How do you treat a constipated West Highland terrier?
By Ashley from Coleraine, Northern Ireland
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If it's been over 24 - 48 hours, call your vet. The vets can either give your dog an enema or give you a solution and supplies to do so yourself. If this doesn't work, further testing may be necessary. Constipation is not something to treat lightly with dogs or cats as they could have a life threatening obstruction from ingesting a non food substance. Please stay on top of this situation and advocate aggressively for your pet.
My mom had Westies, they were always getting constipated. Take your dog to the vet. My mom's dogs constipation was caused by blocked anal glands which had to be expressed every couple of months. This can kill your dog if the blockage isn't removed.
Try adding a tablespoon or so of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) to his food each day. Make sure he always has water available.
Go to your vet asap.
I found a great remedy at this website. www.dogisconstipated.com, they changed my dogs life and I hope it will yours too.
Your fellow dog lover,
Christina
She needs a colonic irrigation immediately. Take her to your vet NOW.
A colonic irrigation is where they first apply analgesic lubricant to lube up and numb her anus so that it can stretch wider than it does when she normally tries to poo, then lay her on her left side, squirt air up her butt to expand the intestine enough to make room for the large tube.
Then stick a special large tube (actually two tubes in one) up her butt and pump large volumes of fluid (warm water and a lubricant) into her colon, while massaging her belly t' ensure there is no discomfort, to wash her feces out through the large tube.
The smaller tube is for fresh water/lubricant, an' the large one, is the waste tube. the nozzle section has t' be a snug fit even before the balloon t' keep it in place is inflated, so that it does not become clogged with feces. Air is first instilled to inflate the rectum and aid in insertion of the large nozzle. once the nozzle is in place and secured by inflating a balloon, water begins to flow into her colon from the smaller tube attached to the nozzle. This also inflates the intestine, while loosening and softening the feces, and with the aid of normal peristaltic pressure, pushes the waste, gas, and water out through the waste tube. careful control of the flow rate, temperature of the water, and continuous gentle abdominal massage prevent cramping and 'straining'.
The object being to empty the intestine of waste, with no discomfort to the patient. the typical time it takes varies, but once complete, the nozzle is removed and the patient allowed to relax.
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My female dog is 9 years old. She's been constipated for three days and her stomach is making a lot of noise. She has not eaten in three days. Her gas is strong. What can I do?
By sandra from San Mateo
Contact your veterinarian immediately. (11/29/2010)
By NEWFIEGIRL
My West Highland terrier has constipation problems? Does anyone have any advice?
By Anna from Dublin
Try giving him those treats that look like smoked sausage in a stick form. There should be a lot of them around at this time of the year. Also, take him on a long walk, that usually loosens things up right quick. Especially in combination. (12/11/2009)
By Vicki Snipes
A vet told me once to feed a constipated dog canned pumpkin. Just make sure it is 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. (12/11/2009)
By Lora
I don't have a dog, but my cat has that problem. We feed her a vet recommended high fiber diet and once a day I mix a vet prescribed liquid into her food. It is not expensive and works very well. I personally believe pet problems should be solved by vets rather than well meant advice. While we play around with this remedy and that remedy, the pet is suffering. (12/11/2009)
By Lilac
My first concern would be why is he constipated. If there is any possibility that he may have swallowed something that has become lodged in his intestines I would get him in to the vet as soon as possible. They can x-ray to be sure it isn't a foreign body.
You really can't think in terms of people when it comes to dogs. You may be able to live with constipation for a few days where for your dog that could be fatal. Why take the risk? (12/12/2009)
By Knoodles
I also use pumpkin. Just start with a tablespoon. It can give them the runs, so easy does it. (12/12/2009)
I use mineral oil. My doggies love the taste and it is natural. Just give 1/2 teaspoon to begin. (12/12/2009)
By pam miller
We had a lab that had this problem and the vet said to give wet food. So I just wet down the dry for about half an hour before feeding. Also you can put the fiber powder in the food and put stool softeners in the food. All of this was advised by our vet. We had to do this for the last 6 years of his life. (12/13/2009)
By Sharon
My dog is constipated. What can I do?
Benjamin from Greenfield, MA
A product called "The Missing Link" has worked wonders for both my Bichon and Golden Retriever. It even helps with skin problems and weight maintenance. You can get it at 1800petmeds.com or I have also found it a Petsmart. It is relatively inexpensive and certainly worth a try. (03/24/2008)
By Letha
I had the same problem with my dog and I fed her canned pumpkin and it worked great. (03/25/2008)
By AndreaR
I worked at a pet store for a while and when this question came up we were advised by the local vet to add butter/margarine into the dog food. It should help and will also make their coats shiny. Hope this helps you. (03/25/2008)
By Debbie
We had this problem fairly recently and the vet advised buying a Fleet's enema for humans, put Vaseline on the tip to help ease it in and slowly insert the liquid. Try to keep the dog still for a few minutes. It did work and our dog laid fairly still for it as she seemed to know we were trying to help. It did take two of us, one to give and one to pet and distract the dog. (03/25/2008)
By Beverly
Is this a chronic problem? Exercise helps my dog a lot. If it is something that has come on suddenly I would check with the vet as it could be a blockage of some kind. (03/25/2008)
I worked for a veterinarian who prescribed Metamucil. You can put it right in the dog's food. They also love the Metamucil cookies. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink. (03/26/2008)
By Barbara
