Dog Constipation-Causes,Symptoms and Treatment of Constipation in Dogs

What is Constipation in Dogs?
Constipation in dogs isn't a disease, it is a symptom. Like human, most dogs will be constipated at some time or another in their lives, and it's often nothing to worry about. Most healthy dogs have one or two stools a day, however when feces are retained in the colon for two or three days, it become dry and hard, and require forceful straining to pass. If your dog feels to be straining yet can't pass a stool, or when  the stool is exceptionally hard, he has probably constipated. The condition is usually caused by dietary indiscretion or use of certain medications, but sometimes constipation may be caused by some underlying medical disorder. Constipation may be dangerous, if the constipation lasts more than a few days, you need to consult your vet.
Causes of Constipation in Dogs
+Dehydration:Dehydration is the cause that is most often associated with constipation. When your dog is dehydrated, the colon absorbs more fluid from the waste being passed through the intestines. Results in dry, hard stools, and can greatly contribute to constipation in your dog. If there are other contributing causes to your dog’s constipation, basically increasing water intake will not cure your dog's condition.
+Indigestible Objects:Just like with small children, many dogs that are suffering from constipation have ingested indigestible objects(rubber balls, sticks, shoelaces, paper clips, and plastic bags...), which can cause blockages in the small and large intestines. However, this can be remedied with at-home care, while other dogs may need surgery or invasive procedures to remove the foreign object.
+Poor Quality Food:Lower-quality dog food is usually subjected to harsh preservatives and chemical dyes. Many pet owners do not understand the importance of carefully choosing the best food for their dog. Consequently, many dogs are fed highly processed, inexpensive dog food that will cause many digestive issues.
+Low fiber diet: Fiber absorbs a large amount of water during digestive processing, as well as combines with waste material to form much softer stools. This is the most widely known cause of constipation in dogs. A dog is without sufficient dietary fiber has a much higher likelihood for constipation.
Symptoms of Constipation in Dogs
The most common signs seen by owners of a constipated dog is frequent forceful attempts at defecation, with little or no results. The symptoms of constipation can include one or more of the following:
+Straining to defecate
+Small, hard, dry fecal material
+Discharge of a little amount of liquid or mucus from the anus after repeated attempts to defecate
+Painful defecation
+Depression
+Abdominal bloating and discomfort
How treatment of constipation in dogs?
These treatment options are for simple constipation only. Sometimes, constipation can be treated with laxatives to draw water into the intestines and soften the feces(treated with a stool softener such as Laxatone, or you can buy at one of the giant pet warehouses, or DSS capsules, which can come from your veterinarian). Enemas can also be used to evacuate the bowel or change diet( adding fiber to your dog's food).
Preventing Constipation In Your Dog
Constipation is usually 100% preventable. Many dogs that have a sedentary lifestyle are much more likely to suffer from constipation. So, exercise is important for overall health, and may be a large part of preventing your dog from becoming constipated.  Also, as mentioned above, adding fiber to your dog’s diet  as well as the amount of water your dog consuming.
Generally, constipation in dogs will occur some time in your dogs lifetime and in most cases adjustments in their diet as well as their water supply will rectify it. However, if it starts to happen more than a few days, you need to consult your vet.