What Causes Constipation In Dogs?

Dog owners may not realize that their dog can suffer from constipation. Surprisingly dogs suffer from many of the same ailments humans do like an upset stomach, headaches, and serious illnesses like cancer. Dogs can be treated for ailments just like a human would, but pet owners need to understand the best course of action. While many have experienced doggy diarrhea, you should be aware of symptoms of constipation. How can you tell if your dog is suffering from constipation and what should you do about it? Understanding the cause of constipation is the best place to start.

Causes of Constipation in Dogs

Many times the root cause of constipation in dogs is a lack of fiber in their diet. The other root cause is inadequate water consumption. These are less serious reasons and are easy to fix.

There are three categories that will case constipation including:

· Intermluminal causes by consuming an item that can't be digested or obstruction inside the colon

 Intrinsic causes due to diseases such as hypothyroidism, hypercalcemia, pelvic injury, or lumbar nerve injury

· Extraluminal causes including tumors in the pelvic cavity or a narrowed pelvis from a fracture

Along with being dehydrated and lacking fiber, dogs can get constipation from a lack of exercise and swallowing a toy, rock, or piece of cloth. Sometimes it's simply caused by a tumor, a neuromuscular disorder, the effects of a surgery, or by medicine like iron supplements. Sometimes it can be environmentally caused by stress when changing routine or surroundings.

How to Know if your Dog is Constipated?

Your dog can be constipated whether he is having a hard time pooping or he isn't going at all. Sometimes, the feces can stay in the colon too long, and the moisture is absorbed making the stool dry. This makes it more difficult to pass due to its hard, dryness.

Although it may seem gross, it's important to watch your dog's elimination habits. You should be aware of:

· Smell

· Color

· Quantity

· Texture

· Presence of blood or mucus

· Quantity of urine

This is the first sign of a health problem in your dog so it's important to be aware of their bathroom breaks. For those that let their dog out into their backyard should at least keep an eye on the area regularly to see if anything unusual took place.

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