Prevention And Possible Complications Of Dog Constipation
As with any condition, prevention is the best medicine. If you are diligent in caring for your dog,
the odds of health related issues are greatly decreased. This is also true in respect to constipation,
and there are several things that you can do to help prevent this condition.
Four Simple Ways To Prevent Dog Constipation
1. Exercise
Dogs that have a sedentary lifestyle are much more likely to suffer from constipation. Exercise is important
for overall health, and can be a large part of preventing your dog from becoming constipated. When your
dog leads an active life, waste is able to move more freely through the bowels.
Exercise has also been proven to improve digestion, as well as promote thorough expulsion of waste.
When it comes down to it, there is no excuse to not exercise your dog! Exercising your dog is also a
great way to bond with your pet, and can help you to become healthier as well.
2. High Fiber Diet
A very important preventive measure against constipation is being sure that your dog has an adequate
supply of fiber in their diet.
Fiber is a very important supplement for proper digestion, as it can absorb water and help your dog's stools be easier to pass. It can also help your dog to maintain a healthy weight, by preventing overeating.However, too much fiber can cause diarrhea, as well as preventing in the absorption of some vitamins and minerals. A healthy dog should consume between 2.5-4.5% of their diet in fiber. More fiber can be added temporarily if your dog seems to be suffering from constipation, but this should be used mainly as a preventive measure.
3. Adequate Hydration
Although drinking an excess of water will not cure constipation, the cause of some cases of constipation is dehydration. This is because the colon absorbs a set amount of water before waste is processed in the intestines. If there is not enough water to supplement the colon, the stool becomes hard and dry.
Your dog will instinctively know how much water they require, so be sure to always have fresh water available. It's recommended to change your dog's water once per day.Dogs are very messy when they drink, and can splash a lot of their water out of the bowl. If you have a particularly enthusiastic dog, it may be better to supply your dog's water supply in a shallow bucket, to minimize splashing.
4. Low-Grain Pet Food
Your dog's digestive system is designed for a high-nutrient, high protein diet. Recent studies have suggested that a high grain diet is not easily processed by a canine digestive system. A meat-and-vegetable approach to dog food has been growing in popularity, with many companies offering grain-free or low-carb dog food. This can be a good preventive measure, as better digestion of food will lower the chances of your dog becoming constipated.
Complications Of Dog Constipation
If left untreated, constipation can develop into some very serious conditions. Without proper care, these conditions can result in severe sickness and death.
1. Obstipation
Obstipation refers to a severe case of constipation in which the blockage is so advanced that neither stools or gas are allowed to pass through the intestines. This is also called “intractable constipation”, and often needs veterinary treatment.
2. Megacolon
This is an advanced constipation condition that occurs when the colon becomes abnormally dialed. The stools congeal into hard, dry masses inside the intestines, preventing any passage of materials. The congealed stools are called "fecalomas", which also means "fecal tumors".
Since it is almost always impossible for a dog to pass the fecalomas, surgery is usually required. Complications from surgery can arise, since it is difficult to properly heal the gut walls after incision. Recovery in a post-megacolon surgery can be lengthy, expensive, and painful for your dog.
Next article: Home Remedies For Constipated Dogs