Just like humans, dogs can be susceptible to constipation. Sometimes it is not just poor diet that brings it on; it also can brought on by prescription medications. Symptoms of constipation in dogs include straining to have a bowel movement or passing only a small amount of fecal matter or none at all, along with hard, dry feces; infrequently having bowel movements; liquid feces after prolonged straining, some vomiting, lack of appetite and depression. If you suspect your dog is suffering from constipation due to a medication, check the warning label of the prescription for side effects. There are many ways you can help alleviate constipation in your dog.
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Using Probiotics
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If your dog is on antibiotics for a prolonged period of time, you may want to check into probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms, which add health benefits to the host. Lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria are the most common types of probiotics. As antibiotics are killing the infections and bacteria plaguing your dog, it can often strip the colon of the healthy bacteria it needs to promote bowel movements. Using probitotics restores the critical natural flora found in the colon along with active cultures of enterococcus faecium. A regime of probiotics up to two weeks after using antibiotics will help restore the colon. Probiotics also help with reducing excessive gas as well as preventing and treating diarrhea. You can find probiotics online and at pet supply stores.
Stool Softeners
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If your dog is on medication for a short period of time, consider using a stool softener to help with constipation. With constipated dogs, water in the intestine has been taken away from the stool. Using a stool softener draws water back into the stood, which helps soften it and make it easier to pass. Laxatone is a stool softener that can be found online and at pet supply stores. DSS capsules are another form of stool softeners, and these can be found at your vet. Read and follow the dosing instructions carefully.
Lubricates
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Just as stool softeners help hydrate the stool, mineral oil is a tried and true remedy for lubricating the colon. Mineral Oil is tasteless and odorless, and it is often used in adult laxatives. Instead of feeding directly, you should mix it along with your dog's food. You will want to read the dosage instructions on the bottle before administering it. Another old remedy is to use Caro syrup to loosen clogged colons. The sugar within the syrup helps to hydrate the colon and stimulate bowel movements. Like with the mineral oil, mix it with food and start with only a teaspoon to begin with.
Fiber Rich Diet
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One way to help with constipation is change his food to a diet rich in fiber. Since fiber absorbs water, intestinal content bulks up, which causes a bowel movement. Hill's W/D prescription food is one high in fiber. Or, you can find the following high fiber additives such as 100 percent bran cereal or canned pumpkin(not the pie filling) around the house.
Enemas
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If your dog persists in having difficulty with constipation, you may have to resort to an enema. An enema is where liquid such as water is injected through the anus into the large intestine. Once the colon is hydrated, this stimulates a movement of the bowels. Human enema products should not be used on dogs, and you will need to discuss the proper products to use. If you do not feel comfortable administering an enema, then you can always take your dog to your vet.
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