My 4 month old puppy (a beagle/britney spaniel mix) is slightly overweight so the vet told me to cut down to 2 meals a day since I did that he's been constipated and generally cranky! (probably from the constipation) any ideas on what I can do to help him? (douching is not an option) thanks!!
2006-07-20 01:39:42 · 13 answers · asked by princessmeg64 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The most common cause of constipation in pets is an incorrect diet. A lack of fiber (and sometimes excessive fiber) can be a problem as well as indigestible bones which can be swallowed and produce a cork-like blockage in the digestive tract.
Other causes of constipation include worm infestation, lack of exercise and furballs (in cats). Symptoms of bladder infections (such as straining) can also sometimes be mistaken for constipation.
Constipation can lead to a build up of toxins, which can cause numerous health problems.
Symptoms of Constipation in Cats and Dogs:
Straining to have a bowel movement with no result
Abdominal discomfort
Loss of Appetite
Bloating
Going for long periods between bowel movements
Hard, impacted stools
What is the conventional treatment?
The most common treatment for constipation is a change in diet. If this does not work, a mild laxative may be prescribed. An enema may also be necessary to remove hardened stool which is impacted in the colon.
Use a tablespoon of canned pumpkin in the puppies food each day and this will help cure the constipation and help prevent it.
2006-07-20 01:57:20 · answer #1 · answered by badgirl41 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
How do you know he's constipated? Have you felt the stools, and they are really hard?
Best thing to do is increase fluids - if you're feeding him dry, pour some hot water over it - it makes a gravy. Or ask your vet for a prescription diet, but it's pretty unusual for a puppy to be put on a diet, as they NEED all those extra calories for growing!
He actually might do better with three or four (much smaller!) meals scattered throughout the day. Take his recommended feeding amount of puppy chow, divide it in four, MEASURE IT OUT. No table scraps or treats, especially milkbone biscuits, which are LOADED in fats.
2006-07-20 01:46:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What are you feeding him? Try feeding a diet that has more fiber and encourage exercise. If you're feeding him wet food try switching to dry. Wet food is full of salt and can add to the constipation. Also why do you think he's constipated? Is he straining a lot or just going less? If he's just going less then it's because he's eating less. Make sure he's drinking lots of water too.
2006-07-20 01:55:18 · answer #3 · answered by Jim 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had a similar problem, try giving the puppy a Tablespoon of olive oil, every 3 to 4 hours. They normally like the taste of the oil, so getting it in puppy won't be a problem. Then watch the pup and be ready to run it outside.
This works! It won't hurt the pup and an added benefit is it will help the puppies coat be healthy and soft and shiny.
2006-07-20 02:04:11 · answer #4 · answered by hollyhock 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try some veggies-carrots, etc..Or, a tablespoon of olive oil in the food usually does the trick on my dogs. However, my dogs are about 150 lbs. So cut back for size. It does not give them diarrhea, but it will make stool very soft, and easier to pass. The cause of constipation could be a lot of things. Be sure the dog drinks a lot, and gets a lot of exercise.
2006-07-20 01:44:57 · answer #5 · answered by mcghankathy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The vet told us to give our dog a tablespoon of kaopectate(spelling?) but I can't remember if that was for constipation or the other way around! Anyways...the dog was about 4 lbs at the time so if your dog is larger than he may need more
2006-07-20 01:45:38 · answer #6 · answered by A.Marie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How long has she been constipated? You can try canned pumpkin (not pie mix). Is she trying to go? Is it possible she ate something she shouldn't have--do you think she could have a blockage? If she hasn't had a bm by morning, I would call the vet. Good luck.
2016-03-16 02:18:44 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let your dog outside in the yard so that he can eat grass. It helps to stimulate their digestive tract naturally; that's why you often will see dogs eating grass when they're outside roaming around. It is instinctive behavior for dogs if they have some kind of stomach problem. If you live in an apartment complex or can't let him outside for some reason you should buy him some grass from Petco or a garden supply store and he will instinctively know what to do with it.
2006-07-20 01:45:53 · answer #8 · answered by Ashley 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How did four month old puppy get overweight?
Check with your vet, but maybe he would eat a prune! I'm sure my dog would (she eats pretty much everything!) I would also suggest more walks and more playing--get that body in motion and it should help with the plumbing. We can't walk our dog with out her going numerous times....
2006-07-20 01:47:42 · answer #9 · answered by poppet 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can give him a teaspoon of mineral oil, and that will get things moving again. Also, keep him on a premium brand dog food, which will help the problem not to reoccur
2006-07-20 02:00:52 · answer #10 · answered by buggsnme2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