Dog constipation can be caused by a number of things but can usually be prevented. Dogs suffering from constipation for a short time can be very uncomfortable. Extensive constipation can cause your dog to develop serious health problems from toxins building up in his body. This can lead to pain, loss of appetite and bloating.
Many things can cause dog constipation including a poor diet, not enough water or a foreign object such as a toy or piece of trash that has been swallowed. Lack of exercise may also contribute to constipation. A poor diet or a diet consisting of over processed foods with inadequate ingredients can also contribute to dog constipation.
If your dog is waiting an unusually long amount of time between bowel movements this can be one of the first signs of constipation. When walking your dog you may notice him straining and passing hard, small stool or straining and not being able to pass anything at all. This is a sure sign of dog constipation. He may pass stool that is accompanied by a small amount of blood, which is an indication of severe constipation. If you notice that your dog has not had a bowel movement in more than a few days and seems extremely fatigued, call your veterinarian as this may be a case of severe gastrointestinal problems.
There are ways to prevent dog constipation without bringing your dog to the veterinarian or dealing with messy, unsafe medicines. Keep clean, fresh water available to your dog at all times. Don’t leave food out; feed your dog twice daily but don’t allow him free choice. Having a break from eating will allow his food to digest easier. Also, feeding your dog a good quality dog food that has not been overly processed can help prevent dog constipation. Giving your dog a supplement each day can help keep him healthy and less likely to suffer from constipation. Supplements containing probiotics – which is friendly bacteria for intestinal health – can prevent constipation and be good for overall bowel health.
A natural supplement like Proud Dog Complete Wellness that contains probiotics, along with other important vitamins, minerals and other ingredients, will give your dog the adequate nutrition he needs for proper digestive health and a strong immune system.
Tags: dog constipation, dog diet, probiotics