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It is counterproductive to attempt bowel micro-management in a puppy, dog, human child or adult. For puppies and children it is important to provide some type of structure: meals at regular intervals, reduce snacking and provide plenty of time for exercise and allow for individual schedules.
A puppy will defecate three of four times a day, depending on food intake and number of scheduled meals. Adult dogs will defecate usually once or twice a day, depending on diet and number of meals.
If an intestinal blockage occurs, then you will have plenty of indications: frequent vomiting, attempts at defecation (straining, anal bleeding), painful abdomen, gas, loud intestinal sounds, poor to non-exsitant appetite.
Think of the gastro intestinal tract as a garden hose: if you kink the hose then the contents must go somewhere; in this case, vomiting if the blockage
doesn't allow normal migration through the established route. I am certain you would not appreciate it if your bowel habits were under another's
control, allow your dog this dignity.
Dr. Van Lienden
Dr. Raymond Van Lienden DVM
The Animal Clinic of Clifton
12702 Chapel Road, Clifton
Virginia, U.S.A. 20124
703-802-0490
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