Many health issues may appear as your dog gets older, like obesity and incontinence, which we have mentioned before. As time goes by, they might as well suffer from the opposite problem: constipation.
The term “constipation” refers to sporadic, difficult and painful evacuation or impossibility to evacuate, and it’s one of the most common digestive problems among dogs. Just like human beings, older dogs are more subject to constipation, although it may occur at any age.
In their old age, dogs naturally become much more sedentary, and this lack of movement, in addition to causing problems on their bones and muscles, causes all their gastrointestinal processes and functions to slow down. This results in a smaller ability to expel their own faeces, increasing the risk of constipation.
Constipation is no reason for alarm, although, if it does occur, you’ll need to evaluate your dog’s lifestyle and try to adopt a few simple measures to make sure it doesn’t happen often, or that at least it goes away naturally.
How to AVOID CONSTIPATION:
- TAKE TOTO FOR A WALK. It’s very important to take your old dog for a walk outside, trying to keep them free so he feels comfortable enough to do his business when he feels the urge. Moving also helps him keep in shape, and it does wonders for his bowels.
- FIBRE-RICH DIET. An inappropriate diet with insufficient amounts of fibres can cause constipation; just add fruits and vegetables to his diet. Of course, do this under the supervision of a veterinarian, who will evaluate which foods are suitable for the nutritional needs of your pet.
- GIVE PLENTY OF WATER TO YOUR DOG. As usual, water is an endless source of wellbeing for our dogs as well, regardless of age. If your dog is hydrated, there will probably be insufficient water in his faeces, which makes them harder, drier and more difficult to pass. Make sure your dog always has fresh water available and that he’s actually drunk it.
- GROOMING. Swallowing fur may also result in constipation. Try to keep your dog groomed and brushed, so that when he licks himself, which he will, not too much fur will be swallowed. If necessary, trim excessive fur from the area around his anus: this is very important and should not be underestimated.
Follow these simple tips and help your old friend avoid constipation, or get better from it faster!