? Constipation in 7 month old Lhasa Apso

[sootysox]

In the last day or so Digby has had difficulty passing poo. He doesn't like dried food so has Pedigree Puppy (breeder had him on this) and I mix a bit of James Wellbeloved Puppy Kibble in it. I feed him twice a day.

He has the odd chew/dental stick/shapes biscuits.

I walk him at least once a day, except if the weather is very bad - ice/snow etc.

He has the run of a good sized garden and enjoys having a good run up and down/sniff/explore.

He has plenty of fresh water available but doesn't seem a great drinker.

He doesn't appear to be in pain, and had a good walk today, but didn't 'perform'.

Oh, he likes 'pig's ears' and is happily chewing one now.

Any advice, ideas ? Tia.

Regards.

I'd call the vet. He shouldn't be constipated on what you're feeding him and with puppies there is the very real possibility that they have swallowed something they shouldn't and have a blockage in their intestine, which can very quickly prove fatal.

Best of luck.

Thanks Bella xxx

Keep us posted - hopefully it'll be nothing but not worth taking the chance x

Yep, thankfully no obstruction. He hadn't let me examine his rear end, but I had another feel and found a matted lump in the region of his bum, , and decided the best thing to do was give him a bath and gently soak the matter off.

Worked a treat - got rid of lump and residual faecal matter and he is fine.

His groomer trims around that area, and I would love to, but he won't keep still enough to let me do it - any tips ?

Funnily enough he is as good as gold in the bath and just stands there whilst I wash him !

I will have to be more vigilant.

Thanks for your concern Bella xxx

Brill news
Is he clicker trained? Could you try to train him that way? Or get someone to help hold him, with a hand under his tummy to stop him sitting down? Use round ended scissors so you 're not worried about hurting him. Or would the groomer give you a demo?
Of course you want to get him into the habit of having it done now, while he's a pup I wonder if putting some doggy conditioning spray there would also help stop the build up ( don't use human stuff as dogs skin is very sensitive to our products)?
Am sure the groomer would have some ideas - I've always had short haired dogs!
So glad he's okay

Thanks so much Bella xxx

No, he's not clicker trained - I normally help steady him when she comes.

She's due on the 26th Jan. He has a 'teddy bear' cut and is much in need of a trim !

Thanks again, and Happy Christmas and New Year to you and yours,

Aw thanks, Sooty - and to you & your family, and Digby of course! He sounds gorgeous - Lhasa Apsos are incredibly cute