However it is a sign that all is well with the dog’s digestive system. If the dog is capable of leaving some stool on the kitchen floor or on the living room carpet or the doormat on the front door, it can only mean that he’s eating well and he’s breaking down his intake just as efficiently.

A constipated puppy, on the other hand, can be an indication of some alarming possibilities with regards to the dog’s health.

Worse, a constipated puppy – if left unattended – may very well be a very sick puppy in due time.

Is Your Constipated Puppy In Danger?

Nothing in this article should be taken to mean that a constipated puppy should immediately cause alarm.

Canine constipation is quite a normal occurrence, as common as constipation in humans. A constipated puppy may be suffering such a condition because of stress, as is the case when he is away from the toilet spot he has become familiar with. A constipated puppy may likewise have eaten something inedible which has caused havoc on his digestive system. Something as seemingly harmless as a bone, surprisingly, isn’t really fit for consumption.

The most common cause of dog constipation is lack of exercise which affects the rate of the pup’s metabolism and putting into disarray the scheduling of his body’s waste disposal system.

All of these may not seem that grave.

However, a constipated puppy may also be suffering from a very serious condition such as heavy worm infestation. Or he may be suffering from a prostate disease. Or he may even be suffering from a severe intestinal disorder.

Now these possibilities demand immediate medical attention, so if your puppy is constipated for more than 24 hours you should always visit a vet immediately.

When To Worry About A Constipated Puppy

Indeed, even if you are saddened by the plight of your constipated puppy, his condition is generally harmless. However, if his constipation is accompanied by the following symptoms then there may be a greater problem:

- When constipation is accompanied by chronic vomiting.
- When instead of disposing waste through his anus, the pup releases some blood.
- When the puppy refuses to eat for more than 3 days and he is not within his teething period.
- When constipation lasts for more than a week.

Prolonged constipation will trap some dangerous toxins in your puppy’s system. Given his still fragile internal defence mechanisms, these toxins may potentially be fatal for your pet.

How To Cure A Constipated Puppy

The most instinctive thing to do is to induce stool disposal. The safest way to do this is by introducing fibre to your dog’s diet. You can sprinkle a little serving of oat-based supplements with his usual food. One to two tablespoons of oat bran, for example, will usually be enough to regularize your dog’s potty schedule in less than a week.

Ample water supply should also be made available to the constipated pup at all time. Ensure that the water is clean. Most dogs suffer from constipation because they become dehydrated.

If constipation is persistent, you may want to expedite matters by using a dog-friendly mild laxative on your constipated puppy. Always consult your vet first though.

For a long term solution, feed your puppy with quality dog food and make sure that he has the opportunity to engage in regular exercise. 30 to 35 minutes of walking per day will be enough to keep his metabolism running at a healthy and efficient pace.

A constipated puppy who may be suffering from a grave medical condition as indicated by any of the symptoms we have discussed earlier will have to be brought to a vet. Only a veterinarian can identify with certainty the problem that’s plaguing the constipated puppy, and only he can prescribe the proper remedy.