A constipated dog is unable to empty his bowels by normal means and can experience uncomfortable side effects. The condition is fairly easy to diagnose as the dog will likely take longer than normal to defecate and most will show signs of straining or difficulty achieving results. Their stools are commonly small, dry, hard and round. If a dog’s bowels have not moved for two days or more, they are generally considered to be constipated.

Though a constipated dog is not usually a sign of serious problems, the issue should definitely be addressed in order to avoid more serious complications. Failure of a dog to empty the bowels causes toxins to build up in the body and can result in loss of appetite, sluggishness, abdominal pain, bloating and even difficulty walking. Constipation that is accompanied by vomiting or other severe symptoms could be a sign of serious problems such as intestinal blockage, parasites or internal issues.

There are many possible causes of a constipated dog and most can be avoided by a healthy, active lifestyle with conscientious health care. Among the most common causes are water deficiencies, insufficient exercise and the lack of a healthy diet high in fiber. Water aids in the elimination process by hydrating the body and providing the ability to flush the intestinal tract. Daily exercise in the form of a medium paced walk, a brisk jog or time spent romping and playing fetch will help to stimulate and regulate the bowels. High quality dog foods provide the proper nutrients and fiber necessary to maintain a healthy diet, whereas cheaper brands may contribute to slow moving bowels.

While correcting and stabilizing the issues of a constipated dog, it might be helpful to add small amounts of cooked pumpkin, sweet potato, or green beans to the dog’s food for quick and natural results. Freshly cooked and canned are both acceptable, just be sure there are no additives, seasonings or sugars. Use only 1-2 teaspoons per meal for small dogs, 1-2 tablespoons for medium and 2-5 tablespoons for large dogs. Maintaining a healthy diet with plenty of fresh water and exercise should keep your dog regular and happy.

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Susan Mikels takes extra care to ensure her 12-year-old Siberian Huskey is in prime dog health.

“He’s a big dog, and he’s also my best friend,” Mikels told the Pocono Record of her dog who suffers from severe joint problems and painful arthritis.

“Every once in awhile he’ll have a little burst of energy lasting only for a minute or so, reminding me of his younger puppy days,” she told the news provider.

The Pocono Record reported that Mikels’ pooch has other dog health issues too, including vision problems and trouble walking.

“I see him struggling to get out of his bed, but then again, so do I,” she told the news source.

According to the news provider there are numerous things pet owners can do to keep their pets in optimum dog or cat health, such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regime and ensuring elderly pets sustain their body weight.

“Studies show that being overweight puts more stress on the heart and increases organ inflammation,” Dr. Jeremy Wentz of Barton Heights Veterinary Hospital told the news source.

Dr. Martha Franklin of Mountain View Animal Hospital in Scotrun told the news provider that owners ought to feed their older pets healthy pet food and try to limit the amount of table scraps.

“Each species has specific dietary needs that are provided within pet food,” she told the news source.

Franklin told the Poconoo Record that pet health insurance may also be a good idea and help with finances when a pet eventually needs medical attention.

“When shopping for (pet) insurance, ask a lot of questions,” Franklin told the news provider. “Insurance can also help with the expense of having important diagnostics done that might be skipped if paid out of pocket.

Wentz told the news provider that he agrees that pet care insurance is a good idea.

“Vet care is more expensive now because we are catching up to human medicine with diagnostic tools that we use,” he told the news source.

Franklin told the news provider aside from a healthy diet and getting insurance for pets, it is also important to exercise your pet.

“Swimming and frequent walks are ideal to maintain weight and healthy muscle tone,” Franklin told Poconorecord.com.

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