer from it, including dogs. Domesticated dogs are more susceptible to constipation than their wild ancestors, because they are dependent on their owners for food and water.
The type of foods which the owner feeds its dog, as well as the amount of water the dog drinks, will play a role in whether or not the dog gets constipation. This problem rarely happens in the wild, since dogs are responsible for their own diet, and will drink the necessary water and consume the right foods.
If you notice that your dog struggles while trying to defecate, or is only passing a small amount of feces from its body, this is a sign that the dog is likely constipated. If you see these signs, the first thing you will need to do is contact your veterinarian. The vet will run a diagnostic on your dog to determine the cause of the dog being constipated, and how to treat it.
If the dog is taking any medications which would cause it to be constipated, the vet may recommend that you stop giving them to the dog. The veterinarian will also recommend that you add certain foods to the dogs diet such as pumpkin. Depending on the dog's level of constipation, it may be necessary to keep the dog in the hospital and perform an enema. It may also be necessary to remove the compacted feces manually.
If you are at home with your dog, you can use laxatives to help it, but these should only be laxatives which are approved by your vet. Overall, it is best to avoid allowing your dog to become constipated, because if it does, it is the fault of the owner rather than the dog.
By giving the dog sufficient water and exercise, as well as a variety of fiber rich food, your dog should be healthy and constipation free. Having to take your dog to a vet to deal with this issue should be unnecessary if you take preventive measures to avoid the problem before it is manifested.
Constipation Tip #1
Watch your Diet. Constipation is often caused by people's diets. This is not to say you must eat healthy all the time, but instead to make sure you are getting plenty of water into your body as well as eating fruit and green vegetables to help clean out your insides.
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Constipation Tip #2
Don't Forget about the Fiber. The human body needs the fiber that comes from grain products to help digest and allow your body to have natural bowel movements. Often time's constipation is caused by a lack of fiber in the body. Fiber pills or powder can be taken as a supplement if needed.
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ConstipationTip #3
If you are having trouble going number 2, then you can try some basic stretching to loosen up the bowels. First you can twist side to side, this triggers the energy points in your intestines and will get things moving. Next you can squat down for a few minutes to stretch out your colon and help get things moving. Sounds funny, but it works.
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