Well it isn’t the hardest thing in the world to detect as when you watch him go out you won’t be able to not notice him squatting for long periods with a weird look on his face then he shuffles round and tries another spot. We all have seen it.
If he is an outdoor dog, then you are not going to pick up on it as quickly but as its probably you that cleans up after him, you’re sure to notice you have nothing to clean up for longer than normal. Normally, it’s something you can easily prevent.
Simple prevention and cure
Often dehydration is the cause so always make sure that he has access to a bowl of water changed regularly and bowl washed. Fresh water is going to tempt him to drink more regularly.
The reasons are no different to us. Lack of exercise and poor diet is often a major cause for dog constipation. Your dog should always have a regular run.
If you can’t find time yourself then ensure a family member can find time and if nobody you know can do that then arrange a professional dog walker perhaps while you’re out at work.
Exercise is vital for a dog especially a big dog.
Most dogs thrive on a fiber-filled diet and improving his diet perhaps introducing a better quality dog food. You can add bran to his diet and perhaps introduce a few vegetables in there too. Pumpkin and sweet potatoes are especially good.
Don’t ignore
Don’t leave your dog longer than a couple of days before you take him to the vet. The vet will check him over and ask you some history questions and in normal circumstances will simply give him a mild laxative. If it is more serious then possibly he will administer an enema.
Conditions that are more serious could be causing constipation in your dog. If he manages to relieve himself but the problem reoccurs and you have already amended potential problems like good supply of fresh water exercise and improved his diet then its time to take the matter a little more seriously.
Take notes of any changes, as your vet will be asking about dietary changes any potential stress situations and note when he last passed a stool. The vet will take it on from there. He may be a plastic bag eater or even a bone causing a blockage.
Sometimes when he has been constipated awhile then he may be passing stools that are loose and watery and therefore confusing the owner into thinking his problem is opposite to what it is.
This would be really down to the fact that as he is blocked up, loose stools work their way past the blockage and creates over flow. Good observation is important. Not fun watching the back end of your dog but necessary.
Constipation is not always serious in fact most times it’s avoidable.
For more details about dog constipation, click here.