In this article on our site we are going to talk about a problem that our dog can suffer from, such as difficulty defecating Sometimes, especially in dogs that like to ingest everything they find within their reach, they will produce feces that can become problematic when it comes to their expulsion. In other cases, the inability to defecate will require rapid veterinary attention, because, as we will see, we could be facing an obstruction. If you're wondering why your dog can't defecate we'll see below the main causes and what you can do.
The dog's digestive system
When a dog puts food into its mouth and swallows it, it forms a food bolus that travels down the esophagus to the stomach and then the small and large intestines. Once all the nutrients have been used, the waste goes to the rectum to be expelled through the anus. Surrounding it just before its exit are the anal glands that will release a liquid that gives the feces the particular smell of the dog. Any problem that occurs in this intestinal transit can make the dog unable to defecate. What we can do will depend on the cause.
How do I know if my dog can't defecate?
Before explaining the main causes, it is important to talk about the symptoms of constipation in dogs. Well, the main sign that we will observe in the animal is the clear difficulty in expelling feces. In this way, we will see how the dog tries to defecate and cannot, straining and even crying. In addition, we will notice the following symptoms:
- Harder stools, with discoloration.
- Painful defecation.
- Blood in the stool or in the anus.
- Swollen abdomen.
- Loss of appetite.
- Vomiting.
- Tremors.
- Weightloss.
If your dog definitely cannot defecate, keep reading to try to find out the underlying cause and go to the vet with as much information as possible.
My dog cannot defecate and is crying, why?
Sometimes, the faeces are very scarce and compact, the dog has problems evacuating them or, directly, does not defecate for various reasons such as poor diet or dehydration. In this way, a clear picture of constipation is observed in the animal that must be treated immediately.
For example, if our dog has ingested bones, they will have to be eliminated, forming whitish feces, very hard, in the that it will be possible to differentiate bone fragments. It is easy, in these situations, for us to observe our dog making obvious efforts. The dog will not be able to defecate and will even cry. It is also possible that the dog cannot defecate and blood from the anus due to the lesions produced by such hard feces on the mucosa of the rectum. These cases usually resolve themselves, however, if you are wondering what to do if your dog cannot defecate, we will explain it below.
What to do if my dog cannot defecate due to constipation?
If we observe faeces halfway out we can extract them, gently, pulling them. If we notice any resistance we should stop and consult our veterinarian and, of course, avoid or limit the consumption of bones. If the compacted stools are due to dehydration, it is likely that we will observe more symptoms. These are cases that require veterinary intervention.
Now then, if a dog cannot defecate or urinate we must urgently take it to the vet as it would be an emergency. The life of a dog that does not urinate is in serious danger. An adequate diet will favor the correct intestinal transit, as well as the adequate supply of water. Sometimes, lumps, abscesses, growths or enlargements in the anal area, in the glands or in the prostate can be behind defecation difficulties and, also, they will need veterinary attention.
For cases of mild constipation, we can apply the following remedies: "Home remedies for constipation in dogs."
My dog cannot defecate and vomits - Digestive problems
In some cases the dog cannot defecate because there has been an obstruction in the digestive tract which occurs when the dog ingests a object that ends up getting stuck, such as a ball, a toy or, again, a bone. In such a situation, the dog may not defecate and vomit or may not defecate and does not want to eat either, that is, we will notice that it is upset. Requires veterinary intervention because it is necessary to determine where the object is to know if it will be able to come out or if it will have to be removed by surgery, since the obstruction can be partial or complete.
To avoid these situations we must keep our dog in a safe environment, away from dangerous objects that can be ingested. We also need to monitor the status of the toys from him. If one is broken, it is advisable to replace it so that the dog cannot swallow any pieces. We insist on precautions when offering bones.
Other causes of constipation in dogs
Sometimes a dog cannot defecate because it suffers from some pathology that affects its intestinal motility, such as hypothyroidism We must also have Keep in mind that colitis, that is, inflammation of the colon, can be confused with constipation, since its symptoms include painful evacuation, prolonged efforts to defecate or the expulsion of small stools with the presence of blood.
These conditions will require veterinary treatment. Given that the causes of a dog not being able to defecate are various, it is mandatory to consult our veterinarian before starting any laxative treatment on our own.
My dog cannot defecate and trembles - Fecal impactions
Finally, hard stools that form masses in the rectum or colon are calledfaecal impactions These are formed for different reasons, such as hyperplasia of the prostate, already mentioned, and may be behind our dog not being able to defecate and trembling, keeping hunched over due to the discomfort he feels and, in addition, he may stop eating, vomit or have a distended abdomen.
In these cases we can only go to the vet, since in the most serious impactions it is necessary to administer fluid therapy and extract the massunder anesthesia. Mild cases can be resolved with enemas or laxatives that must be prescribed by the veterinarian. An adequate diet and exercise will facilitate intestinal transit. In dogs with a tendency to constipation, it may be necessary to feed them with wet food or by soaking the food in water.
