Constipation in dogs is a common digestive disorder. It occurs when your dog has difficulty defecating or produces hard, dry stools.

Common symptoms

• Difficulty or pain during defecation
  
• Absence of bowel movements for several days
  
• Bloating
  
• Moaning during urination
  

Possible causes

• Lack of fiber in the diet
  
• Dehydration
  
• Lack of exercise
  
• Ingestion of foreign objects or bodies
  
• Digestive problems or underlying diseases
  

What to do?

• Increase hydration
  
• Adjust your diet (more fiber)
  
• Encourage physical activity
  
• Consult a veterinarian if constipation persists for more than 48 hours

Diarrhea is a common symptom in dogs. It can be temporary or indicate a more serious infection or illness.

Possible causes

• Sudden dietary change
  
• Intestinal parasites
  
• Bacterial or viral infection
  
• Stress or anxiety
  
• Food poisoning
  

Warning signs

• Persistent diarrhea
  
• Presence of blood in the stool
  
• Associated vomiting
  
• Fatigue or dehydration
  

Solutions

• Put the dog on a temporary diet
  
• Provide water at all times
  
• Introduce a suitable digestive diet
  
• Consult a veterinarian if symptoms last more than 24 to 48 hours

A dog that refuses to eat can be worrying. Loss of appetite can be related to a physical or emotional problem.

Possible causes

• Pain or illness
  
• Stress or change of environment
  
• Dental problems
  
• Digestive problems
  

When to consult a doctor?

If your dog does not eat for more than 24 hours or shows other symptoms (fatigue, vomiting, fever), a veterinary consultation is recommended.

Tremors in dogs can be normal or indicate a health problem.

Common causes

• Cold
  
• Stress or fear
  
• Pain
  
• Poisoning
  
• Neurological diseases
  

What to do?

Observe the context. If the tremors are accompanied by other symptoms, consult a veterinarian quickly.

Vomiting is common in dogs, but it should be monitored.

Possible causes

• Indigestion
  
• Ingestion of toxic food
  
• Digestive infection
  
• Chronic disease
  

When should you worry?

• Repeated vomiting
  
• Presence of blood
  
• Abatement
  
• Dehydration
  

In these cases, a veterinary consultation is essential.

Coughing in dogs can be benign or indicate a respiratory illness.

Possible causes

• Kennel cough
  
• Allergies
  
• Foreign body
  
• Heart problems
  
• Lung infection
  

A persistent cough requires a veterinary examination.

Barking is a natural means of communication for dogs, but when it becomes excessive, it can signal a problem.

Common causes

• Boredom
  
• Separation anxiety
  
• Territorial protection
  
• Need attention
  
• Lack of exercise
  

Solutions

• Stimulate the dog mentally and physically
  
• Implementing educational learning
  
• Consult a behaviorist if necessary

A dog may cry to express an emotion or pain.

Possible causes

• Physical pain
  
• Stress or anxiety
  
• Solitude
  
• Excitement
  

If crying appears suddenly, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.

Excessive scratching is often a sign of a dermatological problem.

Common causes

• Fleas or parasites
  
• Food allergies
  
• Dermatitis
  
• Skin infections
  

Solutions

• Parasite control treatment
  
• Adjust the diet
  
• Consult a veterinarian to identify the cause
  

Many dogs eat grass. This behavior can be normal, but sometimes it indicates digestive discomfort.

Why does a dog eat grass?

• To aid digestion
  
• To induce vomiting
  
• Boredom or natural behavior
  

If this behavior becomes excessive or is accompanied by frequent vomiting, a veterinarian should be consulted.

You should consult a doctor quickly if your dog presents with:

• A prolonged loss of appetite
  
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  
• Unusual fatigue
  
• Visible pain
  
• A sudden change in behavior

Preventing health problems in dogs

To keep your dog healthy:

• Provide a balanced diet
  
• Ensure adequate hydration
• Maintain a regular physical activity
  
• Carry out routine veterinary visits
  
• Monitor for any changes in behavior