Had our dog x-rayed today (checking for hip dysplasia - not an emergency).
She seems to be constipated. She did a quite healthy business this morning, but on bringing her home this pm she passed a very hard looking one (I wasn't going to prod it!)
Since then she has been crouching as if to do something, and nothing is happening. She then rubs her bottom on the ground, and tries to lick herself. Is there anything I can give her to help? Or should I just hope it passes. She does seem to be in some discomfort.
Our working dogs here in the western U.S. experience constipation from time to time. Our Veterinarians both recommended canned pumpkin. Not the sweetened, spiced type used for pumpkin pies here on Thanksgiving, but plain canned pumpkin. We've never had a problem since feeding them about an ounce per day each when they have symptms. Seemed strange to me at first, but can't argue with results... Mrs. C. used it as well on her Zuchon, which is a smaller dog. Worked well there too...
I may be wrong, but cannot really see how an anesthetic would cause constipation! Has she had her anal glands checked recently? If she is licking her bits and rubbing her bottom on the ground that can be a sign of anal glands being impacted. If not liquid paraffin can be used or try giving her a tin of sardines in oil.
An excellent cure for constipation in dogs is a small amount of cooked liver, chicken, lambs, pigs, any of these does but as I say a very small amount or things will go the other way. Liver is very cheap in any supermarket, just boil it for 10-15 minutes, let it cool and your dog will love you for it.
sorry I haven't got back, but AB seems to have stopped telling me when I have a reply.
She's now fine. I suspect lack of exercsie when she was having her anaesthetic - she normally takes a lot and I know I suffer if I cut down!