Ask a PetDoc: Dog with impacted bowel and constipation

Question: Dog with impacted bowel and constipation

Dr. Jim,

I have to take my dog to the vet every few weeks because he has an impacted bowel. Is there something I can do to help or prevent his constipation?

Dr. Jim says:

Digestive tract problems, like constipation and diarrhea, are very common problems in our pets. Sometimes they are related to disease conditions like parvovirus or coronavirus, intestinal viral conditions, while other times they are related to ingesting something they shouldn't, dietary change or even changes in water source.

For the dog with constipation, a diet higher in fiber, preferably soluble fiber with a normal amount of crude or undigestible fiber, is desired. Crude fiber, like bran, increases the number of times the pet needs to defecate and increases the stool volume. Soluble fiber, generally from things like psyllium or canned no-salt-added green beans, helps the pet to have a normal stool but softer than with constipation. Initially a teaspoon of psyllium added to the dail food should be tried for a day or two to see if that resolves the problem. If not then increase by one teaspoon daily. Using canned no-salt-added green beans adds a different flavor and texture which many dogs like. Use a couple of tablespoons of the green beans initially for a few days and increase or decrease to reduce the constipation problem.

Diarrhea as indicated above is often a dietary issue, and can be brought on by something like changing to a new food without allowing a transition period. With a new diet, mix the new and the old product equal parts until the old diet is used up. This means you are not wasting the old diet. Use caution with generic diets as they are often high in crude fiber and may contain less digestible ingredients. Another cause of loose stools/diarrhea (especially in dogs) is soybean meal or soybean products. While soy products contain an excellent source of nutrition, they also have variable content of the fiber sources, stacchyose and/or raffinose, materials that may result in loose stools.

Dr. James Sokolowski, DVM, PhD is a veterinarian with 40 years in the pet industry. He has appeared extensively on radio and TV including CNN, Fox, ABC and other national and local radio and TV programs. Dr. Sokolowski is a recipent of veterinary professional awards for his contributions to the veterinary profession. Read his full bio here.

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