English Bulldog Pooping Problems: Understanding Constipation and Incontinence

English Bulldogs are prone to constipation due to their unique body structure, which can cause their intestines to become compressed, leading to a decrease in bowel movements.

Their short, compact bodies and narrow pelvic areas make it difficult for them to pass stool, often resulting in constipation.

Bulldogs can experience constipation due to a variety of factors, including lack of exercise, low-fiber diet, and dehydration.

In extreme cases, constipation can lead to life-threatening complications, such as intestinal obstruction or rectal prolapse.

Their bodies are designed for short, easy breathing, not for regular bowel movements, which can make them more susceptible to constipation issues.

English bulldogs can be prone to digestive issues, and understanding the causes and symptoms of these problems can help you identify any potential issues early on.

Swallowing objects that aren't easily digested, such as bones or hair, can cause constipation in dogs. This is a common issue in English bulldogs, who are notorious for their love of eating non-food items.

Recommended read: English Bulldog Problems

A lack of fibre in their diet can also contribute to constipation. This can be addressed by feeding a high-fibre diet and ensuring they have access to plenty of water.

Dogs with constipation may struggle to poo and may pass small amounts of hard poo or nothing at all. They may also show signs of discomfort or pain and may pass spots of blood.

If left untreated, constipation can lead to lethargy, vomiting, depression, and loss of appetite.

Additional reading: English Bulldog Diet

If your dog is constipated, it's essential to recognize the signs early on. Your dog will struggle to poo and will either pass small amounts of hard poo or nothing at all.

Discomfort or pain while trying to poo is a common symptom, and in some cases, you may even see spots of blood. Diarrhea can also lead to straining, but you'll typically notice loose or runny poo first.

Constipation can lead to more serious issues if left untreated, including lethargy, vomiting, depression, and loss of appetite.

Here are some common signs of canine constipation:

Swallowing objects that are not easily digested, such as bones, grass, or hair, is the most common cause of dog constipation.

Other causes include a lack of fibre, lack of regular exercise, blocked anal glands, certain intestinal problems, trauma to the pelvis, an enlarged prostate, kidney disease, or hernias.

A history of dietary indiscretion, where a dog eats unusual items, can also contribute to constipation.

Dogs with a history of eating unusual items may have increased faecal bulk or experience pain that hinders their ability to defecate.

Recent surgery or previous pelvic trauma can also be relevant factors in relieving constipation.

Here are some common causes of canine constipation:

Bowel incontinence in dogs can be caused by two main issues: reservoir incontinence and sphincter incontinence. Reservoir incontinence occurs when the rectum can't store a normal volume of stool, leading to a constant urge to defecate.

This can be due to various diseases such as diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, or other intestinal diseases. I've seen some cases where the dog's owner has noticed that their pet defecates in strange places, such as near the door, which suggests that they are unable to hold feces until reaching an appropriate location.

Sphincter incontinence, on the other hand, happens when the anal sphincter can't remain closed, allowing feces to leak out. This can be caused by a lesion, such as an anal wound or mass, that disrupts the anal sphincter and interferes with its function.

Here are the possible causes of bowel incontinence:

In some cases, sphincter incontinence may also cause anal sphincter damage or disease, leading to redness, inflammation, or drainage from the dog's rectum. Your pet may also lick at the rectum more than usual.

Diagnosis of English bulldog constipation typically involves examining your dog's abdomen and performing a rectal examination. Your vet may also ask about your dog's history of dietary indiscretion.

Your vet will want to know how long your dog has been constipated and if they've eaten anything unusual or indigestible, which may have increased faecal bulk or caused pain. This information will help them determine the cause of your dog's constipation.

Additional reading: English Bulldog Vet

To relieve constipation, your vet may consider other factors, including recent surgery, previous pelvic trauma, or underlying medical conditions. They may also recommend diagnostic tests like X-rays, abdominal ultrasound, or blood tests to identify any underlying causes.

Here are some potential underlying causes of English bulldog constipation:

Treatment for mild constipation typically involves stopping your dog from eating unusual or indigestible food items and providing access to water and a high-fibre diet.

Diagnosing constipation in dogs typically involves a physical examination of your dog's abdomen and a rectal examination by your vet. Your vet will also ask about your dog's history of dietary indiscretion, which means eating unusual items.

Your vet will want to know how long your dog has been constipated, as well as if your dog has eaten anything unusual or indigestible that could be causing the problem.

Other factors your vet may consider include recent surgery or previous pelvic trauma, which can contribute to constipation.

If your vet suspects an underlying cause, they may order X-rays, an abdominal ultrasound, or blood tests to help identify the issue.

To determine the cause of your dog's constipation, your vet will need to know if your dog has eaten anything unusual or indigestible, which can increase 'faecal bulk' or cause pain.

Here are some signs that may indicate your dog needs immediate attention:

Your vet may also consider other factors to relieve constipation, including recent surgery, previous pelvic trauma, or underlying medical conditions.

Treatment for dog constipation typically involves stopping your dog from eating unusual or indigestible food items and providing access to water and a high-fibre diet.

Suppository laxatives may be used, but long-term use is not recommended.

Your vet may admit your dog to give enemas and fluids to rehydrate them, or manually remove impacted poo.

In cases of intact males where the prostate is the cause of constipation, castration may be recommended.

A stool softener or laxative can be prescribed for short-term use, and other medication may be given to treat any underlying causes.

Your vet may also recommend adding fibre to your dog's diet, increasing exercise, or administering an enema (which must only be done by a vet to reduce the risk of toxicity or injury).

Here are some common treatments for dog constipation:

If you're dealing with your bulldog's diarrhea, a multi-strain probiotic can be a game-changer. Using a canine probiotic with multiple strains of good bacteria can help reintroduce healthy flora and alleviate diarrhea.

Diarrhea clears away unhealthy bacteria in the gut, but it also destroys the healthy flora, making probiotics a must-have for recovery. The probiotic soft chew I've used has 3 strains of probiotics, which is a great starting point.

Probiotics aren't just for diarrhea, they can also help reduce gas in bulldogs. This is especially helpful when transitioning to a new food.

A different take: English Bulldog Diarrhea