Yorkshire terriers have become popular among dog lovers due to their small stature and cute appearance. However, they may experience constipation that brings their owner to look for solutions to treat their toy Yorkshire terriers of constipation.
Furthermore, this article will explain “how to treat my toy Yorkshire terrier of constipation.”
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How to Treat My Toy Yorkshire Terrier of Constipation
Constipation refers to difficulty having a regular bowel movement and is a common health problem in most dogs. It can result in a decrease in bowel movement or your dog training for a long duration. Some of the symptoms of constipation:
- Straining during defecation with little to no stool
- Hard Stool
- Mucus or blood in the stool
- Pain while defecating
- Bloat
- Stomach pain
- Little or no appetite
- No bowel movements for days
It is important to note that the constipation symptoms can indicate a more serious underlying medical condition. Therefore, you must get a proper medical diagnosis from a certified vet. You can then ensure your dog receives the necessary medical attention.
Causes of Constipation
Having a great understanding of the causes of constipation can help you treat your Yorkie better. It may prove to be a bit difficult to find the exact cause of constipation. Here are a few of the leading causes of constipation in your dog:
Low Water Intake
Low water intake can lead to constipation in your dog. It can result from your Yorkie’s body attempting to recover water from the waste to cope with the dehydration. The dehydration could also be a result of an underlying medical condition.
Intestinal Blockages
When your dog consumes non-food items like toys or even bones, the objects can cause blockages in the dog’s intestines. If not removed as soon as possible by a vet, the blockage can prove to be fatal for your dog. You must act as fast as you can when you notice signs of constipation and discomfort in your dog.
Low Fiber in the Dog’s Diet
Your Yorkie’s diet should be rich in fiber to aid in digestion as well as bowel movements. Fiber is essential in the softening of your dog’s stool. It is necessary to include foods rich in fiber eventually, leading or fiber supplements in your dog’s diet to prevent constipation.
Medication Side Effects
If your dog is currently under any medication, constipation may be a side effect of the medicine. The irregular bowel movement can be a result of the immune system response. You may have to consult your vet if you notice the constipation is prolonged.
Other Constipation Causes Include:
- Low daily exercises
- High-stress level
- The excessive self groom leads to swallowing of hair
- Tumors leading to obstruction in the digestive system
- Diet changes
- Advanced age
- Spinal injuries
- Pelvis trauma
- Anal/rectal blockages
- Parasitical infections
Treatment of Constipation
If you notice any signs of constipation in your Yorkie, there are a few measures that you can implement to alleviate the symptoms. Lifestyle changes for your dog can go a long way in treating constipation. Here are a few to improve your Yorkie’s health:
Ensure High Water Intake for Your Yorkie
It is crucial to ensure your dog drinks enough water daily. As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to provide clean water for your dog and avoid dehydration, which can eventually lead to constipation.
Proper hydration is vital for your dog, with adult dogs needing about an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. It is best to consider that your dog may need more water if it is hotter than usual outside or after physical exercises.
Maintain a Regular Feeding Schedule
In addition to a healthy diet, it is crucial to have a regular feeding schedule to avoid overfeeding your dog. Yorkies have a delicate digestive system, and it is best to feed them 2 or 3 times a day at regular intervals.
The feeding schedule must have fixed intervals that allow enough time to digest food before the next meal. It will ensure the digestive system is healthy and therefore avoid constipation.
Enough Exercises for Your Yorkie
Little or no exercise can lead to slow metabolic reactions in your Yorkie that can affect food digestion, leading to constipation. Simple activities such as playing fetch or going for short walks can significantly impact your Yorkie’s health on top of preventing and treating constipation.
Exercises are also a great way to form and strengthen the bond with your canine friend. Walks are also a great way for your Yorkie to learn a few social skills and adapt to new environments and people.
Diet Change
Constipation can often be a direct result of low-quality dog food. Low-quality dog food can be harder to digest. Changing to a more high-quality type of dog food can help prevent constipation in your Yorkie.
Incorporate More Fiber Into Your Yorkie’s Diet
Adding more fiber to your dog’s diet can significantly impact treating constipation. Fiber is essential in digestion, speeding up the process, preventing constipation. It ensures bowel movement is smooth.
There are a few ways to incorporate more fiber in your Yorkie’s diet, such as:
- Adding oat bran to meals
- Use of fiber supplements
- Adding pure pumpkin to meals
Incorporate Wet and Canned Foods Into Your Yorkie’s Diet
It is best to incorporate canned foods and wet foods into your Yorkie’s diet. The high moisture content in the food helps ensure smooth bowel movement and prevents constipation. You can also add some water to your dog’s dry kibble.
It is essential to be cautious when feeding your dog wet food. Too much of it can result in periodontal issues for your pet. It is best to consult a vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the frequently asked questions:
How Prone Is My Yorkie to Constipation?
Constipation is a significant health problem that is common in most dog breeds. However, it is more common in older dogs. It can result from low electrolytes or even an enlarged prostate in more senior male Yorkies.
Should You Give Your Dog Laxatives?
It is best to consult your vet before giving laxatives to your dog. Complications such as dehydration can arise from the use of laxatives.
Conclusion
It is crucial to observe your Yorkie for any signs of constipation. You must immediately treat your Yorkie as soon as you notice any signs. However, if the symptoms persist, it is best to consult a vet.
