The Five Main Symptoms Of Dog Constipation
1. Trouble With Bowel Movements
Probably the first sign that will let you know that your dog is suffering from constipation
is difficulty with bowel movements. A constipated dog may strain while going to the bathroom,
and stay in the “pooping position” (both back legs are bent, with the rear close to the ground)
for a significant amount of time. It will be very evident to you that your dog is having difficulty,
as this will be a painful experience for them.
Your dog may whine, shuffle in circles, and repeatedly try to go to the bathroom with limited
success. If your living situation requires that you always take your dog on supervised bathroom
visits, you may be able to identify constipation in your dog in its early stages.
2. Condition Of Bowels
If your dog does succeed in making a bowel movement, the resulting product will be small,
hard, and dry, sometimes including visible pieces of undigested food.
Constipated dogs will not be able to make normal bowel movements, and may even excrete a watery substance that can be mistaken for diarrhea.This is because fecal material may occasionally "leak" around the waste matter that is causing the blockage, resulting in a liquid excretion. If your dog's bowels are covered in mucus, have a black coloration, or are streaked with blood, this may be a sign of an infection, and must be treated differently than constipation. If you have any doubt, be sure to take your dog to a veterinarian immediately.
3. Refusal Of Food
Constipated dogs will be feeling heavy and bloated, which means that they will most likely start refusing food. Dogs with mild constipation may still eat at mealtimes, though not consume as much as they normally would. Once there is significant blockage in your dog's large intestine, they may become lethargic, with visible temperament changes. Many pet owners mistake this for a temperament problem, and do not factor in that their dog may simply be suffering from constipation.
4. Difficulty Walking
Because constipated dogs experience significant backup of waste matter in the intestines, normal activities may become uncomfortable for them.
Your dog may exhibit a lack of energy for exercise, as well as decreased participation in any activities involving excessive movement.In addition to this, a constipated dog may walk with minimal movement in the back legs, or with an arched back. These are telltale signs that something is wrong, and you should attend to your dog immediately.
5. Excessive Whining
This may or may not be a defining sign of constipation in your dog, but it should definitely not be ignored. Your dog depends on you for care, and will most likely try to get your attention that something is wrong. If your dog is whining constantly, it may be because of discomfort. Many pet owners attribute whining with temperament issues, which is not the case. A constipated dog will be uncomfortable, and will probably let you know.
Next article: Prevention Of Constipation In Dogs