Constipation in dogs is the infrequent passage of stool leading to buildup of feces in the lower bowels, or colon. If left unattended, the condition may become irreversible and bowels may completely block with dry fecal matter, a condition called 'obstipation'. Chronic constipation is a serious problem that leads to discomfort during defecation because stools become very dry and hard and can cause damage to the lining of the lower bowel.
In many cases dogs experience constipation because there is a foreign body in the intestines. Dogs often become constipated because they ate something they shouldn’t. Clothes, papers, bits of flooring and wallpaper, are just some of the objects that many veterinarians find clogging up the works. If you know that your dog has a tendency to eat certain un-digestible objects, then keeping these objects out of your dog’s reach can help to prevent constipation.
If your dog is constipated, one of the most common symptoms you will notice is frequent attempts at defecation with little to no results. You may see your dog repeatedly straining to go to the bathroom, and you may notice that nothing is resulting from the constant strain or that your dog is only able to produce small amounts of hard dry fecal material.
Consult a veterinarian for treatment if you suspect your dog is constipated. The medical options depend on the case. Sometimes the dog can be treated by using laxatives or enemas to clear the bowel. Foods with extremely high fiber content like bran or pumpkin can be added to the diet to promote defecation. Or, in the case of something causing obstruction, manual removal might be necessary via some sort of surgery.