Constipation is defined as a decrease in bowel movement frequency and/or stool volume. The stools passed are then hard and dry. However, slowed transit can sometimes lead to a complete stop. Constipation may be occasional or chronic, and its causes are numerous.
What Causes Constipation?
A common cause of constipation is a diet too low in fiber: fiber is essential to move digestive contents through the intestines.
In older individuals, slowed digestion is not uncommon. Dehydration, along with reduced mobility and excess weight, are also risk factors.
Constipation may also be mechanical in origin:
- External: an anatomical abnormality—such as a pelvic fracture, whether old or recent, advanced-stage gestation in females, or prostatic hyperplasia in males;
- Internal: a bone fragment in the digestive tract can obstruct its contents, just like hairballs.
Certain conditions, such as hypothyroidism, kidney disease in cats, or nervous system disorders, can affect digestion.
Finally, in cats, voluntary withholding can be observed due to pain or a behavioral disorder. It may also stem from a litter box issue: its location or the substrate used may not appeal to the cat. The scent of the litter can be off-putting if it’s scented. The cat may also find it dirty—some particularly fastidious cats refuse to use the litter box after just one use. If multiple pets live together, it’s not uncommon for some cats to refuse to share their litter box. This behavior is rare in dogs, though pain—such as from arthritis—can make the position very uncomfortable and reduce bowel movements.
How Can I Help My Pet?
It’s important to regularly monitor your four-legged friend’s stools, even if it’s not always easy – especially with cats that do their business outdoors.
If your dog is constipated, they will often assume the defecation position but without success. For cats, symptoms can range from disinterest in the litter box to constant back-and-forth trips to it. In the latter case, it’s crucial to check whether urination is the issue: a urinary blockage, commonly seen in male cats, can quickly become a life-threatening emergency. If your cat is urinating more frequently than usual, this may indicate cystitis. In both cases, a visit to your regular vet should be scheduled without delay!
To support a temperamental digestion, ensure your pet:
- Stay hydrated – make sure to set up multiple water stations, provide fresh, clean water at all times, and why not try a water fountain!
- Stay active – regular, moderate exercise is essential for maintaining good health. Running out of ideas to keep your dog or cat moving? Here are a few suggestions!
- Lose weight, if needed.
Adding fiber to the diet is often a valuable aid in regulating digestion. Opt for non-fermentable soluble fibers, such as blonde psyllium, which is well-tolerated even for long-term use. Laxatives may sometimes be necessary to soften stools, but they should only be used for short periods: they can irritate the digestive tract if taken for more than a few days.
Don’t hesitate to discuss it with your vet: in the case of a fecaloma—an accumulation of very hard, dry stools—it’s not uncommon to have to anesthetize the animal to manually remove it. So don’t delay!
