When your dog struggles to poop
We all know that as a doggy parent, it’s our job to ‘clear up’ after them … but what happens when your dog seems to be struggling to ‘go’.
You may notice your dog straining, passing dry, hard stools and possibly passing mucus.
First stop should be to your Vet if you’re concerned – especially if your dog hasn’t had a bowel movement for 2 days or more or if he ‘cries in pain when trying ‘to go’ and the Vet may recommend medication or a prescription diet.
Did you know that constipation is actually one of the most common health issues associated with a dog’s digestive system?
There are several reasons why your dog may be constipated, some more straightforward than others, including a lack of exercise, too much or too little fibre in his diet or even matted hair around his rear end.
If your dog tends to swallow stones, chew up toys – or your plants – then there may be something caught in his intestinal tract.
Excessive self-grooming can also cause undue amounts of hair to collect in the stool. Older dogs tend also tend to be more susceptible to constipation.
Other causes that may require intervention from your Vet include:
- Dehydration caused by another illness
- Problems with his anal sacs
- Enlarged prostate gland
- Side effects of medication
- An orthopaedic problem causing pain when he ‘squats’
- A neurological issue
- Trauma to the pelvis
- Masses causing an obstruction in the rectum or anus
Hopefully that helps you understand a little about what your dog could be going through when their stools seem a little too firm. Leave a comment below!