Constipation in Dogs

Constipation is infrequent, incomplete, or difficult defecation with passage of hard or dry feces. Constipation is sometimes used interchangeably with obstipation, which is intractable constipation where defecation becomes impossible. It may cause great distress and pain.

Causes

Dietary

Environmental

Drugs/Medications

Painful defecation

Mechanical obstruction (physical blockage)

Neurologic disease

Metabolic and Endocrine diseases

What to Watch For

Straining to defecate and passing a small amount of feces or none at all 

Hard, dry feces

Infrequent defecation 

Small amount of liquid feces produced after prolonged straining 

Occasional vomiting

Lack of appetite

Depression

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is usually made by a supportive history and physical examination findings. However, there are many tests that may also help. The following is a list of the most common tests that your veterinarian may recommend:

Baseline blood tests to include a complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profile, and urinalysis

Abdominal radiographs (X-rays)

Abdominal ultrasound

Treatment

There are several things your veterinarian might recommend to treat your dog with constipation symptomatically, prior to instituting a full diagnostic work up. 

If an underlying cause has been identified, remove it if possible.

Discontinue any medications that may cause constipation. Your veterinarian will advise.

Alter the diet to include bulking agents such as methylcellulose, bran, or pumpkin.

Promote frequent exercise.

If a dog is severely impacted and/or dehydrated, it may be necessary to hospitalize for fluids, enemas, and possible manual removal of feces, which often necessitates general anesthesia. 

Home Care

Your veterinarian may recommend some treatments at home. These may include:

The use of lubricants, suppositories or laxatives

Warm, soapy water enemas. Do not use over-the-counter enemas unless directed by your veterinarian. Some may be toxic to your dog.

Abdominal palpation. Owners of chronically constipated dogs may be taught to palpate their dog's colon abdominally to detect constipation before it progresses to obstipation.