Let’s look at the steps that you can take to prevent your Pomeranian from suffering with constipation.
1- Give lots of water -
Some dogs are picky with their water, they will not lap at old, stale, warm water. So, be sure to keep that water bowl fresh! Use filtered tap water (unfiltered tap water can contain also sorts of ‘nasty’s’ that can cause allergies, stomach upset and coat issues). Be sure to keep it refilled throughout the day with cool/cold water.
Also, have 2 bowls (or even more), so that you can easily throw one in the dishwasher or set aside in the sink and offer water in a nice clean one. Food particles from food are easily transferred to the water dish... So, the need to clean bowls often is something that owners must be aware of.
Note:
While we are on the topic of bowls, please be sure to never use a cheap plastic bowl for food or water. The bowls should be stainless steel or ceramic. Plastic colored bowls can leak coloring and this will eventually affect the coat and cause staining to the facial hairs. See more about
the best bowls for Poms.
One hot days or on days when your Pomeranian exercises a bit more than normal, be sure to offer more water. The amount of water that a dog needs changes with the weather and with his activity levels. So, to avoid constipation and for healthy bowel movements, enough water is a must.
2- Puppy proof your house even if your Pom is an adult.
Please remember to routinely ‘puppy proof’ your house. Even if your Pom is an adult! Curious (or bored) Pomeranians can very easily gobble up small items such as paper clips, paper, a coin or a hair pin.
3- Do not let your Pom eat grass.
Grass is not a food and is considered to be a foreign substance. Keep an eye on your dog and do not allow him or gobble up the lawn while outside. While many dogs do eat grass, it is not healthy to do so. Pebbles may be ingested, which can cause a blockage and then constipation.
Also, as a side note, many lawns hold in polluted rain water, lawn care chemical, stinging insects… So, keep an eye on your Pomeranian and don’t let him or her eat at the blades. Note: Lack of proper nutrients is the #1 reason why a dog will eat grass. Offer greens in a healthy way!
4- Offer a well-balanced, healthy diet.
Look to our feeding section for much more detail. In general, you will want to offer a high quality commercial food or to home cook.
Once in a while, add some greens. Green beans and peas are 2 great ingredients that can be mixed into meals to offer more ‘greens”.
5- If your Pomeranian is constipated and is also taking medication for allergies, check with the veterinarian. If the constipation is very bad, switching to a new medication or lowering the dose may be needed. He may also suggest adding a new medicine to treat your Pom’s constipation.
6- If your Pom is home alone for most of the day, be sure to offer a happy, comfortable environment so that he or she can feel more comfortable with having a bowel movement. If confined to a very small area, your dog may hold back the urge.
Note:
Never, ever leave a Pom home alone
in a crate. Crates are good for bringing your Pom to the vet. But they are NOT for keeping a dog locked in such a tiny space all day.
Obtain canine gates or an indoor canine playpen. Set up a nice area where your Pom can hop around, play with toys, head over to a bed to rest AND an area for bathroom needs.
Your Pomeranian may not ‘hit the mark’, but that is okay! You’re goal is for your dog to learn to go to the bathroom outside. So, put down some pee pads in the gated off area, and your Pom may or may not aim correctly .
BUT, importantly, you are allowing your Pomeranian the opportunity to push out a bowel movement, in a spot that is spaced aside form the food, toys and sleeping area…And helping to prevent constipation.
7- For an older, senior Pom, beware of that dry diet that can cause constipation. If you feed kibble, allow it to soak in water for a good fifteen or twenty minute before feeding. If you offer home cooking recipes for your Pomeranian, this is great as the food will already be moist.
8- If your Pom gets constipated while traveling
for a long distance in the car, be sure to pull over every couple of hours. Keep your dog on leash. Allow your Pomeranian to stretch his legs, have a drink and a snack and take a bathroom break.