Has your dog been uncomfortable lately? Has passing stool become a huge problem for him? Do you suspect an intestinal blockage? The ultimate solution is surgery. However, are you looking for a non-surgical alternative? Mineral oil works for Dog’s Intestinal Blockage as the best remedy. How and when to use it?
Are you sick of removing things from the surroundings that your dog would chew on? Dogs are always attracted by new things and they almost want everything in their mouth. This is the reason why owners have to keep an eye on them at all times.
What is Intestinal Blockage?
Like humans, a dog’s intestine is a part of the Gastrointestinal Tract. Anything that the dog eats such as cheese passes through the intestine before it is excreted through the anal canal. That’s some biology we all know. Right? However, due to many conditions, the flow of stool can be obstructed and it becomes a hurdle for the dog to defecate. Under such conditions, it’s very important to remove the cause of pain.
Difficult bowel movements are accompanied by physical stress that totally drains the energy of a dog, who now looks very tired.
There are two types of intestinal blockages. Complete and Partial Intestinal Blockage. In Complete intestinal blockage cases, feces is completely blocked and the dog is in constant pain. A complete block’s only solution is surgery. Whereas, with partial blockage, dogs pass feces with long intervals and difficulty. Mineral oil is the best remedy for a dog’s partial intestinal blockage.
Constipation is the most common sign of intestinal blockage.
Remember if you do not remove the cause of complete intestinal blockage in two to three days, it can turn out to be life-threatening.
Causes of intestinal blockage
Is your dog having difficulty passing stool? What can cause intestinal blockage?
Let us have a look
Growing age
This is an unmodifiable risk factor. With increasing time the Gastrointestinal muscles move slower than before delaying peristalsis. Thus, the partial intestinal blockage is common in older dogs.
Mineral oil for a dog’s intestinal blockage is the best remedy.
Ingesting non-food items
Most of us give bone pieces to dogs to play with. There is a chance that a dog getting all hungry and greedy gulps the bone. And well they get too excited, no?
Toys can cause intestinal perforation. They may also become gangrenous and the only solution is surgery!
Tumors in the gastrointestinal tract
The tumor is a mass of cells and well that can obstruct a passage no? Intestinal tumors are one of the most common tumors and they result in disturbed bowel movements.
This mostly requires surgery too.
Heavy infestations with worms
Well, dogs love to eat almost anything, and sometimes just dirt or trash. Worm infestation can lead to an intestinal blockage that results in severe problems such as pain and vomiting.
Groin Hernia
Sometimes feces get stuck in the herniated pouch causing immense pain and intestinal blockage.
Inguinal hernia is common in old dogs.
Signs and Symptoms showed by a dog who has an intestinal blockage
How will you get to know a dog that has intestinal blockage? What will he show as?
- Constipation or lack of elimination of feces
- Frequent unsuccessful attempts to defecate
- Swollen abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
These will help a dog owner know if a dog is having some GIT problem. Visit a pet at your earliest before things get out of control.
How is Mineral Oil for Dog’s intestinal blockage?
Few dogs have been suffering from constipation all their lives, especially as they get old. Mineral oil has proved to be a solution in such cases. The other name for Mineral oil is Paraffinum Perliquidum.
What does mineral oil do?
It’s a natural laxative that helps lubricate the intestinal passage. Moreover, mineral oil adds extra moisture to both stools and bowels. Thus, bowel movements become rapid and it is very effective in solving a dog’s partial intestinal blockage.
Mineral oil is a by-product and so it should be used in very small amounts only when necessary.
One of the most effective ways of giving it is to add mineral oil to the dog’s meal. How much to give? 1 tsp for every 11lbs or 5kg will work mixed with the meal. In 6-8 hours the dog will be able to easily pass the stool.
Why do dogs have no problem ingesting mineral oil? It is easily digestible and contains no flavor or odor. So if you mix a few drops with the food, your picky doggo wouldn’t even know.
Do not give the oil orally because there is a chance it may go to the lungs. What happens if it accidentally goes into the lungs? If it goes into the lungs it can cause pneumonia.
Hence, Mineral oil is highly effective for mild constipation.
Are there any side effects of mineral oil?
As mentioned earlier, mineral oil should be used in a very small amount. Do you know why?
An excess of overdose can result in constipation. Ironic, no?
Moreover, it interrupts the absorption of Fat-soluble Vitamins A, D, E, K.
However, you must inform your vet about this and take a consult.
In the end, it’s proved Mineral oil is a pocket-friendly and effective solution to treat partial intestinal blockage.
Other options to consider rather mineral oil for intestinal blockage
If you feel it’s not safe to add mineral oil to a dog’s meal, what else can be done at home? A bunch of tips can help solve the problem.
- Moisten dry food with water
- Add a small amount of bran to the food.
- Add fruits and vegetables to the diet of old dogs.
- Exercising helps with constipation.
- Use Stool softeners
- Use Fibre supplements
Remember these remedies will help only for partial blockage. If there is a complete blockage surgery is the only option. This is most certainly in the case of tumors or eating non-digestible objects.
Moreover, before the surgery, an x-ray, endoscopy, or ultrasound is done to detect the site of obstruction. Why? Because you can not cut open the entire intestine. Right?
Conclusion
In a nutshell, it can be concluded that mineral oil for a dog’s intestinal blockage is a great option to consider. In other words, a good solution to mild constipation.