Constipation in dogs: causes, effects and home remedies

Have you noticed that your furry friend hasn't pooped for a few days and are starting to worry? Common causes can be foods such as chewing bones. In this article, you will learn how to recognize constipation in your four-legged friend and when it is advisable to visit a veterinary practice.

Feeding bones is one of the most common causes of constipation. This can happen when too many bones are fed, which can lead to whitish, crumbly feces, known as bone feces.

Diets that are low in fiber can also lead to hardened feces or constipation, as fiber aids digestion. A lack of fiber can therefore also be the cause of constipation.

Lack of exercise can also lead to digestive problems, as exercise stimulates intestinal activity. Lack of exercise can therefore lead to constipation and bloating.

Dehydration can also lead to solid feces, as fluid aids digestion. If a dog does not drink enough water, the body can extract moisture from the feces, leading to hardening. Especially when feeding dry food, it is important to ensure that your pet is drinking enough.

However, there are other factors that can lead to constipation, such as swallowing foreign bodies, pre-existing conditions such as tumors and taking certain medications such as painkillers, iron supplements or diuretics. Veterinary advice should be sought in suspected cases.

If your four-legged friend rarely defecates or takes a particularly long time to defecate, this may be a sign of constipation. Hard or very dry stools can also indicate constipation. So if your furry friend is hunched over and the poop consists of hard, small pieces, constipation should be considered. Symptoms such as arching of the back or moaning when moving can indicate abdominal pain and thus hardened feces. If your furry friend also tends to refuse to eat or vomit, you should visit a veterinary practice, as this may indicate an intestinal obstruction.

Some dog breeds are more prone to constipation than others. Smaller dog breeds can develop constipation even with small amounts of indigestible substances, while larger dog breeds are often more resistant. The differences are shown below:

As already mentioned, it should be borne in mind that smaller dogs show symptoms more quickly than larger dogs when eating smaller quantities. For example, a small bone can lead to bone faeces, whereas large dogs can eat it as a treat. Smaller dog breeds can also be more susceptible to dehydration. This is due to their lower body weight, often increased activity and lower tolerance to temperature fluctuations, which can cause small dogs to become dehydrated more quickly.

Older dogs are often more susceptible to many factors that can promote constipation. For example, older dogs need to take painkillers more often due to arthritis and exercise less due to their age. In addition, changes in metabolism can occur with age, making the intestines work less efficiently and making it more difficult to pass feces. All these factors can lead to constipation in older dogs. This is why there is special dog food, such as SENIOR PEAS & HIRSE from VEGDOG.

First of all, make sure that all possible causes can be ruled out. For example, you can offer your furry friend more water or provide him with a more fiber-rich diet. Additional exercise is also welcomed by most dogs. In the event of metabolic problems due to a change in diet, you can switch to a light diet such as special diet food. For example, there is special dog food for older dogs that is designed to counteract problems such as constipation. A Moroso soup can also support digestion. In the case of metabolic problems, you should also avoid feeding bones.

Home remedies such as chia seeds, linseed, psyllium husks or oil can be used to relieve mild constipation. Caution: All these fibers should be fed with plenty of water! Oils can have a laxative effect. Chia seeds, linseed and psyllium husks contain the necessary fiber to counteract constipation.