The most common cause of a canine bowel blockage is constipation. A poor diet, improper daily intake of water, lack of exercise and some foods and medication can all contribute to constipation which is very uncomfortable for your dog. Many home treatments can easily relieve blockages caused by constipation and have your dog feeling frisky in no time at all. It is important however, to first make sure the blockage is not physical in nature.
Things You'll Need
- Fresh water
- Canned pumpkin
- Wheat bran
- Meat or vegetable broth
- Pure fruit juice
- Fresh fruit
- Meat-based dog food
Instructions
Identify the Cause
Examine the dog for signs of physical distress by gently pressing on the sides of the dogs stomach. Take note of any lumps, severe hardness or obvious signs of discomfort of the dog while performing this examination.
Determine how long it has been since the dog last had a bowel movement that produced any amount of feces, even if only a small amount.
Look for signs of lethargy, weakness, vomiting and a pale pink or white tongue and gums.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog exhibits any of the above signs or has not had a bowel movement in more than 48 hours. This may indicate a physical blockage that will require surgery for removal.
Canine Constipation Home Treatment
Dispose of any bones or treats the dog may have. If he chews toys into small pieces, remove those toys as well. These items can be swallowed by the dog and contribute to constipation.
Provide a steady supply of fresh, clean water. Add ice cubes, a small amount of meat or vegetable broth, pure fruit juice, or pieces of fresh fruit to make the water more appealing if necessary.
Examine the dog's regular food source to determine the quality of the food. Some commercial dog foods are very low quality and contain ingredients that can cause constipation to occur from lack of proper nutrition. Your dog's food should contain meat as the primary ingredient, with an equal ratio of fruits and vegetables. Only 10 percent of the food should be carbohydrates or grains.
Provide the dog with high-fiber foods that will help to promote bowel movements. Feed your dog one to two tablespoons of canned pure pumpkin every four to six hours until the constipation has eased. Wheat bran cereal can also be beneficial and can be fed by itself or mixed in with a soft dog food.
Walk your dog frequently, as exercise can help to stimulate a bowel movement. This will also give your dog more opportunities to try and use the bathroom. A dog can become constipated if they are not regularly given the time to use the bathroom and must "hold it" between bathroom breaks.