shihtzu constipation

hi i have a nine week old shih tzu and earlier today he had a normal bowel movement and this evening he seems constipated.

he's trying to poop and all he is doing is straining and no poop should i be overly concernrd or could it remedy itself ?


Hi
Constipation isn't terribly unusual in puppies, especially the smaller/toy breeds who seem to experience more than the larger ones.

Occasionally canine constipation isn't usually something you need to be terribly worried about and there are many simple things you can do to help get him 'regular' again. I'd recommend that you check out my Puppy Constipation page as it has tons of tips and advice to help you get his digestive system moving normally.

However, occasionally a pup will swallow something he shouldn't (perhaps bits of a toy or a rawhide chew, garbage or the sofa cushions... you get the idea!) and this can cause an internal blockage which is very serious.

If in addition to straining but being unable to poop, your pup has a distended belly, tries to vomit or acts distressed or in pain (panting, pacing, whining etc.), then you need to have him examined by a vet right away.

Hope this helps. Best of luck with your pup.