Dogs are the preferred pet of many families because they are
smart, lovable, and loyal, which makes them a joy for both
children and adults. While owning a dog is great fun and always
enjoyable, with it comes many responsibilities. Dogs have the
same similar needs and health problems of humans. This requires
the owner to watch their pet's diet and ensure that the dog gets
plenty of exercise.

The Symptoms Of Dog Constipation

Even though dogs are very expressive, it is hard to tell when
they are ailing because they can't directly tell us how they
are feeling. So we need to pay close attention to them and look
for the signs that they show you. In the case of dog
constipation, an observant pet owner should know that there's a
problem if the dog hasn't passed a stool in over two days. A
dog's digestive system is a lot more active than that of a
human's, so the pet will have bowel movements at least once a
day in a soft form. If the pet does not pass a stool for two
days or the stool is difficult to pass because it is hard, your
loving pet may be suffering from constipation.

If you believe your dog may be constipated, then you'll want to
watch for the other common symptoms of dog constipation. These
include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting as well as
lethargy and/or disinterest in his or her favorite activities.

Common Dog Constipation Treatment And Prevention

If your pet suffers from constipation, you need to take a
closer look at the dog's diet to ensure that it contains enough
fiber and increase the fiber level if it does not. Most of the
dog food sold on the market contains an adequate amount of
fiber. Some popular brands are Dog Chow, Pedigree, and Alpo to
name a few. Dehydration may be another possible cause of your
dog's constipation and therefore you should ensure that the
animal drinks plenty of water by placing a bowl of fresh water
by the food dish and make sure to fill it as soon as it is
empty.

Other Measures For Dog Constipation

If the situation doesn't improve wihin the first week, take
your dog to the vet's office as soon as possible. Your dog may
be in pain, and the only person to offer the correct treatment
is the veterinarian. The vet may prescribe some dog laxatives
to help your best friend, but he may also need to conduct a few
tests to ensure that there are no existing medical conditions
that may be at the root of your dog's constipation.

Regular check ups, balanced diet, adequate water and exercise
will help keep your dog in good health and free of
constipation. You and your pet will enjoy a lot of happy times
together if you learn to listen and watch for the early warning
signs of health problems.

About The Author: Brought to you as a courtesy from
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