It's a topic that can make even seasoned dog owners squeamish: dog constipation and diarrhea.

These 2 health issues can be the sign of serious health problems and, when left unchecked, they can cause problems of their own.

As in people, dog constipation is very uncomfortable. You may notice him straining to defecate with very little or no result.

Your constipated dog may also refuse to eat - a sure sign that something is wrong.

Constipation in dogs is most commonly caused by one of three things:

• Not drinking enough water.
• Change in diet.
• Waiting too long between walks that allow your dog to relieve himself.

There are more serious causes of constipation too, including:

• Colitis - inflammation of the colon.
• Roundworms - nasty parasites that rob your dog of necessary nutrients.
• Rectal prolapse - as unpleasant as it sounds.
• Impaction due to swallowed bone.

If none of the quick and easy treatments listed below work, take your dog to your animal health center for a checkup to make sure something more serious isn't the cause of your dog's discomfort.

Constipation treatment

Luckily, there are a number of treatments for constipation in dogs.

• Encourage your dog to drink more water, and make sure he has plenty of clean, fresh water available.
• If you've cut back on food to help your dog lose weight, supplement his diet with vegetables to add fiber. Green beans are a good choice.
• Another fiber booster - pumpkin - can help relieve constipation. Careful though - more than one tablespoon a day may have you scrolling down to the diarrhea section!
• Exercise is a great - and effective - way to relieve constipation.
• Never give a dog a laxative that was made for humans - it can cause significant damage to your dog's digestive tract. Only if your vet recommends it, you can try a special laxative made just for dogs.

Diarrhea causes

All dog owners know the symptoms of diarrhea - runny stools, frequent urges to go, and sometimes even a mess on the rug.

There are many causes, ranging from the mundane to serious, including:

• Your run-of-the-mill upset stomach.
• Eating something bad or rotten.
• Stress.
• Parasites, viruses, allergies, or food poisoning.
• Serious disease.

Diarrhea is not only unpleasant for you and your dog, it can also lead to serious dehydration, so treatment is important. If the treatments recommended here don't seem to be working, you see blood in the feces, or you suspect something more serious, call your vet right away.

Diarrhea treatment

1. Keep your dog hydrated. Provide plenty of fresh water and encourage your dog to drink.

2. Have your dog fast for a day while his digestive tract clears, then follow up with a few days of bland food like white rice or boiled hamburger or chicken.

3. If your vet recommends it, you can also try diarrhea remedies designed for dogs.

Paying attention to signs of dog constipation or diarrhea is an essential part of responsible dog ownership.

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