What Are the Symptoms of Constipation in Corgis?

Corgis, with their plump buttocks and short yet lively limbs, always enter our lives in an endearing manner and have become the representatives of cute pets in the hearts of countless people. They are full of energy. Whether they are running merrily in the yard or interacting affectionately with their owners, they can bring us endless joy. However, when these lovely little fellows suffer from constipation, their past liveliness will be replaced by pain, and this surely makes the owners feel extremely distressed. Understanding the symptoms of constipation in Corgis is the crucial first step for us to help them get rid of this pain.

I. Significant Changes in Defecation

Marked Decrease in Defecation Frequency: Healthy Corgis usually have a relatively stable defecation pattern, generally defecating 1 - 2 times a day. But once they are in the predicament of constipation, the defecation frequency will drop sharply. The original daily and punctual defecation may change to once every two days, or there may even be no sign of defecation for three or four days. This is because the intestinal peristalsis slows down, and it becomes extremely difficult for feces to move forward in the intestines.

II. Abnormal Behaviors

Persistent Attempts at the Defecation Site: Constipated Corgis will frequently go to the defecation places they are familiar with, such as the dog toilet or a specific corner in the yard. They will maintain the defecation position there for a long time, with their buttocks lowered and straining hard, but often only a small amount of feces can be excreted, or sometimes nothing at all. Then they begin to pace anxiously around and whine, which fully shows their anxiety and restlessness caused by constipation. This persistence at the defecation site is a helpless act of the Corgi's body instinctively trying to excrete feces but being unable to do so.

Frequent Licking of the Anus: Due to constipation, discomfort symptoms will occur around the anus of Corgis, which makes them lick the anal area frequently. They try to relieve the local itching and pain in this way. Long - term licking will not only cause the hair around the anus to become wet and tangled but may also lead to local skin inflammation. Once the owner finds that the Corgi licks its anus frequently and the skin around the anus is red and swollen, they must be highly vigilant, as this is likely a problem caused by constipation.

Sluggish Movement and Posture Change: The discomfort brought by constipation will greatly reduce the originally lively and active nature of Corgis. Their movements become sluggish. They, who used to like chasing toys and playing with their owners, now have lost interest in these activities. Often, they can be seen lying lazily in a corner, unwilling to move. When walking, their steps also become heavy and slow, no longer as brisk and agile as before. In addition, Corgis will frequently change their postures because of abdominal discomfort, trying to find a state that makes them feel more comfortable. They may curl up, press their abdomen tightly against the ground, or constantly adjust their lying postures. These are all manifestations of their efforts to relieve abdominal distension and pain.

III. Obvious Changes in Mental State

Listlessness: Constipation has a significant impact on the mental state of Corgis. They, who were originally full of energy and had bright eyes, will become listless, and their eyes will be dull. The scene of excitedly wagging their tails and warmly greeting the owner when they saw the owner come home in the past no longer appears. Instead, they lie quietly in place and respond coldly to the owner's arrival. This mental listlessness is because constipation causes the accumulation of toxins in the body, which affects the Corgi's nervous system and overall metabolic function. Their bodies feel uncomfortable, so naturally, they have no energy to show their past liveliness.

Larger Emotional Fluctuations: Besides listlessness, constipation will also make the Corgi's mood extremely unstable. They may become irritable, showing impatience towards the owner's caresses and commands, and may even growl. Some Corgis will become timid and cowardly, and they will be easily frightened by the slightest noise.

IV. Other Related Symptoms

Significant Loss of Appetite: Constipation will seriously affect the Corgi's appetite. They have no interest in their favorite dog food and snacks and may even refuse to eat. This is because the discomfort caused by the accumulated feces in the intestines suppresses the Corgi's appetite center. Long - term decreased appetite will lead to insufficient nutrient intake in Corgis, and then their weight will decrease, and their body resistance will also decline.

Abnormal Conditions of the Abdomen: When a Corgi is constipated, the owner can detect some abnormalities by gently touching its abdomen. The abdomen of a constipated Corgi usually appears distended, and sometimes hard lumps can be felt. These lumps are the dried - up feces. During the touching process, the Corgi may show resistance due to abdominal discomfort and emit a painful cry. Sometimes, the bowel sounds will weaken, indicating that the intestinal peristalsis function has been severely inhibited. These changes in the abdomen directly reflect the problems in the Corgi's intestines and also remind the owner to take measures to solve the constipation problem as soon as possible.

Corgis are our closest companions in life, and their health and happiness are our greatest wishes. When we find that Corgis have the above - mentioned constipation symptoms, we must pay attention in a timely manner and take effective measures. Whether it is adjusting the diet structure, adding more foods rich in dietary fiber, increasing their exercise to promote intestinal peristalsis, or seeking professional help from a veterinarian when necessary.