Dog Constipation
Just like humans, dogs can become constipated. It may seem like a relatively mild condition, but if left untreated, constipation in dogs can lead to much more serious health problems. Veterinarians have been researching remedies for canine constipation for several years, and have made some useful advances in treating this condition. There are many identified causes of constipation in dogs, most of which are able to be treated by good lifestyle habits and attentive health care.
Constipation is a condition that can be defined by a visible difficulty in your dog's bowel movements.If you have a dog that lives primarily indoors, and requires supervised bathroom visits outside, you will be able to identify this condition almost immediately after its onset.
If you have a dog that spends a lot of time outdoors, you may not recognize this condition for quite some time. As a responsible pet owner, it is your duty to keep constant watch over your pet's health and well-being. Be sure to pay attention to any changes in your pet's attitude or behavior, as these may be symptoms of existing health problems.
A constipated dog will be very uncomfortable, and will most likely let you
know. Early identification signs are very important for discovering if your dog is suffering
from constipation. Most dogs are intelligent enough to give their owners some visible clues
that something is wrong.Possible behavioral signs of constipation in your dog include excessive whining, difficulty walking, and refusal of food. Even though some people may see it as a minor problem, constipation in dogs can lead to hemorrhoids (swollen veins in your dog's rectal area) as well as many other problems. This can be very painful for your pet, and make treatment of this condition much more difficult.
Constipation is usually 100% preventable. Many of the known causes of constipation are due to an inadequate dietary intake of liquids, fiber, or dysfunctional digestive enzymes.The main cause of constipation is when too much water is absorbed by the large intestine to be recycled into the bloodstream.
However, this does not necessarily mean that drinking an excess of water will prevent your dog from being constipated. This is a very common misconception, as many people think that constipation is directly related to low water intake.
Most dogs will have normal bowel movements when adequately hydrated, and drinking too much water will not make any difference. Though being dehydrated can lead to constipation, the best preventive measure against this condition is to feed your dog a high-quality dog food. Over-processed dog foods are difficult for your dog to digest, and can be very hard on your dog's digestive system. A high-nutrient, high-fiber diet, combined with a regular exercise routine, is the best way to ensure that your dog remains constipation-free.
Do not feed your dog commercial laxatives! Human medicine is not designed to be used on pets, unless specifically directed to do so by a veterinarian. Doing so may result in much more serious problems for your pet. Constipation is a health problem that can be easily prevented, and there are many treatment options available for dogs with this condition.
Next article: What Causes Constipation In Dogs?