Knowing what is going on with your dog can be complicated, especially since we can't just ask them questions.
However, you can receive communication from your dog in the form of symptoms and actions they take.
The key is to pay attention to the signs they give you.
When it comes to constipation, here are some things you should be looking for.
Does your dog struggle when trying to produce a bowel movement? If he is able to go, is it small, hard, dry, or does it even contain undigested food? Is your dog refusing to eat at meal time? If so, this could be because your dog feels bloated.
Does your dog continue to whine? These are all signs that your dog might be constipated.
So, what causes your dog to become constipated? Let's review some of the major contributors and what you can do about them.
Probably the biggest contributor is dehydration.
Your dog may not be getting enough water.
You need to consider where your dog hangs out during the day and make sure there is plenty of water present.
One thing we do is add a little water to our dog's dry food.
We feed him three times a day and we know he is getting a good amount of water when we feed him.
We also have water bowls in the main parts of the house that we spend the most time.
We have water in the kitchen, near the living room, in our bathroom, and in our office.
That way, no matter where we go, our dog will have a source of water.
Other factors are indigestible objects your dog may eat, poor food quality, or excessive stress.
If you are dealing with poor food quality, this is something you can change.
You may want to ask your veterinarian if they have any suggestions for your particular dog breed.
You can also do some research yourself to find a food that is good for your dog.
If you decide you don't want to change your dog's food, there are other things you can try.
Dog probiotics are known to help with constipation in dogs.
They also can help with dog diahrea, bad breath, and a host of other things.
What are probiotics you ask? First, let me say that there are antibiotics, prepiotics, and probiotics.
Most people know what an antibiotic does, it kills all the bacteria, good and bad.
Probiotics help add more of the good bacteria in your dog which can help your dog live a healthier life.
As always, check with your veterinarian before starting a probiotic or any other supplement.
Well, we hope you now know how to tell if your dog is constipated, and also know some steps you can take to help prevent dog constipation.