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Archive for February 19th, 2011

Dog constipation can be very painful and uncomfortable for your canine. However, it’s usually not a very serious problem. Dogs of any age and breed can experience constipation, although older dogs have a higher risk of developing this condition.

Causes

There are various things that can cause your dog to develop constipation. One of the most common is giving him food intended for humans. Common foods include bread, sugar, rice, and dairy. Foods that have a large amount of protein can also cause the condition.

Dehydration, a condition that occurs when your dog doesn’t get enough water, can also cause dog constipation. Canines that ingest foreign objects can also develop it. Common objects include buttons and coins.

Symptoms

Dogs that have constipation will strain when trying to have a bowel movement. It is common for dogs to yelp or show signs of pain. They will also spend longer than usual when going to the bathroom. Although they spend more time trying to defecate, they usually produce very little. Other common symptoms of dog constipation include bloating and loss of appetite.

Treatment

This condition is relatively easy to treat. You simply have to increase the amount of fiber that your dog consumes. There are special dog foods that are high in fiber that you can give him. You can also choose to give your dog a fiber supplement with his regular food.

Prevention

There are a few things you can do to prevent dog constipation. You should make sure that he always has plenty of water to drink, especially during the summer. It’s also best to make sure your dog has plenty of fiber in his diet. Your dog should also be walked every day to make sure he gets plenty of exercise.