No one likes to be constipated, but poor little Pugs can have an especially difficult time of it. Their bodies are so small that even a minor blockage can result in serious discomfort.
How can you tell if your Pug is struggling to do their business?
While every dog is different, here are a few common symptoms of Pug constipation:
- No stools for 2 – 3 days
- Small, dry or excessively hard stools
- Squatting without results
- Hunching and whining
- Blood around the rear
- Engorged anal glands
Some of these symptoms are caused by the constipation itself. Others can be the result of your dog trying too hard to “go.”
The good news is that you don’t have to watch your Pug constipated from the sidelines. There are steps that you can take to minimize their discomfort, encourage their bowel movements, and put them in a much better mood!
What do I do if my Pug is constipated?
The key to solving your Pug’s constipation problem is figuring out why they are constipated in the first place.
For example, if he or she isn’t drinking enough water, their stools may be hardening and compacting inside of their body. You can make them soft again by increasing their daily hydration levels.
If your Pug is stressed, their body might be reacting to the stressor like they are sick. They could suffer from nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and more. Removing the stressor should fix it, but if it’s something like a new house or a loud baby that your Pug just has to get used to, you can try various home remedies for constipation until they adjust.
Constipation can also be caused by medical issues or medications. Another common reason is internal blockage.
How do I know if my dog has a blockage?
Also called a “bowel obstruction,” a blockage is when something is stopping the waste from moving through your dog’s intestines. Minor cases can cause pain, inflammation and constipation; serious cases can lead to medical emergencies.
Most blockages are formed by the ingestion of a foreign object like a toy or a stick. If your Pug is a habitual chewer, they might also create a hairball-like blockage from strings, grasses, plastic shavings, and carpet fibers.
If your dog has a blockage, constipation won’t be their only symptom. The backed-up waste can cause problems like vomiting, dizziness, lethargy, lack of appetite and more.
What can you give a Pug for constipation?
If you’re really worried about your Pug’s constipation, you should take them to the vet. It never hurts to get a professional opinion about potentially serious issues!
If your dog isn’t in any danger, however, the vet will probably send you home with instructions for DIY constipation treatments. You might be able to save yourself some time and money by trying them before you haul Mr. Peaches to the clinic.
Here are just a few ideas for Pug constipation problems:
Fiber
A high-fiber diet can be beneficial to both humans and dogs who struggle with bathroom issues. Try increasing your pup’s intake of carrots, apples, beets, oats and legumes. You can also look for specially-formulated kibble that has lots of fiber.
More Water
Dehydration is a common cause of constipation. It creates hard, dry stools that are difficult for your dog to pass. Are you giving your Pug enough water during the day? They should be drinking roughly an ounce for every pound they weigh.
More Exercise
Exercise keeps things moving in the bowels. However, a jog in the park might not be enough to trigger any action. Your Pug will need regular exercise for regular bowel movements, so figure out a way to increase their physical fitness long-term.
Stool Ease
NaturVet Stool Ease is a fiber-enhanced product that can prevent constipation in dogs of all breeds, including Pugs. Each soft, chewable tablet is flavored with a mix of flaxseed, pumpkin powder, dandelion root, and sugar beet pulp, so it’ll taste like a treat even as it goes to work on your dog’s intestines!
Wrapping up
These are just a few ways to solve constipation issues with your Pug. It might take some trial and error, but it’ll be worth the effort when you have a happy, healthy and smiley pooch again!
