Constipation

[Angelina]

Hi everyone

I have a small 6 year old maltese/lhasa apso cross.

A couple of months ago, he was diagnosed with a disk problem, and his back legs aren't what they used to be. The diagnosis was quite bad at first, but after rest, and anti inflammatories, he is going okay. Good spirits, yelps sometimes still, and legs obviously not great.

However, what I have noticed when I do the poo patrol, he is clearly straining when he goes to toilet. I did mention this to the vet last time, and she said, its harder for them because of his back legs.

However, my daughter said yesterday, she saw him pooing, and everytime he tried to poo, he cried. He eventually did, but after a couple of attempts.

His diet is chicken wings or necks (chopped up) and dry food.

What do you think??

I would appreciate any suggestions?

[KitKat]

The way i understand it depending on the problem, eg with his disks, it can cause constipation or at least pain/strain when toileting.

As to how to stop it long term...i don't know - other then perhaps mix some tinned food in with his kibble to help soften a little without to much trouble. I believe there may be some herble mixes which may help - hopefully people in the know will pop in and give those answers

[shmoo]

cut out the bones. they can cause constipation. try giving him much softer meals. i

Veggies. preferably pureed raw or can be steamed (whole raw veggies, such as broccoli or carrot sticks, are not harmful but can’t be digested by dogs so they don’t get any nutritional value from them). Good veggies include carrots, celery, all kinds of greens (kale, collard greens, mustard greens, bok choy, cabbage, spinach, chard, parsley, cilantro, etc.), lettuce (anything but iceberg, which is not very nutritious), broccoli (in small amounts), brussel sprouts, zucchini, asparagus, turnips, parsnips, etc.

Liver or other Organ Meat. feed small amounts of liver at a time, as it is rich and can lead to diarrhea, but it is very dense nutritionally and good to feed. Kidney is similar, but not quite as rich.

[Angelina]

Thanks Schmoo

I will print this out, and go shopping for him tonight.

My other 2 boys are eating what he is on, but have no problems. Do you think I should change their diet as well??

[shmoo]

if your other boys are passing fine, keep giving them the bones. but i think adding vegies is a good idea. just remember the more you cook them the less nutrients stay in them :D my lot here are on a BARF diet and they love their vegies and do really well on them (i have small and big dogs)

[Angelina]

Cool, thanks again. Yes, they are passing fine. But I will add some vegies to the diet. They are generally just buggers, you know, you can add vegies, and they eat everything except, so I will puree.

[shmoo]

Cool, thanks again. Yes, they are passing fine. But I will add some vegies to the diet. They are generally just buggers, you know, you can add vegies, and they eat everything except, so I will puree.

:D yup know that game! one of my boys will actually eat the vegies and NOT the mince if i dont mix it well!