Canine constipation, characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements, is oftentimes a result of dehydration, low fiber intake, or lack of exercise. While acute cases can frequently be resolved with the use of natural fiber additives and increased hydration, chronic constipation often points to a disrupted microbiome, suggesting a bigger issue at hand. Integrating specialized probiotics and digestive enzymes can help regulate intestinal transit time and improve stool consistency, ensuring a smoother, more predictable digestive process for your dog and ridding them of the discomfort of constipation.
The Discomfort of "Stoppage"
To watch your dog painfully strain over a bowel movement in the backyard without success is frustrating for you and can be very physically taxing for them as well. Constipation can be incredibly uncomfortable for dogs just as we know it can be painful for us. The truth is, however, that constipation is not just about achieving the "end result" of finally passing a bowel movement through.
More importantly, we must recognize it as a signal from the body that the entire digestive "conveyor belt" in the intestinal tract has slowed down or hit an obstacle and the cause of this disruption must be addressed to fix the issue at its root cause. Our goal is to help you identify the root causes of your dog’s backup and provide a roadmap for both immediate relief and long-term prevention.
How Do I Know if My Dog is Truly Constipated?
To know whether you have a constipated dog, it is first important to learn the difference of straining and posturing between constipation and the “tenesmus” (urgent straining) of diarrhea. Straining is the physical act of exerting effort to defecate, often caused by constipation or physical blockages. On the other hand, tenesmus is the persistent, painful, and often ineffective urge to defecate caused by inflammation, frequently resulting in small, mucus-filled, or bloody stools even when the colon is empty.
What Are Some Signs of Constipation in Dogs?
When your dog defecates, pay attention to the quality of your dog’s stool. Stool as a result of constipation is often hard and pebble-like stools or presents as "dry" movements that crumble easily. Additionally, take note of behavioral clues your pup may be displaying such as lethargy, a loss of appetite, or a slight swelling/firmness in the lower abdomen. Do they experience a painful abdomen when you press on it gently? These are all signs of constipation to be aware of.
Finally, keep in mind that 48 hours where your dog does not pass feces is the universal signal to take corrective action, so be aware of the time that has passed since your pup last pooped.
5 Common Causes of Constipation in Dogs
There are a multitude of reasons why your pup may be experiencing constipation but thankfully, most of them can be corrected from home, so do not stress just yet! Here are some common reasons that are recognized to be causes for canine constipation:
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Lack of Dietary Fiber: This is the most common culprit, especially when your dog’s diet is primarily consisting of a low-quality commercial kibble that lacks soluble and insoluble bulk.
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Dehydration: When a dog is dehydrated, the colon resorbs more water from the waste, leaving the stool hard and difficult to pass, thus causing the backup.
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Ingested Foreign Material: Hair, bone fragments, or "yard debris" can create a physical bottleneck in the GI tract. This is why it is crucial to pay attention to what your dog ingests while out on walks or even by licking and eating randomly around the house.
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Sedentary Lifestyle: A lack of exercise leads to "lazy" intestines and slower peristalsis (the muscle contractions that move waste). Daily movement in the form of walks or play is important for keeping the digestive system functioning.
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Age and Health Factors: Enlarged prostates in male dogs or orthopedic pain from age can make the dog less active or make the physical act of bowel movements too painful to attempt.
Fiber Solutions: Natural Ways to "Get Things Moving"
If you find your dog's bowel movements infrequent, luckily there are some at home solutions you can use to hopefully get things moving for them. Interestingly enough, pureed pumpkin happens to be the "gold standard" for constipation in dogs; its unique fiber profile pulls water into the stool to soften it. It is important to use a plain, unsweetened pureed pumpkin, not the kind you use for pies! You can also use wheat bran or psyllium to your advantage by adding it to your dog’s food in order to stimulate the intestinal lining and trigger a bowel movement.
Combating Dry Stools: The Power of Hydration
Another great method for moving things along is adding moisture to your dog’s dry kibble by using water or low-sodium bone broth in the kibble to soften it. This in turn ensures the colon doesn't "dry out" the waste and makes it easier for food to move through the bowels. In that same vein, a temporary or permanent move to wet food may be beneficial to increase water intake for your dog by up to 75%, aiding your dog’s digestive health.
When is Constipation in Dogs an Emergency?
When it comes to constipation, there are a few issues that could be at play that are potentially very dangerous for your dog. For instance, Megacolon is an often irreversible condition where the colon becomes significantly dilated and loses the ability to move feces, leading to chronic constipation or obstipation. This condition can cause straining to defecate, abdominal pain, and dehydration amongst other painful complications. It often requires veterinary intervention in the form of treatments such as enemas, stool softeners, and diet changes to manage fecal impaction.
Constipation and Potentially Vomiting
Another thing to look out for when your dog is constipated is if they also begin vomiting. The presence of vomiting could indicate a life-threatening intestinal blockage, so it is extremely important to see the vet immediately if you notice constipation and vomiting in tandem with each other. They may be able to run blood tests or a rectal examination to see if there is a bigger issue at play. Additionally, if you see visible signs of pain such as if your dog yelps or cries out while attempting to defecate, it is definitely time for a visit to a veterinary professional.
Why Probiotics and Enzymes are Essential for Regularity
It is important to help with the regulation of the transit time of your dog’s bowels, and there are a couple easy ways to start. One way to do this is by supplementing their food with probiotics specially made for dogs to aid in balancing the microbiome. By doing this, it helps regulate the speed at which waste moves through the colon, leading to more regular bowel movements.
Strong probiotic formulas like Probiotic Miracle® contain a plethora of beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids that naturally lubricate the intestinal walls, creating a healthy environment in the colon that prevents bowel movement issues.
Additionally, beneficial digestive enzyme formulas like Enzyme Miracle® can act as the “waste management” crew by breaking down proteins and fats more efficiently, reducing the amount of "undigested sludge" that can contribute to a backup. This makes it less likely for there to be uncomfortable road blocks in the bowels.
Utilizing digestive and immune support can help reduce the internal inflammation that can cause the intestines to slow down, thus creating more regularity for your dog’s bowel movements and preventing constipation. Adding probiotics and enzymes to your dog’s routine is an easy way to treat constipation from home and also create a stronger digestive system where issues are less likely to arise.
Consistency is the Key to Comfort : Eliminating Constipation in Dogs
If you have now figured out that your dog is experiencing constipation, remember to first eliminate the risk of an emergency by reviewing the red flags we outlined earlier. Once we have reduced the risk of emergency, then it is important to now become familiar with the potential causes of the constipation, so you may be able to figure out what is causing your dog to be constipated in the first place and get to the root cause.
Once you have these ideas figured out, it is now time to address the backup immediately at home with fiber sources by supplementing your dog’s diet with options like pumpkin puree, wheat bran, or psyllium. Remember to always keep your dog very hydrated by constantly providing them with fresh water in their bowl. You can also make their food more hydrating by adding water or bone broth on their dry kibble. Finally, remember the importance of fixing the underlying "lazy gut" with a consistent probiotic and digestive enzyme regimen so that you can prevent these issues from arising in the first place.
Improving Dog’s Digestive Health
Regularity of the bowels is a sign of a vibrant, healthy microbiome in your dog’s gut. It is crucial to provide your dog with the support they need to make sure your dog is experiencing painless, regular bowel movements day to day. By supporting your dog’s gut health daily, you ensure they never have to struggle in the backyard again and you do not have to stress. Are you ready to put an end to the "strain"? Browse our specialized Constipation Solutions at Nusentia and help your dog find their flow today.
