This article has been contributed by Ms Indrakshi Paul, Food Scientist at Dogsee Chew. Unfortunately, constipation is one of the most common digestive problems in dogs.Anal gland issues like blockage of or collection of pus in anal sacs. The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author.Fibre intake: Including fibre in the diet may help regulate the digestive tract and bowel movements. Some of the most common and frequent causes include:Dehydration or an imbalance of electrolyteLack of exercise and lower activity levelsToo much or too little dietary fibre intakeIngestion of foreign objects such as gravel, stone debris, dirt plants, a piece of cloth, toys and others. Even electrolyte supplements can be used to make the stool softer and easier to pass. Certain food and herbs like ginger, wheat bran, and powdered psyllium seeds may also help..Mumbai: If your dog has begun fiddling with its food instead of savouring it, shying away from or straining a lot during poop, lazing around a lot, or behaving uncomfortable, then there is a good chance that your pet is suffering from irregular or painful bowel movement.What can possibly cause constipation in my dog?Constipation among dogs may be the result of a variety of underlying reasons ranging from benign cause like dehydration and lack of exercise, to even problems as severe as cancer.

Based on the problem area, the cause can be categorised as: interluminal if the block is inside the colon, extraluminal if it originates outside the colon due to tumours or pelvic fractures and intrinsic if it stems from a disease or nerve injuries. For instance, pumpkin has been observed as an effective dietary fix as it is high in fibre and moisture and appeals your child’s taste buds.How do I know if my dog is constipated?Some of the indications of dog constipation are:Lack of defecation for more than a day or twoHard, dry and darker stoolsIncessant bloatingLittle to no appetiteSmall amounts of liquid fecal matter mixed with bloodStraining and vomitingA general lethargyMost of these symptoms may also coincide with urinary tract infections (UTIs).While no strategy may work for all dogs, here are some home remedies:Hydration: Since dehydration is one of the major causes of constipation, pet parents must ensure that their dogs have ready access to and drinking enough water. Therefore, if any of these issues persist for more than 2-3 days, pet parents must immediately seek vet consultation to determine the cause and seek treatment accordingly.

Regular exercise: Regular exercising can help relieve constipation as it stimulates the nervous system and help in the better functioning of muscles, nerves and the gut. But if these problems have surfaced no more than a day or two ago, a few natural treatments might get things going again.Enlargement of prostrateAccumulation of large amounts of hair in stool due to excessive groomingKidney ailments and herniasSide-effect of medications like opiates, antacids, diuretics and othersTumours and masses forming around the anus or within the rectumOrthopaedic problem or trauma to pelvicDisorders in the central nervous systemWhat to d if my dog has constipation?When it comes to your furry child’s health, seeking veterinarian consultation as soon as you become aware of it should be the way to go. As a pet parent, one must proactively look out for symptoms and ensure timely treatment for the better health of their furry children.Dealing with constipation can be one of the worst nightmares, be it humans or animals. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Deccan Chronicle, and Deccan Chronicle does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.Balanced diet: For improved digestion a balanced diet with sufficient nutrition should be squat potty stools for sale fed to the dog on a routine basis