Constipation in Dogs
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
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We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
Constipation refers to a condition where a dog’s bowel movements are infrequent or absent altogether.
Constipation is one of the most common health issues among dogs.
The typical signs are hard, dry stools and straining when a dog is trying to relieve himself. Mucus might even be present.
Types Of Constipation In Dogs
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#1 – Intraluminal
Blockages in the colon such as inflammation or abnormal growth.
#2 – Extraluminal
Blockages outside the colon such as pelvic fractures or tumors.
#3 – Intrinsic
Diseases, nerve injuries and hormonal diseases that affect the digestive system.
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Symptoms
- Hard, dry stools
- Straining while trying to relieve self
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Difficulty urinating
- Tense, painful abdomen when touching their stomach or lower back.
If your dog doesn’t produce a bowel movement for more than two days, you should take your dog to the vet.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
What Causes Dog Constipation?
For a simple case of constipation, dehydration or a poor diet is usually the culprit.
But, there are many other factors that can cause constipation:
- Too little fiber in the dog’s diet
- Age- older dogs tend to be more constipated
- Abscessed or blocked anal sacs
- To little exercise
- Enlarged prostate gland
- Too much hair in the stool as a result of excessive grooming
- Ingested foreign items such as bones, plants, gravel that are blocking the intestinal tract
- Medication side effects
- Tumor or mass on rectum or anus which causes an obstruction
- Trauma to the pelvis
- Joint issues that make it harder for the dog to relieve himself
- Neurologic issues
- Dehydration from diet or another sickness, illness.
- Dehydration due to other illness
- Drugs, including antihistamines, some antacids, certain cancer drugs
- Metabolic diseases such as hypo or hyperthyroidism
How To Treat Constipation In Dogs
The treatment depends on what is causing constipation.
In most cases, which is due to poor diet or eating a foreign substance, the following can help:
- Pumpkin: Pumpkin has been known to fix both diarrhea and constipation in dogs. The high fiber and moisture are a great combination for either ailment and dogs generally love the taste. A teaspoon a day can really help get things moving.
- Canned Dog Food: The extra moisture and water in canned food can help regulate the system.
- Powdered Fiber Supplements: Fiber keeps more water in the stool, making it easier to pass.
- Food and Herbs: Ginger, powdered psyllium seeds, wheat bran, and olive oil, might help.
- Water and Hydration: It’s very important for your dog to drink water and have easy access to it.
- Exercise: A minimum of 15 to 30 minutes a day is recommended.
However, if none of the above helps your dog or if your dog has not relieved himself in two days, you should take your dog to the vet.
Your vet might recommend the following:
- A laxative or stool softener.
- Medication to increase the strength of the large intestine.
- A prescribed high-fiber diet.
- An Enema
Pet insurance plans generally cover the cost of prescription medications, while some plans even cover part of the cost of a prescription diet.
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What To Look For
When you visit the vet, it is important to have as much information as possible, including:
- The last time your dog eliminated properly
- The color and consistency of the stool
- Any changes in your dog’s diet or routine
- Any objects or non-food items you think your dog might have eaten.
- Non-food items the dog may have eaten (even kitty litter or a bone)
- Pain or strain when trying to eliminate
- Any drugs or prescriptions your dog is taking
- Any injuries notes
- Any other sign of discomfort or stress such as lethargy, a bloated appearance or vomiting.
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the vet exam may include the following:
- Rectal Exam
- X-rays of the abdominal area
- Abdominal palpation
- Enema
- Colonoscopy or ultrasound
- Neurological exam
- Blood Work
- Veterinary Treatment and prevention
In serious cases, some of the medical procedures that could be necessary:
- A prescribed drug to help the colon to function properly.
- Feces will have to be removed
In some very serious cases, surgery might be needed. One procedure, a colectomy, is when parts of the dog’s colon are removed.
Pet insurance plans generally cover the cost of prescription medications, while some plans, like Embrace, even cover part of the cost of a prescription diet.
Yet, another reason to enroll in pet insurance.
Dogs More Susceptible To Constipation
But, of course, the condition can happen to any dog of any age.
If your dog’s constipation isn’t cured, it can lead to obstipation.
This happens when the colon can’t empty on its own.
This can lead to a build-up of feces which will lead to straining, appetite loss, vomiting, and lethargy.
Chronic constipation can be a contributor to this disorder.
Prevention
For most dogs, constipation will be an infrequent problem and easily regulated.
Again, if your dog is unable to produce a regular bowel movement for more than two days, make sure to see your veterinarian.
Return to the Dog Health Problems glossary.
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Dr. Pippa Elliott is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. She provides insights into pet health, particularly in the context of pet insurance.
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Pet Insurance U receives compensation from third parties listed on the site, including payments for clicks to insurance providers’ sites and generated quote requests. The compensation enables the site to remain free and regularly updated.
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What is the purpose of the provided content on Constipation in Dogs?
The content provides information on constipation in dogs, including causes, symptoms, types, and treatments. It also emphasizes the importance of pet insurance coverage for veterinary expenses related to pet health issues.
How can pet insurance help with the cost of treating constipation in dogs?
Pet insurance plans generally cover the cost of prescription medications, and some plans may even cover part of the cost of a prescription diet, aiding in the treatment of constipation in dogs.
What should dog owners look for when visiting the vet for constipation issues?
When visiting the vet for constipation issues, it is important to provide as much information as possible, including the dog’s symptoms, behavior, and any relevant details. The vet may conduct an examination based on the severity of the symptoms.
What are some serious medical procedures that may be necessary for severe cases of constipation in dogs?
In severe cases, medical procedures such as a colectomy (removing parts of the dog’s colon) might be necessary. Pet insurance plans can cover the cost of prescription medications and, in some cases, contribute to the cost of a prescription diet.
Can constipation lead to more serious disorders in dogs?
Yes, chronic constipation can lead to disorders like obstipation, where the colon can’t empty on its own. This can result in a build-up of feces, leading to straining, appetite loss, vomiting, and lethargy.
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.