Chihuahuas are small, energetic pets that tend to become constipated. Constipation is infrequent or absent bowel movements and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. If you suspect constipation in your Chihuahua, consult your veterinarian for appropriate treatment options.
If you have a Chihuahua, it is important to know how to identify and treat constipation. The first step in determining if your dog is suffering from this condition is checking for infrequent or absent bowel movements. This will allow you to spot any possible signs of constipation before it becomes severe and starts causing other health problems.
Once you find out that your pup needs treatment, many steps can be taken depending on the cause of the problem.
Constipation In Chihuahua
Chihuahua with diarrhea is at risk of dehydration. As a result, they may experience constipation due to the lack of fiber in their diet, causing hard stools. It can lead to intestinal obstruction if not treated by your veterinarian immediately.
Causes of Constipation In Chihuahua
Too much water is another cause of this condition, especially on hot days when you do not provide enough shade. So it’s extremely important that you maintain regular access to fresh water and frequently remove feces from his living environment.
Not Enough Water
The most common sign that chihuahuas have problems with stool consistency is infrequent bowel movements. But he might just be constipated.
His stools may be difficult to pass and even painful for your dog. So it’s important that you take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible if he does not have a normal bowel movement every day for two days.
Lacks Exercise
Chihuahuas are also prone to this condition, especially those who do not get enough exercise since their bodies tend to accumulate toxic waste.
It can cause severe problems with their digestive system, colon, and bladder functions. It is why regular activity and good nutrition are healthy for these animals.
If a person has a small apartment, they need an institution where there will be room to run around freely without disturbing others. This is because chihuahuas absolutely must constantly move to stay healthy.
Too Much Or Too Little Fiber
It would help if you were sure to provide your Chihuahua with a diet that contains both insoluble and soluble fiber. According to the AVMA, an adult dog requires at least 25 g of dietary fiber per 1000 kcal metabolizable energy (ME). This requirement increases by about 50% in puppies up to six months old. Therefore, fibrous food is one of the necessary measures to prevent constipation in Chihuahua.
Stress
Stress can cause problems for all animals, but it’s especially important not to stress out these little guys because they’re prone to anxiety which has been directly correlated with gastrointestinal disorders, including constipation.
So try calming him down when he starts freaking out. You can do this by either talking or petting his back gently until he calms himself down too.
Too Much Self-Grooming
Sometimes chihuahuas can also suffer from this condition because they tend to lick themselves too much. It prevents the bowels from moving along. It’s important not to let him do this for more than a few minutes.
If you notice that he is excessively licking his anus,, gently guide him away and distract him with something else, so he stops doing it as soon as possible.
Obstruction
If your dog does not get any relief within 48 hours of this condition, then you should take him to the veterinarian immediately. It can lead to intestinal obstruction.
Health Problems
This is also another cause of constipation. So if he has anything wrong with his teeth or gums, stomach issues including pancreatitis, or a tumor in that region,, then all these things will prevent proper digestion and elimination, which causes hard stool formation.
Another serious issue that can cause constipation in chihuahua breeds, especially older ones, is obstruction due to intestinal wall thickening or swelling of organs such as bladder stones, tumors, and anal gland problems, among others. If your dog has any of these issues, then take them to their veterinarian because they will most likely need surgery.
Similarly, if your Chihuahua has constipation, one of the best ways to address this issue is with their doctors. So you can talk about different treatment options that are available for him.
If he requires medication, ask if there’s an alternative or try giving him natural remedies instead. Since these animals tend to have very sensitive stomachs, conventional drugs may not be good for them in some cases.
How To Treat Constipation In Chihuahua
First, you must take your dog to his veterinarian as soon as possible just in case something more serious is going on that needs immediate attention. Secondly, always give him a healthy diet full of fiber and plenty, especially during the hot summer.
Homemade Food
Suppose he still doesn’t get any relief. In that case, you can try giving him one of the following remedies for constipation which are safe to use in dogs: Canned pumpkin, banana (mashed), prune juice, or teas made from dried fruits since these will absorb water and help make their stool softer while also adding some much-needed fiber into his diet.
Exercise
Introduce more exercise into your dog’s daily routine by taking them on long walks every day because this is great cardio that helps regulate digestion and bowel movements.
Supplements
Lastly, if all else fails, talk to your vet about trying a natural supplement like Pro Bloom since it contains natural herbs full of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, potassium, calcium oxalate dehydrate, apple pectin, and psyllium.
Pro Bloom is a great option for dogs with digestive issues, including lack of appetite, indigestion, vomiting, or diarrhea. Since this supplement also helps reduce inflammation in the stomach. So it can heal faster, which speeds up the overall process.
Visit The Vet
When chihuahuas face bowel movement problems, they cannot fix them independently. YouSo it’s a must visit the vet as soon as possible before it gets worse. You don’t want them developing more serious conditions like megacolon. Here, feces builds up inside your pet’s colon and causes extreme pain.
Conclusion
If your dog has constipation, one of the best ways to address this issue is with their doctors. So you can talk about different treatment options that are available for him.
If he requires medication, ask if there’s an alternative or try giving him natural remedies instead. Since these animals tend to have very sensitive stomachs, conventional drugs may not be good for them in some cases.
You must do everything possible to avoid letting your Chihuahua develop chronic conditions like megacolon. It happens when large amounts of feces gather around the colon. It becomes blocked as a result which prevents further movement along. Thus, you can see hard stools and even more discomfort than usual.
Always watch out for other symptoms like vomiting, weight loss, and lack of appetite. These could indicate that your pup is already dealing with this serious problem.
