If your dog is struggling when you let it out to relieve itself, it could be a very minor issue, or it could be a major issue. Your dog may be struggling for a number of reasons, including the new food or treats you are giving to your dog, or it could be due to another issue. If your dog is struggling, it is something that should be addressed, as it could eventually take a toll on your dog's health. Read on for helpful information to help your dog if it is struggling to defecate.
1. Adjust Your Dog's Food
Make an adjustment to the food you are feeding to your dog. If your dog seems to be struggling to get anything to come out, is straining often, or isn't expelling a lot of feces, it could be the food you are feeding to your dog. Try first to give your dog less food and more water, and maybe even add water to your dog's food in order to soften it. If your dog is still having trouble defecating, try to give your dog some pumpkin puree, or change your dog's food altogether.
2. Stop Giving Your Dog Table Scraps
If you like to give your dog table scraps with every single meal you eat, you need to stop doing this. The food you are giving to your dog may not agree with your dog's stomach and could be causing the issues your dog is experiencing now. Not everything you eat is good for your dog, and its stomach may not be able to digest the food. Stop giving your dog table scraps and only give your dog food for dogs.
3. Take Your Dog To The Veterinarian
You need to take your dog to the veterinarian for an exam if it is still having trouble defecating. This could be something wrong with your dog's health, such as a blockage in the intestines or colon, or your dog could have an infected anal gland. If your dog has any of these issues, it can turn your dog's health bad rather quickly. An infected anal gland can cause your dog to become lethargic and could leave your dog very ill. A blockage in the intestines can eventually rupture and could be deadly. Take your dog to the veterinarian right away if it is having issues defecating and it has been more than a few days.
If your dog is having trouble and is struggling to relieve itself, it's a problem that you need to give attention to. Some things may clear up on their own, but if you wait too long, it could be very harmful to your dog's health. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog's issue with defecating and have your dog treated as necessary.
