It’s normal for a pet dog to occasionally experience constipation.
On the other hand, it could be concerning if a best buddy hasn’t had a bowel movement for 2 or 3 days.
If so, your dog’s chronic constipation could be the result of a medical condition. You must rule out such as scenario while also focusing on alleviating the straining.
The good news:
There are many ways to help loosen stools. We’ll offer safe and sound solutions so the constipation normalizes in no time.
Can I Give My Dog Something for Constipation? Answer: Yes, there are many options
Conventional treatments (such as enemas and strong laxatives) should be used with caution.
Any dog with frequently recurring constipation may be exhibiting such a bowel problem as a symptom of something more serious.
Obviously going to a trusted veterinarian would be your best course of action.
For home treatment, Metamucil is often used for canine constipation though we favor food remedies. Pumpkin, in particular, is know to work wonders for dogs!
For a relatively gentle laxative and lubricant, there’s a product called Lax’aire which is specifically designed for constipated pets.
Switch Their Dog Food
Try switching to a quality canned dog food if you haven’t already done so. This could make a big difference especially if your furry friend is only getting dry kibble.
You may be surprised at the bowel behavior results!
What you provide your dog could be contributing to their constipation. You may fix the poo problem by simply changing the brand or the ingredients.
It cannot be stressed enough that diet plays a huge role.
Proven Food Remedies
In addition to pumpkin, olive oil and ginger can also reduce colon constipation. Yes, these human foods are safe for your dog to consume in small amounts.
Carrots are another excellent remedy as is cottage cheese!
Most of these choices happen to be nutritious and, as a bonus, also work for dog diarrhea. The issue may be as simple as a lack of fiber in the diet.
Pet Pooch Probiotics
A probiotic is recommended when your dog’s constipation isn’t responding to better foods.
It could create conditions for softer stools that are easier to pass.
Check out this video for more tips.
Dogs With Dehydration
Be sure that your dog gets enough water if they’re constipated.
A lack of fluids could be causing their bowel movements to harden to the point of straining.
This can be easily overlooked if your dog isn’t a big drinker. This brings us to exercise. Active dogs require more water but running around will also tend to reduce canine constipation.
It’s essential for your dog to be physically active throughout the day. Yes, exercise and more water could be the fix!
Hounds And Hemorrhoids
Not only are animals uncomfortable when dealing with constipation, but they are also susceptible to developing hemorrhoids.
So address your dog’s constipation condition early on and hemorrhoids are entirely avoidable.
The Bottom Line
Try giving your dog a bit of pumpkin or olive oil for mild constipation.
For a more serious situation, you should rule out a medical problem by getting a diagnosis from your vet.
Dogs with constipation generally benefit from certain lifestyle changes as well a good probiotic. For quick, short-term results you could try Metamucil or a mild pet-friendly laxative.
My quite healthy 12-1/2 year old Toy Poodle isn’t totally constipated, but it seems her stools are very firm and a bit more difficult to pass. She’s had pumpkin added to her meals and it’s helped some. Also some cottage cheese also which I don’t think is helping. I know milk products aren’t really natural for a dog that age even though she likes to eat it!
I needed some new ideas and this helped. Will add olive oil and perhaps some ginger if the oil doesn’t do it. She eats a high quality human grade dehydrated food along with meat, raw or cooked sometimes, occasional cooked egg or fish instead of meat, oils added as recommended. She’s been getting mostly coconut oil lately, perhaps going back to the olive oil she used to get will do it. Thanks for the information.
For dehydration, give your dog tender coconut. It also stops blood diarrhea caused by dehydration.
Try some canned pumpkin added to the diet. It works every time.