Shih Tzu Constipation
Overview
When your little Shih Tzu is constipated, this can be concerning, and for good reason. Constipation issues can range from mild to severe. It can last a few days or it can be a chronic, ongoing problem. This sort of issue can be stressful for pet parent and dog alike, so let's dive in.
This section will cover:
- Normal vs abnormal bowel movements: Frequency, color, shape, and consistency
- What it means if there are colored flakes in the poo
- Top 5 reasons a Shih Tzu puppy or dog will become constipated
- Steps you can take to help prevent your Shih Tzu from getting constipation
- Treatment options; Both at home and what the veterinarian can do to help
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Signs and Symptoms of Constipation with Shih Tzu Dogs
Signs that a Shih Tzu puppy or adult dog is constipated include:
- Trouble pushing out stools which may include straining, signs of stress, or even agitation as they pace back and forth trying to poop, not pooping, and trying again
- Smaller than normal stools
- Hard stools (often resembling little pebbles)
- Infrequent bowel movements
- In severe cases, there may be no bowel movements at all; this indicated a blockage and is considered an veterinary emergency; the vet should be called immediately
What is Considered to be Normal Bowel Movements
Frequency - How often should you expect your Shih Tzu to go to the bathroom? Puppies that are free-feeding or eating many small meals per day may have a bowel movement up to 5 times a day. Adult Shih Tzu on a schedule of 3 meals per day may have a bowel movement 1 to 3 times a day.
Consistency -If you suspect your Shih Tzu has constipation, you will want to check this. So, you can slip your hand into a couple of plastic grocery bags and feel the poop. It should be soft, but not fall apart when you pick it up. A healthy stool can be compared to a piece of dough. You would be able to pick it up in one piece and it would be soft to the touch. If you let a long piece hang in the air, a piece may eventually drop off. Therefore, if it is hard or crumbly or anything other than ‘dough-like’, this is reason to be concerned.
Color - The color of the stool is not directly related to constipation, however while we are discussing Shih Tzu poopies, let’s touch on this element. Color can tell you a lot.
Normal-
A soft medium brown without any flakes of another color.
Not Normal:
- Colored Flecks – If a dog is fed a manufactured food that has a very high content level of artificial coloring, that coloring can pass through the body and come out the other end. Those coloring additives can cause havoc, including allergies. So, while the specks themselves are not a sign of health issues, it is your cue to reassess your dog's food and switch to one of the better kibbles for Shih Tzu. See also: Shih Tzu Feeding Guidelines.
- Red- Bright red in a stool is most often fresh blood. This can be from an internal source; But, when a dog is constipated, often the blood will come from tissue being ripped as the dog strains and pushes the stool out.
- Black – As mentioned above, a Shih Tzu’s stool should be brown; A dark black (often slick and shiny type stool) is a sign that there is internal bleeding. This is a very serious issue and must be immediately brought to the attention of the veterinarian.
- Beige – This can be a sign of liver issues and must be immediately brought to the attention of the veterinarian.
Shape - With dogs that are not constipated, the normal shape of the poo is one of two shapes. It might resemble a small log or a small spiral of stool may be pushed out, curling down upon itself as it falls to the ground. When done, it might resemble a small corkscrew mound.
But, when a Shih Tzu has constipation, the stool will come out in smaller pieces which may resemble a scattering of pebbles.
Causes of Constipation with Shih Tzu Dogs
Now that we understand more about what constipation is and what is normal and not normal, let’s take a look at what can cause this to happen in the first place.
#1
Dehydration.
Approximately 75% of a bowel movement is water. Therefore, if a dog is not drinking enough water, this can affect the stools and cause constipation.
#2
Ingestion of grass.
Some people mistakenly believe that when a dog eats grass it will ‘move things along’, but this is not always accurate. It can make some dogs vomit. And for other dogs, it can block things up and lead to constipation.
#3
Side effects from medication
is the third most common reason, and the most common medicines that can cause constipation in canines are antihistamines.
#4
Habit.
It is not uncommon for a dog to hold back a bowel movement if they are trying to please their human by not going to the bathroom inside. When this is done too often or for too long of a time, it can cause the dog to be constipated.
#5 Dry food diet if a senior. For senior dogs
(age 8 and older), a diet of only dry food can cause constipation.
Prevention
Now that we know what causes this issue, let’s look at what you can do to help prevent this from happening:
1. Make sure that your Shih Tzu is drinking enough water.
Do not just leave out a bowl of water and assume that your puppy or dog will drink as needed. Here are some tips to follow (for all Shih Tzu, not just constipated ones):
A.
Do not allow the water to become warm and stale. Dogs are much more apt to drink enough when they have nice, cold water.
B. Offer water-rich foods such as blueberries and raspberries. You can freeze these to give as snacks or add these fruits to a meal.
C.
Encourage your Shih Tzu to drink by leading them to their bowl often. For dogs that really need an extra push, consider obtaining a canine water fountain; the movement and noise of the water can be a tempting attraction. A recommend one is the ZeePet Stainless Steel Water Fountain.
2. Supervise your Shih Tzu to prevent ingestion of grass.
Eating grass is common for dogs; but, it's not healthy. It can cause problems ranging from upset stomach to allergic reaction to poisoning (via lawncare chemicals).
3. If your Shih Tzu is constipated and is also taking an antihistamine; check with the vet to discuss lowering the dose if possible.
4. Make your Shih Tzu feel that going to the bathroom indoors, when home alone, is okay. Set up an area by blocking off a section of a room or using a canine playpen. In this area, there should be room for food and water bowls, toys, a bed to rest and sleep, and pee pads for bathroom needs. Will your Shih Tzu always hit the mark? No. But that is okay. Have the option there, so that he does not hold it in and become constipated.
Treatment
1. Increase water intake.
Follow all of the aforementioned tips under 'Prevention'.
2.
Give some extra fiber. Soluble fiber typically works well to relieve constipation in dogs, and pumpkin is the standard go-to remedy that works well in many cases. Obtain 100% real canned puree pumpkin and not the pie filling. Start with 1 teaspoon per day and increase to 2 teaspoons if needed. Alternatively, kale and spinach can be effective (though too much can cause flatulence). When ground or chopped, these can easily be mixed into meals.
3. Increase exercise.
Exercise can prompt fecal matter to move through the large intestine. Additionally, when a dog breathes a bit faster, this can trigger natural contractions of the intestinal muscles which can also prompt a bowel movement. Just an extra 10 minutes added to daily walks can be enough to help, when this is done in conjunction with other remedies.
4. A half dry half wet mixture for meals.
Dry kibble is best for the teeth and for healthy stools; however, if a dog is constipated often, and particularly for senior dogs that may have sluggish stools, a 50/50 mixture of dry kibble and wet canned food may be needed. If you opt for this, try to use the same brand.
5. If the above does not work and your Shih Tzu is still constipated, you may wish to try offering a bit of milk. Normally if a dog drank milk each day, they could develop diarrhea. But, when a dog has constipation, the milk can work to relieve it. ¼ to ½ cup per day is a good goal. You can add it to the food or you can serve it separately for your Shih Tzu to lap up. Don’t give too much!
6. If the above steps do not resolve the constipation, it will be time to bring your Shih Tzu to the veterinarian. A mild laxative may be prescribed. PLEASE NOTE:
Do not give your dog a laxative meant for humans; this can be fatal! Your veterinarian will most likely prescribe a laxative that contains lactulose; it is safe and effective when proper dosing instructions are followed.
If you are concerned that your Shih Tzu has some sort of obstruction that is not allowing fir a bowel movement, this is an emergency situation that warrants an immediate visit to the vet or closest animal hospital.
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