Dog constipation symptoms，what are the symptoms

Watching a dog that used to be lively and run cheerfully suddenly become listless, squat in the corner in a defecation posture but fail to excrete feces, the owner's heart is instantly filled with worry. Dogs can't speak, and they can only convey signals of health problems to us through changes in their behavior and body. And constipation, a seemingly common problem, can actually bring a lot of pain to dogs. Understanding the symptoms of a dog's constipation is not only a professional need for pet care but also a manifestation of the owner's deep love for the dog. Only by discovering these symptoms in a timely manner can we help the dog get rid of the trouble of constipation as soon as possible.

Difficulty in defecation is the most intuitive symptom of a dog's constipation. Under normal circumstances, a dog's defecation should be smooth and natural. However, when constipation occurs, they will frequently assume a defecation posture, such as squatting for a long time, arching their back, and straining, but have difficulty excreting feces, or can only excrete a small amount of dry and hard granular feces. Some dogs may even whimper in pain due to straining to defecate. Looking at their blushing faces and furrowed expressions, the owner can almost feel the indescribable discomfort. It's just like the pain we suffer from constipation, and dogs can't express it in words but can only bear it silently. Every difficult attempt at defecation is like a small hammer hitting the owner's heart, filled with heartache and anxiety.

The change in the state of feces is also an important basis for judging whether a dog is constipated. The feces of a healthy dog are usually of moderate softness, in a strip shape, and smooth on the surface. For a constipated dog, the feces will become extremely dry and hard, and the color is often darker than normal, with a texture as hard as a stone. As the constipation persists, the feces may become small, dry, and black due to excessive water loss, and even crack. The surface of the feces of some dogs may also be attached with mucus because the intestinal mucosa secretes mucus under the stimulation of the feces to try to lubricate the intestines for defecation. When the owner sees such abnormal feces excreted by the dog, a sense of unease wells up in their heart, knowing that the dog's intestinal health has already signaled a problem and eagerly wanting to find a solution.

In addition to the changes in defecation and feces, the behavior and mental state of the dog will also be affected by constipation. Due to abdominal discomfort and difficulty in defecation, the dog will become restless, constantly changing its posture in an attempt to find a more comfortable state. They will frequently go to the usual defecation place but return disappointed again and again. That sense of helplessness and anxiety can almost be conveyed to the owner through their eyes. A dog that used to be lively and active will become listless, losing interest in toys and games that it used to like, and no longer responding actively to the owner's call as usual. Its appetite will also decrease significantly. Even when faced with its favorite food, it will just sniff it briefly and then turn away. Watching the dog that used to be full of vitality being tortured by constipation and losing its luster, the owner is filled with self-blame, regretting not paying attention to the warning signals from the dog's body in time.

In terms of physical signs, the abdomen of a constipated dog may show obvious swelling. When the owner gently touches the dog's abdomen, they can feel the accumulation of hard fecal masses in the intestine. The dog may resist the touch due to pain and even make a whimpering sound. Prolonged constipation can also cause the dog to vomit. This is because the feces accumulated in the intestine affect the normal digestion and propulsion of food, leading to delayed gastric emptying and increased pressure in the stomach, thus triggering vomiting. The vomit may be undigested food, gastric juice, and in severe cases, may even contain blood. When seeing the dog vomiting, the owner's worry further intensifies, understanding that the dog's health problem cannot be ignored and that measures must be taken as soon as possible.

In addition, the dog's fur may become rough and lose its luster due to constipation. This is because constipation affects the dog's overall health and nutrient absorption. The physical discomfort leads to metabolic disorders and the inability to provide sufficient nutrients for the fur. The originally smooth and shiny fur will become dry and messy, as if telling the pain inside the dog's body. Some dogs may also cause the skin around the anus to become red and inflamed due to frequently licking around the anus in an attempt to relieve the discomfort. Every subtle physical change is a distress signal sent by the dog to the owner, which requires us to observe and interpret it carefully.

The symptoms of a dog's constipation involve multiple aspects such as defecation, behavior, and the body. Each symptom tells of their pain. As owners, we should always pay attention to the dog's physical condition. When these abnormalities are found, we should not take them lightly. Take the dog to a pet hospital for examination in a timely manner, find out the cause of the constipation, and carry out treatment and care under the guidance of a doctor. With our love and carefulness, we can help the dog get rid of the trouble of constipation, allowing them to regain their health and vitality and smile brightly again. Because in our hearts, the health and happiness of the dog are the most precious treasures, worthy of our all-out protection.