Constipation

Constipation occurs when a pet has difficulty passing stools, or passes them infrequently, or not completely. The stools are typically hard, dry, and small, indicating reduced water content and slow movement through the colon. Common causes include dehydration, insufficient fiber in the diet, lack of exercise, ingestion of foreign objects (like hairballs in cats or bones in dogs), pain associated with defecation (e.g., orthopedic issues or anal gland problems), or certain medications. While occasional constipation is usually not serious, chronic or severe cases can lead to obstipation (complete inability to defecate) or megacolon in cats, requiring veterinary intervention. Treatment depends on the cause and may involve dietary changes, increased water intake, laxatives, or enemas.