How to give an enema to a dog

 

What is an enema for a dog

The solution introduced into the intestine after a while comes out along with the feces. Depending on the amount, it can be absorbed by the intestinal wall partially or completely. Dogs are given an enema for the following tasks:

• rapid absorption of drugs, for example, to reduce inflammation, heal the intestinal mucosa.
• relief of the condition of the pet with constipation;
• decrease in body temperature of the animal in case of overheating;
• with dehydration;
• rapid bowel cleansing after deworming;
• emptying in diseases that disrupt intestinal motility, preventing stagnation of feces;
• detoxification of the dog's body, elimination of toxic substances.

Enema is indicated for constipation, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, helminthiasis, poisoning, impaired water balance. It can be prescribed for the purpose of taking feces for analysis or for preparing the pet's intestines for diagnostic procedures, surgical intervention.

Types of enemas

In accordance with the purpose of the conduct, several types of enemas are distinguished.

• Cleansing. It is prescribed to cleanse the intestines from toxic substances, accumulated feces, neutralized worms, and various pathogens. The method involves both the use of aqueous solutions and ready-made preparations. The latter are produced in a convenient form and are distinguished not only by efficiency, but also by small volume. A cleansing enema is also performed before a medicinal one, or in preparation for a diagnosis.
• Therapeutic. The intestinal mucosa is characterized by an increased ability to absorb water and substances dissolved in it. Drugs administered through an enema quickly enter the bloodstream and have their effect.
• Nutritious. If, for some reason, normal consumption of food or water is not possible, the deficiency can be partially replenished by the rectal route. However, intravenous administration is most often used for this purpose.
• Thermoregulating. Such an enema is indicated to correct the body temperature of the animal, for example, in case of overheating.
• Contrasting. A solution with a contrast agent is administered to diagnose the intestine.

Also, enemas differ in the temperature of the solution, the depth of administration.

How often and when can the procedure be performed

The frequency of enema is determined by the veterinarian. If there are no special appointments, in the absence of serious pathologies in the gastrointestinal tract, no more than three procedures per month are allowed. Frequent use of enemas leads to a loss of sensitivity of nerve endings, stretching of the intestinal wall, its "accustoming" to emptying effortlessly. In addition, the composition of the microflora is disturbed, which provokes the development of dysbacteriosis and requires treatment.

Experts advise to enema the dog in the morning. It is important that at this time the stomach of the animal is not full. If the pet has already had a bite to eat, you need to wait about 2 hours, and then proceed with the procedure. After the event, it is advisable not to feed the dog for 1.5-2 hours.

When Not to Give Your Dog an Enema

Enema, although a procedure that is safe for the health of the animal, has contraindications. The method cannot be resorted to if the pet is diagnosed with such conditions and diseases:

• acute inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract - an exacerbation with serious complications is possible;
• anal fissures, hemorrhoids.
• worms - some types of helminths are firmly attached to the intestinal wall. The solution can lead to their detachment and damage to the mucosa, so first you need to carry out therapeutic treatment.
• some pathologies of the lungs and heart.
• severe pain in the abdomen.
• cracks, ulcers, polyps in the intestinal wall - an enema can cause bleeding.
• heavy frequent breathing.
• tumors of a different nature.
• intestinal obstruction.
• severe dehydration.
• bleeding from the anus.
• pregnancy - it is possible to increase the tone of the uterus, miscarriages, premature births.

If constipation in a pet is accompanied by high fever, fever, rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure, the method cannot be used. The same applies to bouts of vomiting, discoloration of the mucous membranes.

How to make an enema

In order for the procedure to go smoothly, it is necessary to carefully study the sequence of actions and prepare everything you need in advance.

What will be required

The necessary equipment should be selected in accordance with the size and age of the dog. To give your pet an enema, you will need:

• rubber pear with a volume of 50-700 ml - suitable for small and medium-sized animals.
• syringe without a needle - can be used for an enema on a puppy or a very small dog.
• Esmarch's mug - if the procedure is performed on a large pet.
• solution for administration.
• oilcloth or disposable diapers (size or quantity is determined by the size of the dog).
• pelvis.
• rubber gloves.
• muzzle.

To facilitate the introduction of the tip of the pear into the anus, you can use petroleum jelly, soap, baby cream, in extreme cases, vegetable oil.

Solution preparation

In most cases, to give a dog an enema, you need ordinary boiled water. With the permission of the veterinarian, infusions and decoctions of medicinal herbs can be added to it. Depending on the plant, the procedure has not only a cleansing effect, but also an antiseptic, healing, regenerating, antispasmodic effect.

