Preventing Constipation in Dogs
Dog Breeds
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.
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Introduction
Nobody feels good when they are constipated, pets included. Constipation in pets can cause lethargy, pain, irritability, fever, and in some cases if the stool is unable to be eliminated the health of the pet could be in danger. If you are worried about constipation in your pet, here are some of the most common prevention and treatment methods for this uncomfortable condition.
Preventing Constipation in Dogs
In many cases pets experience constipation because there is a foreign body in the intestines. Cats are more prone to constipation than dogs, and this is because cats groom themselves. Hair that is not coughed up in a hairball can pass through the stomach and clog the digestive tract. 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.
For cats, the best prevention of constipation is a regular hairball preventative. Dogs can be a bit more difficult when it comes to constipation prevention. 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. Some dogs and cats also suffer from constipation because hair around the anal area has become matted and stuck to the anus. Keeping the hair around the anal area trimmed and clean can help to prevent this type of constipation.
Treatment Measures
The treatment for constipation in dogs depends on how long the pet has been constipated and what is causing the constipation. If an animal is experiencing a temporary incidence of constipation, then a high fiber diet, laxatives, or an enema may be needed. If the constipation is caused by a foreign object, than surgery may be needed to get things going again. Supportive care such as fluid therapy, pain medication, fever reducers, and antibiotics may also be administered in moderate to severe constipation cases.
Symptoms and Types
Overview and Facts