Canine constipation. Sounds like a joke, doesn't it? But it can lead to some very serious health consequences for your dog. So if Bowser's bound up, make sure you take note, and take action.

So What?

Why is it such a big deal? First and foremost, constipation is as unpleasant for your dog as it is for you, and there's no reason to be subjecting puppy to that kind of discomfort. Loss of appetite, listlessness, and even vomiting can be symptoms of Canine Constipation.

However, it goes well beyond simple consideration for your dog's comfort. Left untreated, dog constipation can lead to a condition known as megacolon, in which the feces back up in the dog's colon to the point where the colon is stretched so far out of shape that it loses the ability to contract to effectively pass feces through it at all. If that happens, the treatment is usually surgical removal of your dog's colon, and a lifetime of mess, inconvenience, and discomfort for you and your dog.

Is My Dog Constipated?

How can you tell if your dog is constipated? Well, you know your dog best, so be on the lookout for changes in their normal elimination routine. Veterinarians say that a dog should be defecating at least once every other day with a soft stool. If they're not, you've got canine constipation. When constipated, your dog can strain to defecate, possibly passing small, hard stool (or even a little liquid drainage). They often whine or yelp when trying to defecate, and can often lay around or stop eating entirely.

Causes of Canine Constipation

Constipation in dogs can be caused  by a variety of factors. Any one of these in large amounts, or a combination of them in more moderate levels can render your hound bound up:

• Dehydration: Insufficient water contributes to harder stool, which is one contributing factor to constipation.
• Diet: As with humans, diets low in fiber can lead to constipation. Ingestion of inappropriate foods (table foods and those heavy in sugars, processed flour, etc.) or garbage (including paper, rocks, and socks!) can also cause digestive problems. And even your dog's best friend -- the bone -- is a prime contributor to canine constipation (too much protein, no fiber).
• Lack of Exercise: If Fido isn't getting enough exercise to keep his bowels moving along, they can grow sluggish. The result: constipation.
• Parasites: Infestation by worms or other parasites may make it difficult for your dog to properly pass fecal matter through their digestive tract.

Treatment

Okay, your dog's constipated. What can you do about it?

First, if your dog's been constipated for 2 days or more, be sure to take him to your veterinarian. He may need medication or even costly surgery to restore his health. (That's a good reason to have - ahem - Pet Health Insurance.)

If you're catching it early enough, there are a number of things you can do to reverse constipation. (Of course, doing these regularly can also stop canine constipation before it starts.)

• Water: Always make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh, clean water. Proper hydration for your dog is vital to its health in so many ways, but for constipation, it enables the stool to remain softer as it passes through the intestines.
• Fiber: Add more fiber to your dog's diet. You can add psyllium (seed husks, commonly found in natural laxatives such as Metamucil and Benefiber) to your dog's food regularly. More interesting to your dog is a natural remedy of including a tablespoon or so of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix!) to your dog's kibble; about a tablespoon will do for a medium sized dog around 25 pounds. With any of these food supplements, you should consult your vet to make sure they're okay for your dog.
• Medicine: Your vet will have several medical laxatives and anti-parasite drugs that can help return your dog to regularity.
• Exercise: Getting your dog back into regular activity can help to "move things along."
• Enema: A somewhat drastic measure, but sometimes an enema can be the quickest way to return your pooch to normal. Consult your vet on this one for sure!

Conclusion

Canine Constipation can vary from infrequent annoyance to chronic life-threatening condition. But with proper diet, hydration, and exercise, virtually any dog can become and remain regular.

One thing I can't stress enough: do not shrug off canine constipation as unimportant. The consequences of ignoring this condition can be severe for your four-footed friend. Don't let your carelessness cost your dog her quality of life.