Also, salt, soda, glycerin are added to the water. A weak solution of potassium permanganate gives an antiseptic and antiparasitic effect, and fish oil or petroleum jelly will help “lubricate” the stuck feces. Acetic acid, lemon juice and other substances with a destructive effect on the mucous membrane are not suitable for dog enema. The prepared solution cannot be stored. If several procedures are scheduled, the mixture must be prepared again immediately before the process.

Examples of an aqueous solution for an enema for a dog:

• mix 20 g of magnesia, 30 g of salt, 100 ml of water. Heat until ingredients dissolve. Cool to a temperature slightly warmer than room temperature;
• pour one tablespoon of dry chamomile with a liter of boiling water, leave for half an hour. Strain;
• Dissolve two tablespoons of salt in a liter of boiled water.

If it is impossible to clarify the composition of the enema with a veterinarian, it is better not to risk it, but to use plain water.

How much solution is required

The amount of fluid injected is determined by the size of the animal and the testimony of a specialist. Deep enemas that fill most of the intestines are not carried out at home.

To cleanse the lower parts of a small dog with a body weight of up to 3 kg, 50-100 ml of solution is enough. Larger animals (up to 15 kg) should take approximately 200 ml of liquid. Medium pets with a weight of 15-25 kg will receive an enema of up to 500 ml, and large breeds - 500-1000 ml of water. If we are talking about a medical procedure, the amount of fluid should be checked with a veterinarian. The same applies to the question of whether it is possible to give an enema to puppies up to two months.

The saying “the more the better” does not work in this situation. It is better to take a smaller volume of solution, since a large amount can lead to increased blood pressure, intestinal injuries and other complications.

solution temperature

Fluid to be administered to stimulate intestinal motility should be at or slightly below room temperature. Too warm water will quickly be absorbed, and the laxative effect will not be achieved. Another thing is if the drug enema or constipation is caused by muscle spasm, then the injected liquid can have a temperature of 25-40 ˚С. If the cause of stagnation is unknown, as well as in other cases, doctors recommend taking water at about 27 ° C.

Action algorithm

You need to do an enema to the dog confidently and carefully, without rushing. Most likely, the pet will react to such an event without enthusiasm, and some animals will even show aggression, so it is advisable to carry out the procedure together with an assistant. Even if the dog is small, it will be difficult for one person to hold it and inject the solution at the same time. By the way, it is small breeds of dogs that often show the greatest resistance. And large pets, on the contrary, show enviable patience. In any case, it is important to calm the animal before the procedure. Especially nervous dogs are given a sedative in advance.

The enema should be administered as follows:

• put on gloves.
• lay the dog on its side on a previously laid out oilcloth or diaper.
• lubricate the tip of the pear / syringe filled with solution and the anus of the animal with petroleum jelly. If Esmarch's mug is used, it is pre-fixed nearby, at a height of about 1 meter from the pet.
• insert the tip into the anus to a depth of 1-4 cm (according to the size of the dog); you need to enter directly, parallel to the spinal column.
• pour water slowly.
• pull out the pear / syringe, immediately covering the anus with a tail or cloth for a quarter of an hour;
• after 15 minutes, place the pet's hind limbs in the pelvis to release fluid and feces; sometimes a diaper is used instead of a basin.
• if necessary, the animal is washed.

If during the introduction of the solution there is a feeling of an obstacle, the procedure is stopped. The cause may be muscle tension. But if the same thing is repeated on the next attempt, the enema is stopped altogether. A tangle of parasites, a tumor, a foreign body, and so on may appear on the path of the flow, which requires an urgent visit to a doctor.

In what cases should the procedure be interrupted?

It is necessary to stop the introduction of the solution and consult a veterinarian if the following phenomena are observed during the procedure:

• there was a sharp pain in the abdomen - the dog jumps up sharply, whines, growls.
• breathing and heartbeat became very frequent.
• blood came out of the anus.
• convulsions occurred.
• there was a sudden vomiting.
• the animal is unconscious.

In each case, an examination of the pet is necessary.

What to do so that the enema is not required

Fortunately, most dogs go through life without knowing what an enema is. To protect your pet from this unpleasant procedure, it is enough to adhere to the following rules:

• provide the animal with sufficient physical activity.
•  prevent ingestion of foreign objects.
•  give a balanced diet, enrich the diet with fiber.
• monitor the drinking regime.
•  regularly carry out the prevention of helminthiasis.

You also need to contact a specialist in time if you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, periodically undergo a medical examination.