Straining & Constipation
When your dog is seen to be straining it is caused by the dog having exaggerated effort to either pass faeces or to urinate.
It is often very difficult to tell if your pet is having trouble to pass faeces or urine. Most owners think their dog is constipated when they first notice them straining. The symptoms of severe straining may be due to constipation, but these symptoms could also be caused by:
Blocked urethra
Diarrhoea
Inflamed colon
Cystitis
Vaginal/Rectal polyps
Therefore it is imperative an accurate diagnosis is made so the symptoms of straining can be alleviated.
Dogs may have obstructive urinary tract due to:
Many other conditions can cause straining in dogs:
There are many causes
In dogs, straining is a symptom you must not ignore as it potentially can be life-threatening and you should seek veterinary attention immediately.
What To Do
Take your dog to the vet immediately to get an accurate diagnosis as to the cause of the straining.
If your dog appears very dull, depressed, vomits or is in pain, seek veterinary attention immediately.
What Not To Do
When your dog is seen to be straining it is caused by the dog having exaggerated effort to either pass faeces or to urinate.
It is often very difficult to tell if your pet is having trouble to pass faeces or urine. Most owners think their dog is constipated when they first notice them straining. The symptoms of severe straining may be due to constipation, but these symptoms could also be caused by:
Blocked urethra
Diarrhoea
Inflamed colon
Cystitis
Vaginal/Rectal polyps
Therefore it is imperative an accurate diagnosis is made so the symptoms of straining can be alleviated.
Dogs may have obstructive urinary tract due to:
- Trauma
- Stones
- Tumors
- Inflammation
Many other conditions can cause straining in dogs:
- Enlarged prostate glands
- Irritated bowls
- Cancer of the bladder
- Cancer of the bowl
- Intestinal/bladder polyps
- Foreign bodies (FB’s)
There are many causes
In dogs, straining is a symptom you must not ignore as it potentially can be life-threatening and you should seek veterinary attention immediately.
What To Do
Take your dog to the vet immediately to get an accurate diagnosis as to the cause of the straining.
If your dog appears very dull, depressed, vomits or is in pain, seek veterinary attention immediately.
What Not To Do
- Do not wait and observe the dog.
- Do not put pressure on the abdomen as you lift or carry the dog.
- Do not administer any medication unless instructed by a vet.
