Q: How do I know my dog is constipated, and what can I do about it?
A: Straining unproductively to defecate or straining with the passing of small amounts of mucous, gooey, or even blood-tinged stool is usually a sign that a dog is constipated, but it could also be a sign of large intestinal diarrhoea.
Difficulty urinating can also appear as straining and this is usually an emergency. A definitive diagnosis of constipation can only be made on a rectal examination and abdominal x-rays.
If you are concerned your dog is constipated, I would recommend you take him to the vet to confirm the cause of the straining before starting any treatment.
Human constipation products should not be used in pets without specific veterinary instruction as they can be toxic to them.
Dr Vanessa Mcclure, veterinarian
