Constipation in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Effective Treatment

Constipation in dogs is an uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition where your pet finds it difficult to pass stools. It typically means your dog is producing hard, dry faeces that are painful or infrequent to pass. Normal dogs generally defecate once or twice daily with firm but not overly hard stools. If your dog goes for several days without a bowel movement or is straining without success, it could indicate constipation.

Constipation is one of the most common digestive issues dogs face, affecting many at some point in their lives. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is vital for maintaining your dog's health and comfort.

What causes constipation in dogs?

The term “constipation” means infrequent, difficult, or painful defecation or the complete absence of it. Several factors can cause this condition in dogs:

• Dehydration, leading to dry and hard stools that are difficult to pass.
• Ingestion of foreign bodies such as hair, cloth, or other indigestible items that bind with faeces to form hardened masses.
• Behavioural issues like reluctance to defecate due to insufficient opportunities to go outside or anxiety.
• A diet low in fibre, which results in hard stools.
• Underlying health conditions including hormonal imbalances, kidney issues, or diseases affecting the colon.

Constipation happens when faecal matter moves slowly through the colon, causing excessive water absorption and hardening of stools.

Dietary factors and constipation

An inappropriate diet is a frequent cause of constipation. Feeding your dog a diet excessively high in protein and low in fibre often leads to harder stools. Conversely, foods high in fat tend to cause looser stools. It's crucial to feed your dog a nutritionally balanced diet suited to their age, size, and activity level to support healthy digestion.

Recognising symptoms of constipation in dogs

Constipation can cause significant discomfort and, if untreated, may result in severe complications such as impactions or systemic illness. Early identification can help you take appropriate actions promptly. Watch out for these signs:

• Straining or frequent attempts to defecate with little or no faeces.
• Passing small, hard, and dry stools less frequently than usual.
• Liquid discharge from the anus without stool.
• Yelping, whining, or showing signs of pain when trying to defecate.
• Swelling, soreness, or inflammation near the anus.
• Dragging the rear end ('scooting') across the floor.
• A distended or painful abdomen when touched.
• Reduced appetite or disinterest in food.
• Vomiting or nausea.
• Increased grass eating, possibly to induce vomiting or aid digestion.
• Lethargy or signs of depression.

How to treat constipation at home

Occasional constipation is usually not an emergency and often resolves with simple lifestyle adjustments. Consider the following:

• Allow your dog plenty of chances to go outside to defecate, with enough time to complete the process comfortably.
• Increase fibre intake by feeding fibre-rich foods or adding dog-safe supplements like pumpkin in moderation.
• Introduce wet food or soak dry kibble to increase moisture content.
• Ensure your dog is well-hydrated; always provide fresh water and encourage drinking.
• Permit grass eating if the dog shows preference, as this can aid digestion.

These measures support natural bowel movements and prevent recurrence.

When to seek veterinary advice

If constipation continues beyond 48 hours, worsens, or your dog shows signs of pain or illness, see your vet without delay. Your veterinary professional can:

• Prescribe safe laxatives or stool softeners suitable for dogs.
• Perform manual expression of the colon, enemas, or other medical interventions if stool is impacted.
• Conduct diagnostic tests to rule out underlying health issues causing constipation.
• Advise on long-term management strategies, including diet and exercise adjustments.
• In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove blockages or foreign objects.

Preventing constipation in your dog

Prevention is better than cure. Maintain your dog's digestive health with:

• A balanced, age-appropriate diet rich in fibre.
• Access to plenty of fresh water to keep stools soft.
• Regular exercise to stimulate healthy gut motility.
• Routine opportunities for toileting, avoiding prolonged periods indoors.
• Monitoring for early signs to act swiftly.

Responsible pet ownership and early intervention are key to preventing discomfort and more serious problems.

For ongoing guidance on canine health, nutrition, and wellbeing, trust reputable sources and seek professional veterinary advice tailored to your pet's needs.

By understanding and managing constipation effectively, you help ensure your beloved dog stays healthy, comfortable, and happy.