Royal Canin and constipation

[Volgirl65]

My 13 wk old pup, Pluto, has been eating dry Royal Canin for weeks now with no problems. I have noticed the last couple of days, he has really strained when pooping. He is still able to go, but it is very hard for him and he even yelped yesterday when we finally went.
I have read that giving a little bit of pumpkin is helpful, but I wondered if this is a common problem with this food. His bag of food is almost gone so if I needed to switch him, I figured it would be a good time to do so. I am happy with the food and he seems to like it, but don't want to fight the constipation all the time.
As far as the pumpkin goes, how much should I give him? He weighed 2.7 lbs at the vet last week when he had his shots.
Thanks for the advice!!!
Amy

[megansmomma]

I've never her of RC causing constipation. Try giving him a teaspoon of pumpkin at each feeding to see if that helps. Is he drinking enough water? You want their poops to be pretty firm and compact.

[Volgirl65]

I wouldn't think it is the food itself, but thought I would at throw the question out there....just in case. I thought about his water consumption and plan to make a conscience effort today to make sure he is drinking plenty. I know he is going to need more with this hot weather now....and he plays hard! LOL
Thanks!

[Dreamypups]

Hi, pumpkin is used to harden the stool so I wouldn't give your pup any of that as it is a fiber. You can use a warm wash cloth & wipe the butt area well and trim hair around it. Has he had his anal glads expressed lately if not you may want to have it done. Also I would exercise him a little more. You may want to get a puppy food with less fiber in it.

We do feed our pups Royal and have never had this problem with it. Also try putting water in it so he is getting more water intake.

Hope this helps

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by Dreamypups

Hi, pumpkin is used to harden the stool so I wouldn't give your pup any of that as it is a fiber. You can use a warm wash cloth & wipe the butt area well and trim hair around it. Has he had his anal glads expressed lately if not you may want to have it done. Also I would exercise him a little more. You may want to get a puppy food with less fiber in it.

We do feed our pups Royal and have never had this problem with it. Also try putting water in it so he is getting more water intake.

Hope this helps

Actually, pumpkin is used to loosen hard stools and to firm up soft ones. From what I've read, the consensus is that it tends to work better at loosening hard stools. I've never had any issues with Royal Canin causing constipation. I wouldn't have the anal glands expressed unless there seems to be a problem with them (dog scooting butt on floor, etc.), and then I'd have the vet do it.

[Britster]

I had the opposite problem w/ RC, too loose poop. Sorry I can't help.

[Harrysmum]

Originally Posted by pstinard

Actually, pumpkin is used to loosen hard stools and to firm up soft ones. From what I've read, the consensus is that it tends to work better at loosening hard stools. I've never had any issues with Royal Canin causing constipation. I wouldn't have the anal glands expressed unless there seems to be a problem with them (dog scooting butt on floor, etc.), and then I'd have the vet do it.

Strange, isn't it?!!!?

Harry's 'grazing-food' is Royal Canin, and he has beautiful poops.....