Constipation can affect dogs much like it can affect humans. Here is everything you need to know about the condition.

1. Just like humans, dogs can get constipated every once in a while too. If your dog is constipated quite
frequently though, it may be a sign that something more serious is going on. Imagine how
uncomfortable it is for you when you're constipated. Your dog will feel nearly the same way.
Similar to humans, dogs can become constipated for various reasons. If your dog isn't getting enough
fiber in his diet, constipation can easily occur. If your dog become dehydrated, then constipation can
occur as well. Another reason why dogs can develop this condition is if they happen to eat something
they're not supposed to. It is seemingly in dog's nature to eat various objects that they stumble across.
Your dog may become constipated if he doesn't get enough exercise. Another contributing factor is
stress. The colon's pathway can also become blocked if the prostate gland becomes enlarged. Older
canines have a significantly increased risk of developing this particular situation.
If your dog is constipated, then he will have great difficulty trying to get stool to pass. It's not
uncommon for them to produce nothing at all. Stool that is passed will usually be hard and small. If
constipation sets in, then your dog may experience pain while trying to pass stool too. Swollen
abdomens and loss of appetite are two other common signs.
In order to relieve your dog of constipation, you can try various treatments at home. Try mixing his
food with human cereal that contains a lot of fiber. Canned pumpkin is another home treatment that
you should try. Finally, you can try giving your dog mineral oil or Metamucil.
Owners that have dogs that deal with chronic constipation should make a trip to the vet to see what the
problem is. The presence of blood in the stool is another sign that you should take a trip to the vet as
soon as possible. Vets can give your dog an enema or a laxative. Dehydrated dogs will likely need to
be given IV fluids
There are various ways that owners can attempt to keep constipation at bay in their dogs. Keep in mind
that your dog will need plenty of fiber in his diet, and also he will need to eat high-quality dog food.
During the summer months in particular, make sure that your dog always has access to fresh drinking
water so that he doesn't become dehydrated. Owners need to ensure that their dogs are getting enough
exercise too.
As an owner, it is best that you learn all you can about various diseases such as canine hypothyroidism.
You never know when your dog will get sick. Recognizing the signs quickly can go a long way. So,
head over to common-dog-diseases.com today to learn about many different illnesses in dogs.