"What defines constipation?" and "Why is my dog constipated?" are questions frequently asked by pet owners. On the opposite end of the gastrointestinal (GI) spectrum lies diarrhea, which can also be perplexing since it can have many underlying causes. Both of these GI issues in dogs can cause lethargy, bloating and extreme discomfort. Although providing your dog with nutritionally balanced food and avoiding dietary indiscretions (like trash picking, ingesting toys and nibbling table scraps) can minimize GI upset, constipation and diarrhea are common conditions pet parents should be aware of and know when it’s time to see the the vet. Your vet can help identify the cause of your dog’s constipation and the best way to manage it.

What Is Constipation?

Most dogs have a typical daily pattern of bowel movements. You probably already know it well from the number of bags you bring on a walk. Keeping track of your dog's normal habits can help you identify when something might be wrong.

Before you ask "Why is my dog constipated?" you should know how to spot the signs. Constipation refers to infrequent or difficult passage of stool. The stool passed is often hard and dry and might contain blood. A dog that poops occasionally one or two times less than usual is generally not cause for alarm, but if your dog has not passed stool in more than a day and is showing signs of straining or a poor appetite, call your veterinarian.

Why Is My Dog Constipated?

The question of why your dog is constipated can have many answers. A physical exam by your vet and tests, such as X-rays, will help discover or rule out the following problems:

• Ingestion of foreign material (clothing, toys, bones, stones, grass, fur, human hair)
• Sluggish intestinal movement
• Dehydration
• Matted fur blocking the anus
• Enlarged prostate gland in male dogs
• Hernias (when an injury or strain pushes a small section of an internal organ through the surrounding muscle)
• Tumor or mass within the intestinal tract
• Infected or impacted anal sacs
• Side effect of medications
• Orthopedic and neurological conditions, such as arthritis, that hinder a dog's ability to squat

How Can I Manage My Dog's Constipation?

The management of constipation depends on the underlying cause. In cases where your dog is merely bound up due to matted fur blocking the exit, you can provide immediate relief with grooming clippers. Dogs that are having difficulty passing stools containing fur, grass or bone fragments might need the gentle help of a vet's gloved hand to manually remove the impacted stool. Dogs having difficulty defecating due to enlarged prostate glands, masses within the intestinal tract or hernias will require surgical intervention.

You can help your orthopedically or neurologically impaired dog stay regular by supporting them with a harness while they defecate. Dogs with conditions, such as diabetes mellitus and kidney disease, which can increase their risk of dehydration and constipation, might need supplemental water added to their food or the administration of subcutaneous (under the skin) or intravenous (injected into a vein) fluids. If X-rays show a large amount of stool within your dog's colon, your vet might perform an enema to give them significant and immediate relief.

In order to prevent the frustrating and distressing scenario of dealing with dog constipation, talk to your vet about ways you can handle and prevent constipation. Your vet might recommend giving your pup high-moisture soft food, stool softeners, a high fiber therapeutic food, or a low residue therapeutic food. The increased fiber content of certain therapeutic dog food allows for greater absorption of water, which softens stool and promotes intestinal motility (the body's ability to move food through the digestive system). Always consult a vet before administering any over-the-counter medication to your dog, as many can be dangerous or fatal for dogs if not properly administered.