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If your pet is straining to defecate, this is considered a \u201cYELLOW\u201d \u2013 or semi-urgent case \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend having your pet evaluated by your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital within 24 hours. Call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you, and if your pet\u2019s condition worsens, call the team back to inform them of the status change. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n This blog is all about your pet\u2019s poop \u2013 or rather, the lack thereof! Constipation is when your pet is having difficulty pooping, or infrequent defection, of dry stool. This can lead to obstipation \u2013 a very severe complication or form of constipation which results in an extended period of time without defecation and the impaction of very hard, dry fecal material in your pet\u2019s colon and rectum. To help prevent constipation and obstipation, it\u2019s important for pet parents to be informed about the possible causes and to know when to seek immediate veterinary care!<\/p>\n There are many reasons why your pet may become constipated. The most common reasons include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If your pet hasn\u2019t pooped in 2-3 days but is otherwise acting normally, contact your family veterinarian to determine the best course of action. Your veterinarian may advise you to bring your pet in or they may be able to suggest an over-the-counter remedy.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n DO NOT<\/strong> give your pet any medications or perform enemas (inserting liquid or gas into the rectum) on your own without speaking to a veterinary professional. There are various medical risks with enemas and there are several types of over-the-counter enemas that are toxic to pets.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Seek immediate veterinary care from your family veterinarian or your local animal emergency hospital if your pet hasn\u2019t pooped AND is:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n At the animal hospital, bloodwork and x-rays will likely be recommended.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The primary treatments for constipation are aimed at softening the feces and may include one or more of the following:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>How Can I Help Prevent Constipation in My Pet at Home?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Preventative measures at home such as increasing water intake, feeding canned pumpkin, or using Miralax may ultimately be recommended by your family veterinarian.\u00a0 Please do not administer mineral oil though, as there is a great risk of aspiration into the lungs causing severe <\/span>respiratory disease<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your family veterinarian. If it\u2019s after-hours, you can call Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota for guidance.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n More Reading:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
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<\/p>\nCommon Causes<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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<\/h4>\nWhen to Seek Veterinary Care<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nTreatment<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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