Your dog could benefit from receiving an enema for any of the following reasons:
- Constipation
- Dehydration
- Bowel obstruction
- Recovery from certain surgeries
Whatever your precious pet’s situation…
It is super important to learn as much as possible before undertaking this procedure at home.
While an enema can effectively flush out a constipated canine’s colon, some types are too dangerous!
Further, a bout of constipation may not actually require an injection of fluid. It could be the wrong way to help.
Dogs Can Be Given Enemas Too
Unfortunately there are easy-to-make mistakes that could be harmful!
Are you thinking of doing this yourself?
What’s Good And What’s Bad?
It cannot be stressed enough:
Fleet Saline enemas are too dangerous for dogs. And any solution that has phosphate or sodium phosphate should also be off-limits.
A coffee enema would be a terrible idea as well!
The safest way to go about it?
Simply use regular warm water. Yup! That’s all you need for constipation.
Done correctly it will stimulate your dog’s intestinal mucosa, in turn softening hard fecal matter.
But rectal injection treatments require training and specialized knowledge for safe and optimal results. And it isn’t always easy to administer an enema — especially if the animal is stressed.
Best Advice: Address chronic bowel regularity with the help of your dog’s veterinarian.
Take a Wait And See Approach
As with diarrhea, constipation is a common occurrence among dogs.
Thankfully, most of the time, these bowel irregularities don’t last long.
But chronic or recurring cases should be checked out by your vet. They may or may not determine that an enema is necessary.
The point is this:
Avoid quickly concluding that an injection of fluid into the lower bowel is what your dog requires.
Food Alternatives To An Enema
There are certainly ways to handle constipation without resorting to an enema.
A can of mashed pumpkin usually works wonders. Cooked rice is also recommend.
You want to add bulk and water to your dog’s stools making them easier to pass. Utilizing these foods could eliminate the need for an enema.
Doggie Digestive System
Remember that dogs have relatively simple digestive systems.
So again…
Poo problems will often pass without intervention. Most of the time constipation is short-lived.
But if not, play it safe! Veterinary expertise is valuable piece of mind.
Dog Food And Other Tips
Upgrading to a better dog food could improve bowel movements by naturally easing constipation and reducing diarrhea.
And scheduling meals around the same time each day will ensure that digestive juices are ready to break down the food.
Last but not least…
Keep your dog’s water dish full. It will prevent dehydration and also make stools softer.
The Bottom Line
If your dog has something obstructing their bowels, like if they swallowed something, an enema may or may not work to pass it.
Be sure to talk to your vet if you suspect that your dog needs an enema.
Excellent information. I wasn’t sure about using a Fleet solution with saline until I read your post. Thank you very much for that info. I am glad I checked your website first.
My Maltese continues to have constipation problems. I ordered a pet enema, Pet-ema, but hesitate to even trying to give it to him. He is a poor eater of any kind of dog food; and I’m afraid he has been spoiled with table food! What do you suggest for him?
I have a 12 year old Pit bull that is having trouble urinating and also not able to poop. Please help!
I have a medium size Beagle. He ate tortilla flour and few pieces of the plastic wrap. It wasn’t that much, but noticed her behavior and there’s been no bowel movement.
I fed her pumpkin from the pet store and also gave her an enema. She still looks calm. Is that normal? Is she recovering? She is eating everything I give her.
If she does not go again the next day, should I do an enema again? I bought the enema from CVS. A vet tech said it was okay.
What is the dose for an enema for a one week old dog?
My 5 year old Pit bull has a history of eating things she shouldn’t. Lately she hasn’t been eating and hasn’t had a bowel moment in four days. Should I give her an enema?
Did she have a bowel movement yet? If not, she needs to see the vet. It could be a blockage considering her wayward appetite. Even having only liquid stools, following constipation, could indicate a blockage.