"Why Is My Dog Constipated?" and Other Gastrointestinal Questions

How Can I Manage My Dog's Constipation?

The management of constipation depends on the underlying cause. In cases where your dog is merely bound up due to matted fur blocking the exit, you can provide immediate relief with grooming clippers. Dogs that are having difficulty passing stools containing fur, grass or bone fragments might need the gentle help of a vet's gloved hand to manually remove the impacted stool. Dogs having difficulty defecating due to enlarged prostate glands, masses within the intestinal tract or hernias will require surgical intervention.

You can help your orthopaedically or neurologically impaired dog stay regular by supporting them with a harness while they defecate. Dogs with conditions, such as diabetes mellitus and kidney disease, which can increase their risk of dehydration and constipation, might need supplemental water added to their food or the administration of subcutaneous (under the skin) or intravenous (injected into a vein) fluids. If X-rays show a large amount of stool within your dog's colon, your vet might perform an enema to give them significant and immediate relief.

In order to prevent the frustrating and distressing scenario of dealing with dog constipation, talk to your vet about ways you can handle and prevent constipation. Your vet might recommend giving your pup high-moisture soft food, stool softeners, a high fibre therapeutic food, or a low residue therapeutic food. The increased fibre content of certain therapeutic dog food allows for greater absorption of water, which softens stool and promotes intestinal motility (the body's ability to move food through the digestive system). Always consult a vet before administering any over-the-counter medication to your dog, as many can be dangerous for dogs if not properly administered.

What Is Diarrhoea?

In contrast to constipation, which can leave you wondering when your dog will poo again, diarrhoea can leave a pet parent asking if your dog will ever stop pooping again! Diarrhoea, the production of loose and frequent stools, is one of the most common G.I. issues in dogs. Like constipation, diarrhoea can result from a variety of causes:

• Eating rich or indigestible food (table scraps, sticks, toys, rubbish)
• Sudden change in food or treats
• Food allergy or intolerance
• Stress (boarding in kennel, travel or separation anxiety)
• Parasites
• Viral or bacterial infection
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Cancer
• Medications (antibiotics can often be a cause)
• Non-gastrointestinal diseases, such as kidney or liver disorders or pancreatitis

How Can I Manage My Dog's Diarrhoea?

GI issues in dogs are consistently found on top-ten lists of medical issues warranting veterinary visits. While many causes of diarrhoea are serious and require medical attention, less severe episodes can be managed at home after you consult your vet. Before talking to your vet, consider the following items so you can provide a more complete description of your pet’s issue:

• How long has the diarrhoea been going on?
• What other medical issues does your dog have?
• What colour is your dog's stool?
• Is your dog eating and drinking normally?
• Has your dog vomited?
• Is your dog lethargic?

Most importantly, please make sure to consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about any of these issues.

What Home Care Tips Will Help My Dog's GI Distress?

When it comes to managing diarrhoea at home, it's best follow your vet’s advice carefully. Sometimes your vet will want you to avoid feeding your dog for 24 hours to allow the digestive system to rest. However, fresh water should always be made available. It is critical to provide your dog with fresh water and to encourage them to drink to prevent dehydration.

Even if your dog's case of diarrhoea seems mild, seeking veterinary care is always a safe choice. Your vet can prescribe medications to help quickly resolve diarrhoea and might suggest a different therapeutic food than would be recommended for constipation; this dog food will be a more highly digestible food that helps replace depleted key nutrients.

Issues in dogs, whether constipation or diarrhoea, require close attention. Although neither is usually an immediate emergency, if symptoms persist and your dog's condition worsens, do not delay veterinary care. A familiarity with your dog's normal defecation frequency and poo consistency will help you recognise a problem and provide optimal care for your best friend.