Constipation In Dogs: How To Help & When To Seek Emergency Care In Houston, TX

It occurs when your dog cannot pass a normal stool regularly. This is a common health issue that usually resolves on its own; however, if your dog has ingested something that could be causing an internal blockage, it must seek immediate medical attention.

Some dogs suffer from chronic constipation and may require additional assistance from your veterinarian to get their bowels back in order.

At safari animal hospital, we believe If left untreated, constipation can be painful for your dog and lead to more severe issues such as lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and weight loss.

The food enters your dog’s digestive tract after they consume it. The essential organs in digesting (also called the colon) are the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.

The colon is one of the final stages of digestion. As the feces travels toward the rectum, it absorbs electrolytes and water from the chyme. Natural lubrication and the rhythmic activity of the colon wall muscles assist the bulk through the colon.

Dog Constipation Symptoms

• The most obvious sign is your dog straining to defecate, but this can be readily confused with other issues such as diarrhea and difficulty peeing.
• If you notice your dog cannot urinate, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately, as this is a medical emergency.
• As constipation worsens, your dog may become lethargic, stop eating, or start vomiting. If you notice these symptoms, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately.
• Other constipation symptoms include:
  • Scooting (dragging their bottom across the ground) because they are uncomfortable
  • Swelling of the anus
  • Circulating or pacing between strained episodes
  • Trying to defecate while singing
  • Bowel motions are less frequent
  • Passing tiny, firm stools that are occasionally foul-smelling and deposited in unusual places (such as corners and basements)
  • Hunched posture
  • Sensitive stomach (your dog will beg you not to touch it)
  • A small amount of liquid containing mucus and blood is passed (caused by excessive straining)

Helping Constipated Dogs

Your first thought might be to treat your dog’s constipation at home. However, in some situations, your dog may require the services of a veterinarian. Here are some tips to help you obtain the best care for your dog.

When Should You Take Your Dog to the Vet for Constipation?

More severe cases are characterized by lethargy, decreased appetite, vocalizing, and vomiting. If you encounter these, contact your veterinarian immediately and do not attempt to treat the problem at home.

It’s also time to call the vet if your dog hasn’t had a bowel movement in 48-72 hours. If it hasn’t been at least two days, take the following steps:

When you notice your dog straining, ensure sure it can urinate. It’s easy to confuse straining to urinate with straining to defecate. In dogs, being unable to pee is a medical problem that should be addressed immediately.

If your dog can poop, examine the consistency of the stool to determine whether there is evidence of diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian if you see diarrhea or a small amount of liquid containing mucous or blood.

Examine your dog’s hindquarters

Swelling, redness, and open sores (signs of abscesses). If you see any of these, immediately take them to the veterinarian.

Feces or hair that has been matted over the anus. If you notice this, thoroughly soak the area in warm water and carefully remove the excrement. Trim the fur if possible to prevent more matting, and keep an eye out for signs of constipation or diarrhea.

When Should You See a Veterinarian?

Your dog may be constipated if they are repeatedly circling, dragging its bottom across the ground, squatting regularly, or even crying out in pain. Also, check on what your dog is capable of producing if you notice them straining to create fecal matter.

Your dog’s feces may be pretty tiny and contain water or mucus. This could be diarrhea, but it could also be constipation. Also, you can lightly press your dog’s abdomen to determine if it is tense or unpleasant.

It is critical to monitor your dog’s bowel motions daily. With adequate water consumption, daily activity, and a well-balanced diet, dog constipation should cure within two days. If it does not, or if your dog exhibits signs of pain or vomiting, you should immediately arrange an appointment with a veterinarian to discover the problem.

Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam to detect anomalies like tumors, foreign objects, or a dilated colon. Ultrasounds, Blood tests, or X-rays may be required to determine the reason for constipation. In addition, your veterinarian will evaluate the best course of treatment for your dog’s constipation.

At Safari Animal Hospital (which is an affordable pet clinic in Houston), we also offer stem cell therapy for pets. Reach out to us if you need help with your pets. We’ll be glad to help. But we offer much more than stem cell therapy.