Dog constipation

Question
Hi!

My Shit-zu  started crouching as if she had to "go"    I rushed her outside but she just walked in cirlcles <hunched up>    She never had a bowel movement.    What can I give her to help her?  (I really don't want to put my finger up there!)  eeek!    I know that the oils we take are not good for dogs.......I just don't know whast else to give her!

Any advice would be apreciated!    

Thank You!            Lori

Answer
Hi Lori!A high-fiber diet isn't just good for humans.It can be just what a constipated dog or cat needs.Vets recommend buying a pet food that contains 7 to 13 percent fiber.You will find the fiber percentage on the label.By regularly eating a high-fiber diet your pet may never be constipated again.

Moblize with Metamucil.This over-the-counter la
ax contains psyllium seed husks,which pull water into the stool and help move it along.Vets recommend giivng about 1/2 teaspoons twice a day to small pets and about
2 teaspoons twice a day to large dogs.To amke Metamucil more palatable,try mixing it with a small portion of canned food.Or if you're adding it to dry kibble,mix in some warm broth or water.Just be sure to give your pet plenty of water so the Metamucil doesn't congeal in her stomach.

A sprinkle of oat bran every day can help keep constipation
away.Depending on the size of your pet,vets advise adding
from 1/2 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons of oat bran easier to get down.

A goiod dietary fiber is Grape-Nuts Flakes.Vets recommend doling out one to three teaspoonfuls several times a day until the constipation clears.But if your pet happens to have a hankering for Grape-Nuts,she cat eat them forever without a problem.

Canned pumpkin is an excellant source of fiber that can make your pet regular again.The bonus is that dogs and cats seem to enjoy it.Vets advise mixing a tablespoon or two with your pet's food for several days or until she's more regular again.
We're always advising people not to give too much milk to their cats or dogs because it can cause diarrhea.But when you have a constipated pet,milk could be just what she needs. Vets recommend giving small pets 1/8 cup twice a day and large dogs about 1/2 cup.When your pet is regular again,wean her off the milk over a period of three to four days.

Water is essential to keeping your pet's digestive system healthy.Always have plenty available.If your ept would rather be lazy than walk across the house for a good swig of water,try placing water dishes in several rooms to make it easy.Adding water to dry food is yet another way to increase her fluid intake.

Taking your pet out for a 20 minute romp several times a day is an excellant way to get things moving in the right direction.

Some pets get constipated simply becasue they haven't had the time or oppurtunity to go.The longer your pet keeps it in,the harder and drier the stool gets.That can lead to problems fairly quickly.It's inportant to give your pet plenty of potty time.Try to let your dog out several times a day.Or install a doggy door so he can come and go when he pleases.

Eating ribs or other crunchable bones can cause things to get blocked up inside.Only give your pet bones that she can chew on,not eat.

For pets of the long-haired persuasion,tangled hair on the rear with sometimes prevent them from ahving a bowel movement.Vets call this mechanical constipation.They strain and strain and nothing comes out.It can lead to true constipation,because the longer the animal doesn't go,the driet things get inside.The solution?Get out the blunt scissors and carefully give her a trim.If mechanical constipation is the problem,you'll know rihgt away.

If she is eating dog food, then you can add mineral oil (not vegetable oil) to her food. Use about 1 tablespoon per 25 lbs. of weight with each feeding. That may help lubricate the stool. You can also add something like green beans or canned pumpkin to her food to add undigestible fiber to make the stools more soft. In a young puppy, roundworms can also block them up.

               FALSE ALARMS
Just because your pet is straining to move her bowels does not maean she's constipated.Apperances to the contray,vets say,the problem is far more likely to something else.
Ninety-nine percent of straining dogs actually have diarrhea,which is very common.The dog probably already emptied her bowel and still feels the urage to go,even though it's not producing anything.

Before trying any of this,be sure to contact your vet to make sure it is OK.You can print this or send it to his/her office.I hope this is helpful and good luck!Nicole.D.