8 common causes for constipation in dogs
One thing first: most constipations in four-legged friends are of a harmless nature and go away on their own after a short time. So you shouldn't be too worried, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't keep an eye on the problem.
1.Wrong Nutrition/inappropriate food
Many dogs suffer from constipation because they are not fed appropriately. It may then be the case, for example, that the dog food you choose too little fiber contains, the feces then hardens. Something similar can be observed when a four-legged friend – for example as part of a BARF menu – has many Bones and cartilage eats, colloquially the hard and firm stool is also referred to as “bone feces”.
Also not recognized Feed intolerances can negatively affect digestion. Constipation is usually more common in animals that have… Dry food be fed. The reason for this is probably that extruded kibble, which is the most widely used, binds liquid and therefore hardens more easily in the intestine.
2. Side effect of some Medication
If your dog is receiving medical treatment, it may also be the case Medication contribute to constipation. In particular Antibiotics are often a necessary evil because they kill harmful bacteria, but also put a strain on the intestinal flora.
Without useful microorganisms in the digestive tract, feces cannot be formed properly. It then remains hard and often gets stuck before the animal can excrete it.
3. Foreign body in the intestinal tract
Dogs are curious: Puppies and young animals in particular sometimes like to put things in their mouths that don't actually belong on the menu. But older dogs also eat occasionally indigestible foreign bodies, very often this involves earth, sand and stones.
This is often too much for the stomach and intestines – they can then no longer process the foreign bodies. In the best case scenario, they come out the back undigested, but they can also cause constipation and, in more severe cases, even a life-threatening intestinal obstruction.
4. inertia in the intestinal region
Constipations are more likely to last for a short time if the digestive tract simply works a little slowly. One Intestinal constipation It usually occurs in dogs that are a little more comfortable and don't get enough exercise. Four-legged friends who have to stay in bed for health reasons are also often affected.
Without exercise, digestion works more slowly and the feces sometimes harden and get stuck in the intestines. The result is constipation.
5. Lack of fluids
Very often it is also due to a lack of fluids that the dog suffers from constipation. A dog usually needs at least 60 milliliters of water per day, but some animals that are lazy to drink do not always manage this amount.
However, the intestines not only need solids, but also liquid, to function. If there is a lack of water, the feces become very hard and can no longer be excreted easily, and the dog then becomes constipated.
Lack of fluids can be aggravated by some accompanying circumstances:
- dogs that extruded dry food need more water because the kibble binds fluid in the body.
- Animals that are currently moving from Diarrhea have recovered, have excreted a lot of fluid and are therefore more prone to constipation.
- To hot days and at strong physical activity Dogs pant to regulate their body temperature. This causes water to evaporate, which is then missing from digestion.
6. Irritation of the anal region
Occasionally occur too irritation in the anal area, e.g. one inflammation of the gland, which hinder the excretion of feces. Even then one can speak of constipation because the outgoing stool is blocked.
7. Psychological problems & stress
However, constipation is also quite common psychological problems of the four-legged friend. If the dog is suffering mentally, be “Stress hormones” such as adrenaline or dopamine released in greater quantities and not only affect the brain, but also digestion.
The animal is then in “survival” mode. Supposedly superfluous things such as proper gastrointestinal activity or big “business” are then neglected by the body. Accordingly, the stomach contents are not digested as usual and the feces are then of poorer quality. Even if the dog doesn't go to the toilet, feces build up in the intestines and become harder over time.
8. Organic diseases & Injuries
Unfortunately, sometimes there are too organic diseases Cause of constipation. So it's always possible that too chronic suffering How
- Tumors
- Hypothyroidism
- Injuries such as undetected hematomas or fractures
- Prostate problems in male dogs
- Diseases or damage to the intestines and also
- hormonal disorders
are responsible for the problem.