Symptoms of Constipation in Small Dogs

Nearly all dogs experience constipation at some point in their life, but small breeds seem to be more susceptible. This tendency is especially true for dogs with long hair or skin allergies, as both often lead to frequent licking and consequent ingestion of fur. While constipation in small dogs is not usually a serious concern, long-term constipation and certain related conditions can pose severe problems for your pet.

  1. Common Symptoms

    • The most obvious symptom of constipation in a small dog is difficulty in passing stools. This difficulty may show itself in a couple of different ways, including excessive straining and failure to produce a bowel movement at all. Sometimes constipated dogs produce a small amount of liquid from the anus after a period of straining. As a general rule, you may consider your dog constipated if it does not have a bowel movement in more than two days.

    Additional Symptoms

    • Some constipated dogs may still be able to have a bowel movement, but the stools are usually very hard and dry. You may also notice obvious pain (exhibited by hunching, grunting, or whimpering) during elimination. The dry stools and constant straining may cause your dog's anus to become red and irritated. In other cases, the stools may contain blood or mucus.

    Symptoms of Severe Problems

    • In the more advanced stages of constipation, small dogs may experience diminished appetite, stop eating altogether or vomit. They may also become bloated and lethargic from compacted stools. Constipation often causes dogs to become depressed. Many fail to respond to their favorite toys, treats and play activities. If your small dog experiences any of these symptoms, call the vet promptly.

    Obstipation

    • Constipation is sometimes confused with a condition known as obstipation, in which a dog cannot pass feces at all without the help of a veterinarian. Because of the dog's inability to relieve itself, the fecal matter becomes severely compacted within the colon. This condition may be a result of an injury to the pelvis that prevents stools from being able to pass through the anus. While some cases of obstipation can be cured through pelvic surgery, others require regular veterinary care.

    Veterinary Treatment

    • Your dog's veterinarian will be able to provide the necessary treatment for constipation. You may only need to make simple changes to your dog's diet to keep the digestive tract running smoothly. If the symptoms are more severe, the vet may be able to use X-rays to identify the cause of the constipation, along with performing procedures necessary to remedy the problem.