How to Handle Dogs Constipation


Constipation is caused more frequently than not by hardening of the stool. There are only rare cases where defecation is inhibited despite a soft stool consistency.

Symptoms

The dog eliminates little or no formed stool.

The elimination may be accompanied by whining because of painful straining.

The animal attempts to defecate repeatedly, but unsuccessfully.

Dogs Constipation

If left untreated, the condition can last for days.

Once in a while there may be evidence of a few drops of thin stool, either foamy or mixed with blood. This must not be mistaken for diarrhea!

The abdomen could appear ballooned and very hard to the touch due to the constipated intestines Also, the anus might develop inflammatory signs from the irritation of the straining and from the elimination of hard pieces of stool.

Without treatment the animal will turn weak and lethargic, and vomiting may set in. The intestinal mucosal lining dehydrates, and the normally eliminated metabolic byproducts remain in the body. When they accumulate for too long, a type of self-poisoning occurs This can lead to peritonitis and to death!

Causes

Most frequently constipation is caused by dietary mistakes such as too much bone and too little fiber or too much dry food with too little water intake.

A lack of exercise may also be the cause. Running stimulates the digestion.

Other causes of constipation are painful anal conditions overmedication, and disorders of the digestive secretary functions.

There are, also, mechanical causes, such as foreign bodies intestinal occlusions tumors dirverticulosis paralysis, or perforations.

In the dachshund breed, specific paralysis may be accompanied by constipation. The same may occur in other breeds where orthopedic problems of the pelvic region create an unfavorable condition for the intestine.

Self-Help

Important: If your dog tends to have hard stools, do not feed it bones raw meats, or organ meats.

If the food you have been feeding your dog contains rice, reduce the rice because it enhances constipation. Prepare the food more like a thick soup, and add some bran and thistle oil. You should also increase the dog’s outdoor activities.

  • Home Remedies

In order to reactivate the digestive processes, administer Nux vomica-Hcc drops, Rumisal drops, or Heel ax-pills.  For suggested dosages see the inside front cover.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

Get help if the stool does not return to normal after one day, when the animal appears lethargic, or when a loss of appetite or vomiting becomes part of the symptoms The latter may indicate an intestinal occlusion.

You also need to consult a professional if you are sure that the constipation is not caused by dietary factors, such as bones or too much dry food.

If in addition to constipation the animals shows signs of difficulties in getting up or walking, take your dog to a veterinarian trained in holistic techniques immediately.

Dogs Constipation

What to Expect

Homeopathic single remedies will be employed to regulate the metabolic processes Nosode therapy will be used to detoxify the body. If a bone or joint problem is present, acupuncture will be useful.

You will be asked to assist in the recovery process by learning how to administer color therapy and acupressure at home.

If the cause of the problem turns out to be a foreign body, you will be referred to a veterinary dinic for surgical removal of the object.

Preventive and Convalescent Care

If you know that your dog tends to have hard stools, you should eliminate bones from its diet.

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Filed Under: Pets & Animals

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About the Author: Fred Goodson has a passion for pets and animals. He has 4 dogs and is planning to have another one. He is also a blogger who writes about pets and animals. Currently, he is living in New Jersey.

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