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A dog’s digestive system is a marvelous thing. It takes funny looking kibble or canned food and turns it into nutrients used for energy, growth, and overall health. It also efficiently packages all of the leftovers or unnecessaries and removes them from the body…most of the time. When a dog has trouble pooping or isn’t pooping as frequently as usual, it’s called constipation, an issue that can be very painful and turn serious if it isn’t treated. If your pup isn’t pooping normally, you may be wondering how to make a constipated dog poop quickly and we’re here to help!
Causes of Dog Constipation
The digestive tract is designed in such a way that pretty much everything that goes in must come out. Through a series of movements and the addition of digestive enzymes, food is taken from a whole down to particles that are either absorbed and used or removed. Anything affecting this process can cause constipation.
Ingestion
It’s no secret that dogs like to eat things they shouldn’t. Dogs eat poop, your slippers, and your kid’s homework, but some of those things that go in their mouth can’t be digested. Plastic, rocks, and fabric, to name a few, move through the digestive system relatively unchanged. When they reach the other end, depending on the size, they may not be able to easily pass through, keeping the feces behind it locked inside.
One such indigestible may be hair. Dogs with long hair or that groom excessively may end up with enough hair in their digestive tract that it binds things up, creating constipation.
Dehydration
The digestive tract, along with all other parts of the body, relies on water to function. Water is needed to moisten feces so that it moves through better. If a dog is dehydrated, feces in the colon can dry out to a point it is hard to pass.
Lack of exercise
The body likes movement, including the colon. Going for a brisk walk stimulates movement of the colon and other parts of the intestines, helping move feces through.
Medical conditions
Dogs with illnesses affecting the digestive tract, along with other areas of the body, may also experience constipation. This is one reason it’s so important to address constipation promptly to identify and treat any potential underlying medical conditions.
What Does a Constipated Dog Look Like?
The most obvious sign of constipation in dogs is lack of pooping, but it can be so much more than that. Constipation can simply be not pooping as much as usual or passing hard, dry pellets instead of moist, formed piles.
Constipation in dogs may also look like straining to defecate. A dog may posture and try their hardest but not have anything come out, or they may cry or whine due to the pain associated. Dogs may also be in pain when you touch their abdomen, or they may be grumpy in general due to discomfort.
Home Remedies for Constipation in Dogs
Constipation in dogs is never any fun, but the good news is i f your dog is straining to poop but otherwise seems okay, you might be able to help at home first. These remedies aim to support your dog's digestive system and encourage regular bowel movements.
Increase fiber
Fiber is one of the colon’s BFFs. Fiber adds bulk to feces that not only helps stimulate colonic movement but also helps draw in water, both of which can get things on the move. Good sources of fiber include plain canned pumpkin or dietary fiber supplements. Be sure to speak to your vet before giving any supplements to make sure you’re giving one that is safe and at a proper dose.
Increase hydration
Water is the colon’s other BFF. It’s important to keep a proper balance that allows feces to move but not too quickly. Increase your dog’s water intake by offering fresh water, feeding canned dog food, or even adding a little low-sodium chicken broth to their normal drinking water.
Increase movement
Again, the colon likes it when the body is going places, so taking your dog for a walk may be enough to get them looking for a potty spot.
When to see a Veterinarian with a Constipated Dog
A veterinary visit may be necessary when a dog is constipated, especially if they’re showing additional signs like vomiting, lethargy, or an enlarged, tight stomach. Dogs that are overly painful or passing blood should also see a veterinarian as well as dogs that aren’t eating.
If your pup isn’t showing any other signs but you haven’t seen a bowel movement in 48 hours, let your vet know. Generally speaking, the sooner the better as the longer feces stay in the colon, the harder and more shriveled it gets, making it more difficult and painful to remove.
How a Veterinarian Handles Constipation in Dogs
When your dog is constipated, your vet will start with an exam and get information from you. They’ll want to know what your dog is eating, when they last pooped and any other abnormalities that you can think of. They will check your pup up and down, potentially even doing a rectal exam to make sure there’s not something physically blocking progress.
They may also do some bloodwork and a urinalysis to rule out underlying health conditions. X-rays or an ultrasound may also be in order to cover all the diagnostic bases. You see, going through the process of evacuating feces from a dog isn’t a pleasant one—for your dog or the vet—so solving the cause is ideal so that you prevent recurrences.
Treatment for Dog Constipation
In order to get a dog cleaned out, an enema or a dog laxative may be used. Very severe cases may require manual removal of the feces through the anus or surgically.
If an underlying cause is found, it’s treated. This may include giving fluids for dehydration or treating illnesses. Foreign objects or large hunks of undigestible material may need surgical removal as well.
Repeat constipation offenders may do well on a low residue diet, which is highly digestible to create less waste and potentially fewer issues.
How to Prevent Constipation in Dogs
The best thing you can do to make sure your dog’s bowels are always on the move is to provide plenty of fresh, clean water and regular exercise. Exercise can also be an important way of preventing them from eating things they shouldn’t, which could block their system. Dogs frequently do this out of boredom, so tiring them out is key!
Feeding them a high-quality, balanced diet is also key to making sure they get what they need. Check in regularly with your veterinarian to make sure your dog’s health is on track and that all body parts are functioning as they should.
Pet Insurance for Dog Constipation
Constipation, while often manageable at home, can escalate into costly medical emergencies if left untreated. Blockages can require immediate veterinary intervention, including surgery, which can incur substantial expenses. Dog health insurance can help alleviate the financial burden during these stressful times.
Consider an optional add-on wellness plan to transform pet insurance into a comprehensive wellness program. Routine checkups, early detection of potential issues, and even grooming services can be covered. For long-haired breeds, regular grooming helps prevent hairballs, a common cause of digestive discomfort. By investing in preventive care, you can potentially avoid more serious and expensive health problems down the line.
That’s How You Handle a Constipated Dog
Constipation in dogs may seem like an icky situation, and it is for everyone involved. But it’s also one that needs your attention. If your dog is only experiencing mild signs, trying some at-home treatments may be all that is needed, but more serious cases will require veterinary attention before severe consequences occur.
Understanding dog constipation is just one of the many things dog owners need to know to ensure their pup is able to live a healthy and happy life.