My Husky Is Constipated: This Is Why & How To Help

This happened to Blue, a husky I’ve been looking after recently. I noticed he was straining with zero poop multiple times per day.

He was constipated.

If you’ve got a husky that’s constipated you’ll want to know what’s caused it, and how to help them as soon as possible.

While it’s not always a cause for immediate medical concern, it’s absolutely something to pay close attention to and try to manage.

Is It Normal For Huskies To Be Constipated?

To be clear, constipation isn’t a “normal” condition for huskies, or any breed of dog for that matter, but it’s not uncommon either.

Just as we can get constipated, so too can your husky, for no serious reasons.

In general, you should expect your husky to have at least one to two good bowel movement every day.

It typically relates to how many times per day they get fed, and for most it’s twice per day.

Rachel Whitesell, DVM from PetMD explains that “If the fecal material slows down as it travels, the colon will continue to absorb the salts and water from it. The result is smaller, drier feces that are more difficult for the colon to move forward, and your dog becomes constipated.”

How To Know If Your Husky Is Constipated

If you notice your husky is struggling to pass stools, or the stools are unusually hard or dry, your dog could be constipated.

Also, if your husky goes a day or two without a bowel movement, this could be an indication of constipation.

Signs your husky is contipated:

• Less Frequent Pooping: If your husky isn’t pooping as often as usual, they could be constipated.
• Straining: If your husky is straining or taking a long time to poop, it’s a sign of constipation.
• Dry, Hard Stools: Small, hard, and dry stools indicate constipation, suggesting your husky might not be drinking enough water or their food isn’t being properly digested.
• Loss of Appetite: A constipated husky may show a decreased interest in food.
• Lethargy: Unusual fatigue or a drop in activity levels can be a sign of constipation.
• Signs of Discomfort or Pain: If your husky is whimpering, pacing, or acting differently, especially when trying to defecate, they might be constipated.
• Blood or Mucus in Stool: Mucus or blood in your husky’s poop can indicate a serious health issue; consult your vet immediately.

While it’s usually not a cause for panic, persistent constipation might be a symptom of a more significant health problem.

8 Reasons Why Huskies Gets Constipated

There’s several reasons behind constipation, check them out below.

Determining what’s causing your husky’s constipation requires you to consider any recent events or changes in their routine, diet, overall health, or activity levels.

➡️ Dietary Problems: Constipation in huskies often stems from dietary issues, including lack of fiber or hydration, or consuming indigestible items.

➡️ Insufficient Exercise: Just like humans, huskies need regular physical activity to keep their digestive system functioning well and prevent constipation.

➡️ Aging: Older dogs are more prone to constipation as their metabolism slows and their ability to process food and eliminate waste diminishes.

➡️ Anal Sac Complications: If a husky’s anal sacs become infected, impacted, or inflamed, it can lead to constipation.

➡️ Obstructions: Ingestion of foreign objects, leading to a blockage in the digestive tract, can also result in constipation.

➡️ Stress and Anxiety: Emotional changes like stress and anxiety can cause constipation in huskies, especially due to major changes in their environment or routine.

➡️ Dehydration: Dehydration is a common cause of constipation, as lack of water intake can lead to harder, drier stools.

➡️ Health Issues or Medication: Certain health conditions or medications can lead to constipation. Regular constipation could be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition.

Easy Home Remedies for Your Constipated Husky

Sometimes, simple home remedies can make a world of difference in dealing with constipation. If your husky is having a hard time, consider trying these steps:

1. Adjust Your Husky’s Diet

Often, dietary changes can be the easiest and quickest way to relieve constipation.

Increase Fiber Intake: Try incorporating high-fiber foods into your dog’s meals. This could be a spoonful of canned pumpkin (make sure it’s plain pumpkin, not pie filling), a sprinkle of green beans, or even a fiber supplement specially designed for dogs.

Switch to Wet Food: Another approach is to switch to a wet food diet temporarily. Wet food has a significantly higher moisture content than regular kibble which can help soften the stool. It’s also known that wet dog food can help hydrate dogs.

2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Hydration is a critical factor in preventing constipation.

Ensure Access to Fresh Water: Always make sure there’s fresh water available for your husky to drink. This may sound basic, but it’s crucial.

Add Water to Meals: Consider adding a bit of water to your dog’s food to increase their water intake. This can be especially useful if they are consuming mostly dry food. Not only does this help water intake, but it reduces bloat and makes their food easier to swallow! (I do this all the time for these reasons).

3. Increase Physical Activity

Huskies are high-energy dogs and regular exercise is a part of their natural routine.

Ensure Regular Exercise: Regular walks, play sessions, or runs can help stimulate your husky’s digestive system and promote regular bowel movements. Just be mindful not to over-exercise, particularly in very hot weather as it may lead to dehydration.

4. Try Dog-Specific Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut.

Consider a Probiotic Supplement: There are many dog-specific probiotic supplements on the market. These can help balance the gut flora and potentially alleviate constipation.

Remember, never try to remove a potential blockage or give human laxatives to your dog at home, as these can cause harm. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your furry friend’s health.

My Own Experience Handling This

Blue was constipated for just over 24 hours. Thankfully I noticed this I think* within the first few hours when he first started straining.

Before panicking, I upped his water intake by adding some unsalted organic meat broth to his water. This encouraged him to drink quite a bit of it as soon as I did this.

His diet was working well for him for a while already so I had no quarms with that. I took him out for a long walk with some periodic jogging (constantly checking to see if he’s comfortable with that).

I did this to get the digestive system operating and triggered.

I kept his water intake up hours after the meat broth trick by throwing a couple of small chunks of banana into his water bowl. This encouraged him to drink a lot of fluid while getting the banana.

I ensured his evening meal was thoroughly soaked in water before giving it to him. I didn’t want to offer him even more dry kibble.

He strained a bit more in the evening but a little poop did in fact come out. So progress was being made. He seemed to be fine so we called it a day and went to bed.

By the second morning his poop was back to normal.

What caused the constipation? I actually don’t know. But it seemed temporary with minor discomfort for him other than when he was actually straining.

This is just an example of how our dog’s bodys randomly do things with no immediate cause for concern.

Of course, it might not be the case for your husky, so stay attentive and read the next the section to know when you should contact a vet.

When To See a Vet

While the above methods can often relieve minor constipation, if your husky’s symptoms persist for more than a couple of days, it’s time to seek professional help.

Also, if your husky is in visible distress, vomiting, or has blood in their stools, do not delay, take them to the vet immediately.

These could be signs of a serious condition, such as an intestinal blockage or other medical issue.

Your vet can provide a correct diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan. They may recommend a special diet, prescribe medication, or in severe cases, suggest surgery.

Remember, when it comes to your pet’s health, always trust your instincts. If you feel something’s not right, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. After all, we want our furry friends to be happy and healthy, bounding around with their typical husky enthusiasm!