What to Do If a Dog Does Not Defecate? Analyze the Specific Reasons First
Keeping a dog at home as a friend is a choice many make. Once you choose a dog for companionship, you need to invest care and love. The healthy growth of the dog is a responsibility. However, dogs have different physiques compared to humans; they are more fragile. Sometimes a small issue can cause serious illness or even death in dogs, so even a slight abnormality requires close attention.
If a dog hasn't defecated for several days, attention is needed. Most of the time, this phenomenon is caused by constipation, which can make the dog very uncomfortable. Generally, a dog digests, absorbs, and evacuates within 8 to 28 hours after eating, which is very healthy. If it exceeds 48 hours without defecation, it is considered constipation. The longer the constipation lasts, the more serious the problem becomes, posing a greater threat to the dog's health. If constipation occurs, prompt treatment is necessary.
When a dog refuses to defecate for days due to constipation, diet should be addressed first. Stop feeding the dog poultry liver, bones, and other hard-to-digest foods. You can switch to different dog food, preferably easy-to-digest and nutritious options. Ensure the dog drinks enough water, and depending on your dog's usual diet, feed more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, which can effectively improve constipation.
Besides diet, to solve a dog's constipation problem, it is best to increase the dog's reasonable exercise. Exercise promotes metabolism and blood circulation, so moderate exercise is a healthy way to improve constipation. You can choose walking, running, jumping, and so on. It's also important to adjust the dog's routine to be regular.
If the situation remains unfavorable, enzyme supplements can be given. Enzymes can promote intestinal peristalsis and assist defecation. This method is also very effective. Do not think that a dog not defecating for several days is unimportant; it must be taken seriously.