How will a dog act when constipated

The dog that is usually lively and full of energy suddenly behaves abnormally, which makes the owner worried. Constipation, a seemingly common problem, can bring a lot of pain to the dog. They can't express their discomfort in words and can only send distress signals to the owner through changes in their behavior and body. Understanding the dog's performance when it is constipated is not only a need for professional pet care knowledge but also a manifestation of our deep love for our furry friends. Only by understanding these "silent languages" can we help them get rid of the trouble of constipation in time.

Difficulty in defecation is the most typical and intuitive manifestation of a dog's constipation. Under normal circumstances, a dog defecates smoothly and naturally with easy and agile movements. However, when constipation strikes, they will frequently assume a defecation posture, squat for a long time, arch their back, strain hard, their little face turns red, and their tail is unnaturally tense. Often, they can only squeeze out a small amount of dry and hard granular feces with great difficulty, or even fail to defecate at all. Some dogs will pace back and forth at the defecation place, trying again and again, but to no avail. Their anxious and helpless appearance seems to be crying out to the owner, "I'm so uncomfortable, please help me!" Watching them in pain, the owner's heart feels as if it's being pricked by countless needles, wishing they could bear the suffering for the dog.

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 have a moderate texture, are in a strip shape, smooth on the surface, and are usually brown or tan. For a constipated dog, the feces will change significantly, becoming extremely dry and hard like stones, and the color will be darker than normal, mostly dark brown or even black. As the constipation persists, the feces will become small and hard due to excessive water loss, and the shape is no longer regular, sometimes even cracking. The surface of the feces of some dogs will be attached with mucus because the intestinal mucosa secretes mucus under the repeated stimulation of the dry feces, trying to lubricate the intestines to help with defecation. When the owner sees such abnormal feces excreted by the dog, worry welling up in their heart, knowing that the dog's intestinal health is in trouble.

The dog's behavior and mental state will also change significantly due to constipation. Due to abdominal distension and discomfort and the difficulty in defecation, they will become restless, constantly changing their posture, lying on the ground for a while and then standing up and walking back and forth, trying to find a more comfortable state. The dog that was originally enthusiastic about toys and games will lose interest in its favorite items. Even if the owner waves its favorite ball in front of it, it will just take a lazy look and then lie on the ground, no longer chasing and playing cheerfully as usual. The appetite will also drop significantly. When faced with the delicious food it used to drool over, it will just smell it briefly and then turn away. No matter how the owner coaxes it, it has no desire to eat. Seeing the furry friend that used to be full of vitality being tortured by constipation and listless, the owner is filled with self-blame, regretting not noticing the abnormalities in its body earlier.

In terms of physical signs, the abdomen of a constipated dog will show obvious abnormalities. When the owner gently touches the dog's abdomen, they can feel the accumulation of hard fecal masses in the intestinal area, which feels completely different from the normal soft abdomen. The dog may resist the owner's touch due to abdominal pain and discomfort. When the sensitive area is touched, it will whine and even try to avoid it. Long-term constipation can also lead to other problems, such as causing the dog to vomit. This is because the feces accumulated in the intestine hinder the normal digestion and propulsion of food, resulting in delayed gastric emptying and increased pressure in the stomach, thus stimulating the vomiting center and triggering the vomiting reflex. The vomit may be undigested food, gastric juice, and in severe cases, even with blood or bile, which further worsens the dog's physical condition and makes the owner even more anxious.

In addition, there will be some changes in the dog's fur and around the anus. Due to constipation affecting the dog's overall health and nutrient absorption, the physical discomfort leads to metabolic disorders, and it cannot provide sufficient nutrients for the fur. The originally smooth and shiny fur will become rough, dry, and lose its luster, looking messy. Some dogs will frequently lick around the anus due to the discomfort there, trying to relieve the symptoms, which may cause the skin around the anus to turn red and inflamed, further increasing their pain. These subtle changes silently tell the suffering the dog is enduring, requiring the owner to observe carefully and deal with them in a timely manner.

All kinds of manifestations of a dog when it is constipated are "distress signals" it sends to the owner. As owners, we should always pay attention to the dog's physical condition and notice these subtle changes. Once we find that the dog shows symptoms of constipation, we should not take it lightly. We should take timely measures, adjust the diet, increase exercise, and take it to a pet hospital if necessary. With our love and care, we can help the dog get rid of the pain of constipation, let it regain health and vitality, and run happily in the sun again. Because in our hearts, the health and happiness of the dog are the most precious treasures, worthy of our full love and protection.