Relieve Dog Constipation: Effective Tips & Home Remedie

“Painful defecation” is often associated with certain conditions affecting the colon or rectum. Since the colon and rectum pass through the pelvic region formed by bones, fractures or dislocations in the pelvis can lead to difficulties in bowel movements. Additionally, the colon directly passes through the prostate of male dogs, so prostate diseases may also cause pain during defecation. Furthermore, bowel movements can also be challenging due to abnormalities in the anal or perineal area (around the anus or below the tail).

Causes of Difficulty in Dog Defecation in Dogs:

Constipation

Colitis or proctitis

Tumors or polyps in the colon, rectum, anal, or perianal area.

Foreign bodies in the colon or rectum.

Narrowing of the colon, rectum, or anal canal.

Abnormalities in the rectum, such as diverticula (partial expansion).

Infection, abscess, or cancer in the anal sacs.

Perineal hernia, which occurs when abdominal organs protrude through the muscles and fascia of the pelvic floor via the perineum.

Perianal fistulas (skin ulcers and infected channels from the rectum to the anal area).

Hair around the anus being covered with feces.

Fractures, injuries, or infections in the pelvis.

Prostate diseases, such as infections, abscesses, and cancer.

Symptoms of Difficulty in Dog Defecation:

Painful yelping during defecation

Excessive tension during defecation

Reluctance to defecate

Blood in the feces

Weight loss

Loss of appetite

Diarrhea

Diagnosis of Difficulty in Dog Defecation:

Comprehensive medical history and physical examination, including rectal palpation and examination of the anal and perineal areas.

Complete blood count (CBC)

Blood chemistry analysis

Urinalysis

Stool examination

Abdominal and pelvic Xrays

Abdominal ultrasound

Colonoscopy or rectoscopy

Treatment of Difficulty in Dog Defecation:

Your veterinarian may prescribe medications to treat the symptoms. However, depending on the underlying cause of the difficulty in defecation, the vet will recommend more specific treatment methods. Here are some of the therapies:

Trimming the hair around the anus and cleaning the perineal area may be helpful in some cases of perineal and rectal diseases.

Enemas, fluid therapy, and stool softeners can be used to treat constipation. In cases where infection needs to be avoided and pain needs to be relieved, the vet may perform a highposition enema under general anesthesia.

Stool lubricants can be used to treat most conditions of difficulty in defecation, such as rectal diverticulitis, hernias, certain prostate diseases, and intestinal strictures. This medication can also be used during the healing process of pelvic fractures.

Dietary therapy, such as increasing fiber in the diet, can be effective in treating certain colon diseases, particularly colitis and proctitis.

Antibiotics can be used to treat anal sac infections, anal abscesses, and certain colon and prostate diseases.

Surgical intervention may be necessary for conditions such as perineal hernias, pelvic fractures, tumors, foreign body obstructions, and intestinal strictures.

There are various treatment methods for perianal fistulas, including medication and surgery.

Home Care:

Follow your veterinarian's instructions for administering any prescribed medications to your dog strictly.

Adhere to the dietary recommendations given by your vet and closely monitor your dog's activity levels and appetite.

Regularly check for signs of worsening or blood in your dog's feces. If the situation becomes more severe, contact your veterinarian promptly.