Canine Constipation Is Often Uncomfortable - What You Should Attempt To Ease Your Dog's Distress

It seems that humanity is being affected by an epidemic of poor health, so it should come as no great surprise that our dogs are as well. Just as in humans, canine constipation can be quite irritating and even painful, possibly creating other more serious issues, like intestinal blockages. While it is likely that canine constipation is caused by something threatening, it is more likely a poor diet, dehydration, or insufficient exercise. But nonetheless, treating dog constipation and making sure your dog can eliminate systematically is critical for a dog's overall health.

Routinely, constipation in humans or animals is cured with a laxative. Doctors warn, however, that over reliance on laxatives can lead to a number of other health difficulties, such as the inability to eliminate in the long run, as the body becomes accustomed to a laxative and won't eliminate properly without it.

In nature, most animals, including dogs, eat a diet high in protein. If they have an upset stomach, they are normally seen eating fiber, like grasses. Unfortunately, most usual commercial dog foods are low in protein and fiber plus high in wheat, corn, fillers and carbohydrates. Dogs in the wild do not eat human food, it's that simple. Domesticated dogs often have another bad habit, they will eat virtually anything, even items that we consider to be inedible!

Symptoms of canine constipation are usually easy to observe, if you pay attention. A dog will not be able to eliminate, though he may well continue to try. At some point, he will become overloaded and sluggish, less playful and less likely to eat. He could even become a little gassier, as the undigested food left in his intestine begins to ferment.

While controlling the condition is usually the smartest route through a good diet, plenty of water and exercise, when your dog is constipated, it will be time to consider more proactive actions. First, increase your dog's water intake. One solution I have personally used included a couple of cans of very high protein pet food with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. The effects were messy but very good. A change in diet to take more oil and protein is generally quite effective.

It is often good to give your dog a nice little belly rub. This shouldn't be anything too drastic. Don't rub too hard and always rub in a downwards direction, towards the tail. This might allow you ascertain such factors as a hardened stool, in which case a dog enema might be necessary. At any rate, making these changes should provide your dog with some comfort.

Again, handling canine constipation is essential. Prevention is clearly best, but should your best buddy be unable to eliminate, you will need to to handle the problem right away, usually with a change in diet and an increase in water and exercise. If these methods be insufficient, more intense methods might need to be applied, including a visit to the vet before the issue becomes more serious.

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