We just got a small 2 year old dog at the SPCA and had her spayed. She is very constipated. Need help!?

Question

We got a small 2 year old Cairn Terrier from the SPCA on Thursday. She has been constipated since we got her. When she does try to go to the bathroom...she yelps and crys and chases her rear end (becuase she wants to lick it I assume). She is eating and drinking plenty. We have tried giving her some wet food to lossen the stool but that hasn't helped. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Thank you very much for your help!

Okay we have a visit scheduled with the vet for tomorrow afternoon. I'm hoping this is nothing serious. She seems perfectly fine when she is not using the restroom. She trots around and wags her tail so I have to assume it only causes her discomfort when she tries to use the bathroom. Thank you for your help!

Answer 1

There could be very many serious things requiring medical attention after a spay. She could have a blockage or in chronic septic shock.

You really need to take her in, as in NOW. Don't wait, call the vet now and take her in, your vet will have a backup after hours vet if not taking calls tonight.

Answer 2

Well, part of the reason she's moody is because she's an intact *****. Spayed girls don't have all those raging hormones to contend with, and are less prone to mood swings, IMO. Also, as someone else mentioned, vet's have finally clued in that spaying at around 6 months is not in fact the best thing. When the hormones are removed that early it slows the closing of the growth plates, which means that the dogs grow bigger then they should. Spaying her at 2 is actually a very good time; late enough to avoid the growth issues, early enough to prevent cancers that intact bitches are prone to. Plus, it's a pain when they go through heat cycles twice a year. Not just the mess, but you would be surprised at how cunning males and females can be. Even the most diligent people can end up with an oopsie litter.

Answer 3

Pumpkin is good,or cooked carrots or sweet potatoes,but to get immediate relief for this dog,go to the drugstore and get some infant glycerin suppositories and use one or two on her.This should help.Also,you can add a teaspoon of mineral oil to her food,but DON'T try to put the mineral oil directly down her throat,as dogs can inhale it and get a very serious pneumonia.Also,don't use Fleet enemas,as the ingredients are toxic to dogs and cats and can kill them.To keep the dog regular ,give her a little high fiber cereal everyday,mixed in her wet food,and make sure she drinks plenty of water.Bear in mind that this little dog has been through a lot,being surrendered to a shelter,being spayed and being in a new ,strange home.She doesn't understand what's happened to her old owner,or why she's someplace new.So, she's nervous and stressed,too,which can cause constipation.Give her a quiet place to rest and speak gently to her,poor little thing.

Answer 4

I can't help with what to feed your dog but I can tell you we had a problem with a coca-poo we bought from a pet store. The store fed one kind of food and we probably used another. Just like changing baby formula they will get stopped up so settle for one kind of food and quit changing because it will only start over again. Anyways I could not wait for the poor dog to go and she would not leave her tail end alone so I took her to the vet. The vet had to empty the pouch and then she was okay. Thank goodness she never had that problem again. good luck.

Answer 5

sometimes after surgery this happens to animals as in with humans. u can try some metamucil in its water. like a teaspoon to 8 ozs of water. or sprinkle some on food. constipation is usually due to lack of fiber. or u can also try a little milk of mag if the metamucil doesn't work.about a 1/4-1/2 teaspoon for small to medium dog. if no results in 48 hrs or less if dog seems to be in severe pain or acts unusual call the vet for further answers or see ASAP.

Answer 6

My mom's cat has the same problem. Adding a little pumpkin to her food fixed things up. But check with your vet before you add it.

Answer 7

try a table spoon of plain no fat yogurt. or try about that in pumkin withoput spice. or some cottage cheese no fat.
if all else fails call the vet. have her checked out.
there is over the counter stuff at pet supply stores...the name exscapes me though.

Answer 8

Try haveing her stick to dry food. I find that wet food makes my dog constipated because it doesn't have that much fiber.