It seems that the human race is being affected by an epidemic of poor health, so it should come as no great bombshell that our dogs are as well. Just as in people, canine constipation can be quite distressing and even painful, potentially causing other more serious issues, like bowel blockages. While it is likely that canine constipation is the result of something threatening, it is more likely a poor diet, dehydration, or not enough exercise. Nevertheless, treating dog constipation and making sure your dog can eliminate systematically is critical for a dog's overall wellbeing.

Routinely, constipation in people or animals is removed by a laxative. Doctors warn, however, that over reliance on laxatives can result in a range of other health problems, for example the inability to eliminate in the long run, as the body becomes adapted to a laxative and simply cannot eliminate well without it.

In nature, most animals, including dogs, eat a diet high in protein. If they experience an upset stomach, they are usually seen consuming fiber, like grasses. Unfortunately, most regular commercial dog foods are deficient in protein and fiber plus high in wheat, corn, fillers and carbohydrates. Dogs in the wild tend not to eat human food, it's that simple. Domesticated dogs often have another harmful habit, they will eat almost anything, even items that we consider to be inedible!

Symptoms of canine constipation are usually not hard to observe, if you pay attention. A dog cannot eliminate, though he will probably continue to try. Gradually, he will become heavy and sluggish, less playful and less likely to eat. He might even become a little gassier, as the undigested food left in his gut begins to ferment.

While controlling the condition is usually the wisest route by a good diet, plenty of water and exercise, at the point your dog is constipated, it will be time to consider more proactive measures. First, increase your dog's water intake. One solution I have personally used included some cans of very high protein pet food with a few tablespoons of olive oil. The outcomes were messy but very helpful. A change in diet to have more oil and protein is usually quite effective.

It is often recommended to give your dog a nice little belly rub. This shouldn't be anything too harsh. Don't rub too hard and always rub in a downwards direction, in the direction of the tail. This might enable you ascertain such issues as a hardened stool, in which case a dog enema might be necessary. Anyhow, making these changes should have your dog with some comfort.

Again, dealing with canine constipation is crucial. Prevention is clearly best, but should your best friend be unable to eliminate, you will need to to deal with the problem straight away, usually with a change in diet and more water and exercise. If these solutions be insufficient, more intense methods might need to be used, including a visit to the vet before the problem becomes more serious.

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