Dog Community

Constipated dog--sorry it's gross!

Posted : 7/21/2006 3:07:19 PM

For the past two days, I've begun switching Loki and Odin from Wellness to Nature's Variety food and of course I'm doing it gradually (although the new food says "naturally formulated for rotational feeding.";) This morning Loki was whining and scratching to get out of the bedroom before he usually gets up. I took him outside and he squatted several times but nothing would come out.

I crate them both while I'm at work--about 6 hours. When I came home, there were splatters of brown liquid in his crate, but no poop. And he's never ever gone potty in his crate, so I know he must've been feeling pretty bad. Again, when he went outside he tried squatting a few times and only got out maybe an ounce of liquidy stuff. Then he threw up clear liquid once. I wanted to see if he had an appetite, so I fed him lunch and he ate it all and wanted more.

I've never seen a dog get constipated before--should I be worried. Is it because of the new food? Or possibly the heat (about 95 today)? Or could it be a blockage from eating something (he eats small rocks occasionally but has always passed them)?

fuzzy_dogs_mom

Posted : 7/21/2006 3:31:42 PM

I haven't had occasion to use it, but I've heard from a lot of others on this board that canned pumpkin works wonders for constipated dogs. Just make sure it's the pure pumpkin and not the pie mix with all the spices & sugar in it.

Joyce

Terri

Posted : 7/21/2006 5:05:14 PM

I use pumpkin when the dogs have diarrhea and it firms them up. Would it help for constipation?

fuzzy_dogs_mom

Posted : 7/21/2006 5:43:47 PM

That's what I've heard. It's sort of a *regulator* for their systems and it works for both conditions.

Joyce

jennie_c_d

Posted : 7/21/2006 8:39:53 PM

Yup! Works both ways.

It's a good, quality fiber for them.

Terri

Posted : 7/21/2006 11:34:59 PM

I'll try giving him some tonight. I'm getting a little more worried. He hasn't pooped all day--usually he goes twice. He keeps trying, but just a little bit of liquidy gunk comes out. Any other thoughts on this would be appreciated!

fuzzy_dogs_mom

Posted : 7/22/2006 10:46:50 AM

Many years ago I had a pup that was constipated. Since we live in Davis, I called the UCD vet hospital and was told to give her a couple of tbsps. of vegetable oil in a little milk. That worked like a charm, too. [] Good luck.

Joyce