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Constipation

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Post by Eleanor Fri Feb 07, 2014 2:04 pm

Constipation is a very common condition in dogs. It is the term used to describe bowel movements which are infrequent and/or difficult to pass and it occurs when faecal matter remains in the bowel for too long, causing it to become dry and hard as moisture is absorbed into the colon. Whilst most healthy dogs will have anywhere from one to three bowel movements per day (may vary depending on the individual dog and its diet), a constipated dog may have more difficulty passing stools and may defecate less frequently.

Symptoms of constipation:


  • Difficulty passing stools


  • Straining


  • Squatting for longer periods of time than is usual for your dog


  • Attempting to pass a movement, while nothing is produced


  • Passed stools are hard and dry


  • Small amounts of bright red blood may be present, indicating that the hard stool has caused a minor abrasion/scratch in the lower intestinal tract


  • Bloating to the abdomen


  • Stools passed may be smaller and darker than usual


  • If the condition is left for too long without treatment (veterinary advice should be sought if the dog is constipated for more than three days), the dog may become lethargic, lose its appetite and begin to vomit



Please note: if your dog is passing several small, bloody, mucous stools, this may be indicative of colitis.

Causes of constipation:


  • Mild dehydration


  • Foreign materials ingested (including small bone pieces, grass, fabric, hair, leaves, etc.)


  • Some prescribed drugs


  • Holding in faeces for too long (common in dogs crated for long periods of time or not let out regularly to relieve themselves)


  • Not enough fibre in the diet


To help prevent constipation, ensure that your dog has access to clean, fresh water all of the time in an easily accessible place. Also make sure that your dog is able to go outside regularly to relieve himself, preferably in the morning and mid-afternoon/evening. For some dogs, the problem may be solved by adding more fibre to their diet. During times of stress, where a dog may withhold its faeces, a mild laxative may be given (contact your vet for more information). Pumpkin may be used as a natural laxative.

Constipation is a very common symptom of other illnesses, so it is always advisable to contact your vet if your dog is constipated for more than two or three days or if there is blood present in the stools.

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Eleanor
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Post by LyndaW Fri Feb 07, 2014 7:31 pm

Excellent advice.
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Post by Eleanor Fri Feb 07, 2014 7:31 pm

Thank you! happy
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Post by Lynne Fri Feb 07, 2014 7:36 pm

Great advise but maybe Ella should add something for raw fed dogs, cause it means that they are getting too much bone in there diet xx
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Post by Eleanor Fri Feb 07, 2014 7:37 pm

Yeah, if Ella's okay with that, that'd be great! happy
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Post by Lynne Fri Feb 07, 2014 7:40 pm

Cause if billy is constipated I give him more meat and if its loose he gets more bone xx
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