Want to know how to massage a Westie to poop? If your Westie is struggling to poop or is unable to poop and is constipated, you may be unsure how you can help them.
In this guide, we will go over how you can encourage your Westie to poop and how you can massage them so that they finally poop.
Don’t worry; it’s nowhere near as gross as it sounds!
Having a dog sometimes feels like having a baby. You would do anything for your furry friend.
That is why when our canine companions become unwell or are struggling with their health, we try anything to make them feel better.
Read on to find out how massage can help your Westie feel better.
How To Tell If Your Westie Is Constipated
How can you tell if your Westie has become constipated and feels unwell? Some dogs do not show all the signs of constipation, and it can vary from dog to dog.
However, the chances are high if your Westie is showing these signs of canine constipation:
- circling around excessively
- dragging its bottom across the ground
- squatting often
- crying and whining out in discomfort
Other signs which can also be due to constipation include:
- loss of appetite
- vomiting
- watery feces
- hard, pebble-like feces
- weight loss
The feces may be smaller than normal, less frequent, and your dog may struggle to pass feces.
What Are The Causes Of Constipation In A Westie?
There are many different causes of dog constipation.
They include:
- Lack of fiber
- Lack of exercise
- Poor diet
- Sudden diet changes causing gas and abdominal discomfort
- Food allergies
- Age
- Blockages in the system
- Renal issues
- Enlarged colon or prostate
- Anal gland issues
- Spinal injuries
- Dehydration
- Stress and anxiety
- Tumors
- Abdomen injury
- Adverse reactions to medication
Trying new foods, for example, can put stress on your Westie’s digestive system and cause constipation and stomach pain.
Does Rubbing Your Westie’s Belly Help Digestion?
Yes. Rubbing your Westie’s stomach can help aid digestion.
Constipation can often be caused by gas and gastrointestinal issues, and rubbing or massaging the stomach can help get the gas moving inside the stomach.
You can also massage your Westie’s stomach, back, legs, and rear end to encourage them to poop if they are constipated.
This can release tension in the muscles.
Can I Massage My Westie’s Stomach If I Suspect A Blockage?
If you think your Westie may have a blockage in their intestine caused by an injury or something they’ve swallowed, it is imperative that you seek help from your vet.
Do not massage your Westie’s abdomen in this case as you may cause further damage and internal injury.
How To Massage A Westie To Help Them Poop
Follow these simple steps to massage your Westie to help them poop.
Try to ensure your dog is comfortable, or lying on its back when massaging.
Start slowly so your Westie does not get stressed. It can help you build a stronger connection and bond with them.
- Stroke your Westie’s whole body. Move your hands from head to tail and down to the tail, rubbing and massaging gently. This can help calm your dog and relax them.
- Then, apply some gentle pressure on the back of your Westie’s neck, and slide it down the back and the sides. You can stroke down the legs and the tail too.
- Stroke down the back of the head down the spine. When the muscles are tight and tense in the back, this can cause issues when pooping, so relaxing these muscles can help.
- When your dog is lying down, place your hands on the base of the neck, and apply some light pressure, moving your hands down the spine and towards the tail. Keep your hands on the sides of the spine, not on the actual bone.
- Then, rub your Westie’s belly in a circular motion. This can stimulate the stomach muscles. Try doing so when your Westie is on its back so the belly is facing up. Use your palm to apply some light pressure onto the belly, and rub it in a clockwise direction.
- Stroke the belly downwards from the middle of the ribs, down to the center of the belly lightly.
- Slide your hand in the direction of the rear area, and apply gentle pressure. You can also use both hands to apply gentle pressure along the sides of the stomach. Do this in clockwise motions, going up and down between the chest and the legs, covering the stomach.
- Turn your Westie so that it is lying on its right side, then move your hand along the left side of its stomach. This is where the intestines are located, so massaging this part of the body can help move things along.
- You may also try stroking the lower abdomen in a U-shape motion. This can help release the intestines.
Alternatively, finish off the massage by kneading your Westie’s glutes and thighs to release any pressure in the muscles to make pooping easier for them.
Always be gentle and unhurried in your massage strokes.
Other Ways To Help Your Westie Poop
For the most part, dog constipation can resolve itself, but if something has been ingested, it can cause an internal blockage, which can cause pain and further medical problems.
If you think that your dog has ingested something that could be blocking the digestive system, then it is paramount that you seek urgent help.
However, if the constipation is not severe, you can try other methods to help your dog to poop.
Sometimes, constipation is caused by a poor diet. Adding some healthy additions to your dog’s diet can help.
For instance, you can try giving them canned dog food. This can be softer and easier to digest. The higher moisture content can help create softer stools and can help regulate the digestive system.
You can also try pumpkin puree to add fiber to the diet.
You also need to provide fresh water at all times. Some dogs can be constipated due to dehydration.
Finally, ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise as this can stimulate healthy bowel movements.
Final Thoughts
When your Westie is constipated, you can help them out.
You can massage the stomach and abdominal muscles to help move things along and add healthy additions to their diet to give them the fiber and hydration they need to pass their stools.
However, if your Westie seems unwell, or their demeanor has changed drastically, it is a good idea to take them to your vet to check them over for any issues such as a blockage.
Useful Resources
What Foods Are Westies Allergic To? (Westie Dog Allergies)
What Can Westies Not Eat? Common Foods To Avoid
How Much Food Should a Westie Eat? And How Often?
How Often Do Westies Need Walking?
