Dog Constipation: Reasons, Causes, Tips, Treatment

Last Updated on October 20, 2022 by Evan

Dogs, like humans, can have various health issues. Constipation is one of them (suprise!). But what does it actually mean in the doggo’s case? ​Constipation is defined as the infrequent or difficult evacuation of hard, dry stools. The dog usually squats for a long time without evacuating; when it finally does, it is with considerable effort, which may cause abdominal pain. 

Causes of constipation 

There are many reasons why a dog may be constipated, which are listed below: 

1. Not enough water intake: Water is necessary for the proper functioning of the digestive system. It is essential to soften the stools, making it easier for them to exit the intestines. A small amount of water, either because the owner does not give it to the dog or because the water bowl is dirty, can cause constipation. 
2. Not enough food intake: The stools are formed by the remains of the food ingested, so that the less you eat, the less stool you have. If a dog refuses to eat, it is likely that constipation or diarrhea may occur. The reason for different types of food in a dog’s diet may also cause constipation because it takes longer to digest and digest. 
3. Anxiety and stress: Stress is a common cause of constipation in the dog. The increase in anxiety levels can cause a decrease in digestive muscle movements and a delay in intestinal transit. 
4. Obesity or lack of exercise: The weight of an obese dog can compress the intestines and reduce their mobility. This can cause the stools to remain in the intestines longer than usual, making it difficult to defecate. A dog that does not receive enough exercise may have the same results as an obese dog. 
5. Changes in routine: The change of routine can also cause constipation, due to changes in the food and type of food, changes in the place of residence, changes in the amount of food, and a change in the schedule. 
6. Use of certain medications: Certain medications, such as those for pain, can cause constipation; however, the most common drugs that can cause constipation are antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, iron supplements, and antacids. Certain foods may also cause constipation in your dog, such as those with a lot of corn or rice, or those with a lot of artificial ingredients or dyes. 
7. Diseases: There are some diseases that can lead to constipation, such as dehydration, diabetes, Addison’s disease, nerves or muscles that are damaged, or an intestinal blockage. 
8. Swallowing foreign objects: In the dog, there is a tendency to swallow foreign objects, such as sticks, stones, ribbons or toys. These objects can cause constipation when they block the intestine and make it difficult to pass stools. If you think this is a critical situation and you think your dog did swallow a foreign object, you can consider using emergency vet funds. It will allow you to get $3,000 in an emergency for all your pets for less than $1 per day. 
9. Inadequate food intake: The stools are formed by the remains of the food ingested, so that the less you eat, the less stool you have. If a dog refuses to eat, it is likely that constipation or diarrhea may occur. The reason for different types of food in a dog’s diet may also cause constipation because it takes longer to digest and digest. 
10. Diet low in fiber: A diet low in fiber can make it difficult for the intestine to move stools, making it difficult for them to move through the intestine. A diet that does not contain enough fluids and does not allow the body to absorb the nutrients in the food can also cause constipation. 
11. Lack of exercise: A sedentary lifestyle can cause the intestines to work less efficiently, making it difficult to defecate. Exercise is necessary to keep the intestines working properly and to help the body absorb the nutrients in the food.  
12. Changes in routine: The change of routine can also cause constipation, due to changes in the food and type of food, changes in the place of residence, changes in the amount of food, and a change in the schedule. 
13. Pregnancy: Pregnancy can cause constipation because the body produces more progesterone and it is common for the intestines to work more slowly during pregnancy.
14. Anal sac disease: Anal sac disease can cause constipation because the sacs are located near the anus and when they become inflamed it can be difficult to defecate. 
15. Irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease: Irritable bowel syndrome can cause constipation because the intestine is not able to move the stools through the intestine properly.Inflammatory bowel disease can cause constipation because the intestine is not able to move the stools through the intestine properly. 
16. Neurological disorders: Neurological disorders can cause constipation because the nerves that control the intestine are not working properly. 
17. Injuries: Injuries to the abdomen or pelvis can cause constipation because the muscles and nerves that control the intestine are not working properly. 
18. Kidney or liver disease: Kidney disease can cause constipation because the kidneys are not able to remove the toxins from the body properly. Liver disease can cause constipation because the liver is not able to remove the toxins from the body properly.
19. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism can cause constipation because the thyroid is not able to produce the hormones that are necessary for the body to function properly.
20. Cancer: Cancer can cause constipation because the tumor can block the intestine and make it difficult to pass stools. 
21. Medications: Certain medications, such as those for pain, can cause constipation; however, the most common drugs that can cause constipation are antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, iron supplements, and antacids.

Treatment and tips for dog constipation 

There are a few things you can do to help your dog with constipation:

1. Increase their fibre intake with high-fibre foods or supplements;
2. Increase their water intake;
3. Give them a gentle massage;
4. Take them on a short, gentle walk;

If constipation is chronic, you may need to consult a veterinarian for further treatment. To do this, you can consider using an online vet subscription which is available to you 24/7 without driving your dog elsewhere (unless it’s an emergency!). With this service, you can ask all the questions about your pet’s health, nutrition, behavior in a chat with a certified doctor online.