It seems that mankind is being affected by an epidemic of poor health, so it should come as no great surprise that man's best friend is equally affected. Just as in people, canine constipation can be quite distressing and even painful, perhaps leading to other more severe issues, like gastrointestinal blockages. While it is likely that canine constipation is caused by something serious, it is more likely a poor food choice, dehydration, or insufficient exercise. Nevertheless, treating dog constipation and ensuring your dog can eliminate regularly is critical for a dog's general health.

Routinely, constipation in humans or animals is treated with a laxative. Doctors warn, however, that over dependence on laxatives can lead to a range of other health troubles, like the inability to eliminate in the future, as the body becomes used to a laxative and won't eliminate properly without it.

In nature, animals, including dogs, have a diet high in protein. If they have an upset stomach, they are usually seen taking fiber, like grasses. Unfortunately, most typical commercially available dog foods are weak in protein and fiber plus high in wheat, corn, fillers and carbohydrates. Dogs in the wild do not eat bread, it's that simple. Domestic dogs often have another bad habit, they will eat almost anything, even things that are inedible!

Indications of canine constipation are usually very easy to observe, if you pay attention. A dog will not be able to eliminate, though he may keep trying. Sooner or later, he will become heavy and sluggish, less playful and less likely to want to eat. He may even become a bit gassier, as the undigested food left in his bowel begins to ferment.

While controlling the condition is usually the smartest route by means of a good diet, adequate water and exercise, when your dog is constipated, it will be time to consider more proactive steps. First, increase your dog's water consumption. One solution I have myself used included a few cans of very high protein pet food with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. The results were unpleasant but very good. A change in diet to have more oil and protein is normally quite effective.

It is often a good idea to give your dog a nice little body rub. This shouldn't be anything too extreme. Don't rub too hard and always rub in a downwards direction, towards the tail. This might help you determine such factors as a hardened stool, in which case a dog enema may be necessary. In any case, making these adjustments should provide your dog with some comfort.

Again, handling canine constipation is important. Prevention is obviously best, but should your best friend be unable to eliminate, you will need to to treat the problem immediately, usually with a change in food and an increase in water and exercise. If these methods be insufficient, more aggressive techniques might need to be applied, including a visit to the vet before the condition becomes more serious.

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