Constipation

The term constipation is applied to those patients that pass stools infrequently or exhibit tenesmus in association with defecation. Because it is difficult to obtain accurate information about the defecation habits of pets, constipation is difficult to define in veterinary patients. Constipation is a clinical sign, not a disease, multiple disorders can result in constipation.

A constipation dog or cat has infrequent or difficult bowel movement. The stool is usually hard and dry.

Constipation can be caused by :
• Insufficient fiber intake
• Insufficient water intake
• Eating Hair, bones or other foreign objects
• Aging
• Tumors, fractures or lesions
• Prostate disease
• Spinal cord or disc disease
• Large bowel nervous disorders
• Metabolic or endocrine disorders
• Debilition or dehydration
• Drugs
• Behavioral problems
• Perineal hernia

Home care tips for constipation
Objective: To provide a balanced diet high in fiber to increase intestinal volume and contractions and to retain water in the colon.

1. Diet of choice: low fat, high fiber diet.

2. Feed at least twice daily a diet containing at least 10% fiber in its dry matter to stimulate post-prandial peristalsis.

3. Do not feed bone snacks, feathers, skin or foreign material. This can lead to serious impale and perforation.

4. Brush your dog or cats coat daily to prevent your pet from eating hair.

5. 30 to 60 minutes after eating, exercise your dog about 45 minutes to encourage defecation and improve abdominal muscle tone.

6. Correct any sign of anorectal disease or trauma that may cause pain and reluctant to defecate. If unsure consult with your vet.

7. Keep your cat's litter box clean.

8. Give your pet free access to fresh water.