By R.G. Elmore, D.V.M.
Copley News Service

Q: Is constipation a common problem in old dogs? It seems to us that our old beagle does not need to go outside as often as he used to, and when he goes outside he does not do as much as he used to do. We have not changed his food during the last four or five years. He still eats the same thing and the same amount. Our old dog is less active than he used to be and like me, getting heavier as he get older.

What can we do to prevent constipation in our old dog?

A: Unfortunately it seems like everything slows down as our pets get older. However, constipation due to the inevitable decrease in activity is not a common problem in healthy, properly fed older pets. Although there is great variation among individual mature dogs, most have one or two bowel movements per day regardless of age.

Most bouts of constipation in dogs, regardless of age, are due to dietary problems. The lack of an adequate amount of bulk in the diet; the frequent eating of abnormal substances such as bones, hair, long fibrous plant material and wood, which can cause compaction in the intestines; period of little or no exercise; and overfeeding, especially in old, lethargic dogs, often contributes to the occurrence of constipation.

Constipation can also happen secondarily to an abnormally enlarged prostate gland, intestinal cancer, anal gland infections and abscesses, pelvic fractures, hernias, paralysis of the spinal cord and back injuries.

Although it might seem like the right thing to do, you should never give your dog an enema or laxatives to encourage bowel movements unless told to do so by your veterinarian. These treatments, if given incorrectly, could cause rupture of the intestines, life-threatening infections within the abdominal cavity and death.

You should take your dog to your veterinarian for a complete physical examination and recommendations about a complete wellness program including vaccinations, internal and external parasite control and diet. The lives of many dogs can be extended by following a wellness program prescribed by a veterinarian familiar with the problems commonly seen in older pets. Many older pets need special diets and medical care.

Q: Please tell us why our dog likes to roll - both inside and outside. This is extremely annoying when walking with our dog on a leash. She just randomly decides to roll in the grass beside the sidewalk. Sometimes she wiggles as if she is scratching her back.

Does she have bugs?

A: It is impossible to tell you whether or not there is something like external parasites causing your dog to roll frequently without actually seeing her and knowing much more about the situation. However, it is likely that while your dog's rolling is extremely annoying, it is totally normal. Some behaviorists have stated that rolling is a means of marking territory or communicating between dogs. However, the rolling might not mean anything. It might just feel good. Unless your dog has fleas or other external parasites, there is probably nothing that you can do to change her behavior.

Send e-mail to copleysd@copleynews.com or write to Pets, Copley News Service, P.O. Box 120190, San Diego, CA 92112-0190. Only questions of general interest will be answered in this column.

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