It seems that mankind is being affected by an epidemic of poor health, so it should come as no great bombshell that our dogs are as well. Just as in humans, canine constipation can be quite irritating and even painful, potentially causing other more serious issues, like intestinal blockages. While it is likely that canine constipation is the result of something threatening, it is more likely a poor food choice, dehydration, or insufficient exercise. However, treating dog constipation and ensuring your dog can eliminate regularly is critical for a dog's overall health.

Often, constipation in people or animals is cured with a laxative. Doctors warn, however, that over dependence on laxatives can result in a range of other health problems, like the inability to eliminate in the future, as the body becomes accustomed to a laxative and will not eliminate well without it.

In nature, most animals, including dogs, have a diet high in protein. If they experience an upset stomach, they are often seen taking fiber, like grasses. Unfortunately, most usual commercial dog foods are weak in protein and fiber and also high in wheat, corn, fillers and carbohydrates. Dogs in the wild tend not to eat human food, it's that simple. Household dogs often have another bad habit, they will eat just about anything, even items that we consider to be inedible!

Symptoms of canine constipation are usually easy to notice, if you pay attention. A dog cannot eliminate, though he will probably continuously try. Eventually, he will become overloaded and sluggish, less playful and less likely to want to eat. He could even become a bit gassier, as the undigested food left in his intestine begins to ferment.

While controlling the condition is usually the wisest route by a good diet, adequate water and exercise, at the point your dog is constipated, it will be time to consider more proactive measures. First, increase your dog's water intake. One solution I have myself used included some cans of very high protein pet food with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. The outcomes were unpleasant but very effective. A change in diet to include more oil and protein is normally quite effective.

It is often good to give your dog a nice little body rub. This shouldn't be anything too extreme. Don't rub too hard and always rub in a downwards direction, in the direction of the tail. This might help you determine such things as a hardened stool, in which case a dog enema might be necessary. At any rate, making these changes should have your dog with some relief.

Again, dealing with canine constipation is crucial. Prevention is obviously best, but should your best buddy be unable to eliminate, you will need to to treat the problem right away, usually with a change in food and an increase in water and exercise. If these methods be insufficient, more intense techniques might need to be employed, including a trip to the vet before the condition becomes more serious.