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Constipation can be a really uncomfortable problem for dogs.
Constipation is when a dog’s poop is hard and dry, making it difficult to pass. This may happen if the dog doesn’t drink enough water or if their diet doesn’t contain enough fiber. It may also happen after giving certain medications or due to underlying conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, anal sac impaction or intestinal obstruction. In some cases constipation might be caused by an emotional response that makes the stomach muscles tight up and stop moving food through the intestines properly. Constipation can cause straining with bowel movements which could lead to rectal prolapse in some cases where part of the intestine protrudes from the rectum.
The first thing to do is take your dog to the veterinarian to determine the cause of the constipation. If your vet decides that they can treat it at home, here are some tips for what you can give your dog to help them pass their hard poops. You could try one or more of these options depending on how severe your dog’s condition is. Some of these options need to be given with food while others might work better on an empty stomach.
Table of Contents
1) Give Your Dog a Warm Water Enema
If your vet prescribes giving your dog a warm water enema, then mix 4 cups of lukewarm water with 1 tablespoon of salt and pour this mixture into a syringe without using any needle. Then, gently insert the tip of the syringe into your dog’s rectum and administer the liquid slowly. If they need more than one enema session, wait 15 minutes before giving your dog another enema.
2) Feed Your Dog an Apple
Feeding your dog a small apple (about 1 inch wide) could help them pass their hard poops if it is given with food. Since apples contain high amounts of fiber, they can help soften up your dog’s stool and promote bowel movements.
3) Give Citrucel to Your Dog
If feeding your dog an apple isn’t enough to give them relief from constipation then you may ask your vet about giving them Citrucel . This is a product that contains methylcellulose which can soften your dog’s stool and improve their bowel movements. The normal dosage for a dog is 1-4 teaspoons, depending on the size of the dog. It’s important not to give any more than the recommended dose because it could cause dehydration or other problems if you do. You can add this to your dog’s food without worrying too much about taste because it tastes pretty bland.
4) Give Your Dog an Electrolyte Solution
Some vets may prescribe an electrolyte solution rather than giving your dog Citrucel. This is a type of water that contains salt, potassium and other minerals. Giving a small amount of this solution orally could help your dog pass their hard poops while going through a mild case of constipation.
If you have a dog that is prone to constipation issues, then it’s best to add apples and fiber-rich foods into their diet on a regular basis in order to prevent this problem from happening in the future. You can also give them some of these remedies when they need help going to the bathroom because prevention is always better than cure.
