Question :

My dog (a 10 month old male cockapoo) seems to be fine (still very playful and active) but has not been eating or drinking as much as he used to. The main difference I have noticed is that he seems to be having a harder time eliminating (constipated), and I guess it’s because he hasn’t been drinking as much water- therefore he must be a little on the dehidrated side. I don’t know how to encourage him to drink more water (I tried to take him to the water bow but that does not help much). Any thoughts? Is there such thing as a laxative for dogs (to help him with his constipation)?

answer :

Have the vet give him a good check over and make sure there are no other issues causing this. Animals don’t usually go off food and water unless something is wrong, and of course they can’t tell you what. The vet will start with looking at the dogs mouth to make sure nothing is wrong there (bad tooth, splinter) and check everything out with the rest of the dog (thyroid, blockages, worms). If the vet says there is nothing wrong except not drinking enough water you can add a bit of beef broth to flavor it. If the constipation is really bad they will have stuff to use to get things moving (enema, or laxative)