Is your dog suffering from constipation? In this blog, we'll discuss the best home remedies for dog constipation!
It is more likely that your dog will suffer from diarrhea than constipation, but it's still possible that the dog will have trouble pooping at some point.
Puppy constipation is more common, but adult dogs can suffer too.
Pet owners should know the symptoms and home remedies for dog constipation.
Dog constipation is stressful and can possibly be painful for dogs. Fortunately, there are some remedies that can alleviate the symptoms. The best part is, you can even find it in your homes!
Some home remedies for dog constipation are feeding your pup with canned dog food and canned pumpkin or mixing olive or mineral oil in your dog's meal.
Increasing their water intake and exercising will also help your pup.
But remember that it's best to consult with your vet first to know if these treatments are suitable for Fido.
Dog Constipation: Noticing the First Symptoms
If your dog hasn't had a bowel movement in 2 days, he is probably constipated.
Signs of constipation in dogs include straining when trying to “go,” crouching for long periods without producing any stool, and whining while trying to poop.
If you notice more severe symptoms, like blood around the dog's anus or blood in the stool, you must skip these home remedies for dog constipation and head straight to the veterinarian's office.
Natural remedies will not be effective enough.
For constipated dogs, a veterinarian may recommend a stool softener or laxative to help get things flowing again.
These can usually be bought over the counter.
The vet will also tell you the appropriate type of medication and the correct dosage for the dog.
Note: Even though you can buy most laxatives and stool softeners for dogs online or at a local pet store, you should NEVER give your pet over-the-counter medication without consulting with a veterinarian first.
For a mild case of canine constipation, you can try a home remedy that's more natural yet still effective.
If it takes your dog longer than normal to poop, you see the dog straining particularly hard while going, and/or he is only producing a small amount of stool, he likely has a mild case of constipation.
5 Effective Home Remedies for Dog Constipation
The first thing that you'll want to do if your pet is constipated is to check his rear end.
Look for matted fur or a foreign object that may be causing a blockage in or around the dog's anus.
You should also look for signs of a more serious issue, such as bleeding, sores, anal gland issues, or even a tumor.
Once you get that part out of the way, you can try one of these five home remedies for dog constipation.
Keep in mind that these home remedies are just alternatives. It's still best advised to contact and consult with your vet if your pet is sick or suffering from constipation.
Without further ado, let's dive into the best homemade remedies for dog constipation.
Increase Water Intake
One of the common reasons for dog constipation is the lack of water intake.
If your dog suffers from constipation, it is important to keep them hydrated and to keep their digestive system moving correctly. You can ensure this by giving them easy access to fresh water.
Dogs that eat dry kibble can become dehydrated easily if they don't have access to enough clean drinking water throughout the day or if they refuse to drink for some reason.
The first step is to make sure that your dog has access to fresh, cool water and also that the dog is actually drinking enough of it.
If the dog refuses to drink, you can entice him by making low-sodium chicken/bone broth. The smell of a delicious broth will attract them, and they will be more likely to drink it.
Canned Dog Food
When it comes to dog constipation, it's best to feed them softer food. Foods with higher moisture content can help regulate their digestive system and create softer stools.
Here's a quick tip: mix their normal food with canned dog food to avoid an upset stomach.
This shouldn't be a permanent or a complete switch; a temporary addition of wet or canned food for 2-3 days will usually be enough to fix constipation in a dog.
Canned dog food has a higher moisture content, which will add more liquids to the dog's diet and help rehydrate him.
However, do NOT switch to a 100% canned diet from kibble very suddenly because that could lead to more digestive problems.
Instead, you should just switch out 25%-50% of your dog's kibble for canned food; mix it up.
Exercise
Exercising your dog can go a long way. It's great to maintain your dog's health.
It promotes normal movement inside the dog's intestinal tract. If your dog is constipated and bloated, he may be slightly lethargic.
Encourage him to get up and play or go for a walk outside. Try some of your dog's favorite games or visit some of his favorite places for a long walk.
Exercise can get the dog's bowels moving. Try running, hiking, fetch, or some indoor games to help your puppy out.
Canned Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin is one of the easier and most common home remedies for dog constipation.
Pumpkin is perfectly safe for dogs. It is extremely high in fiber, which helps to draw water into the intestines and get things moving.
Ensure your dog is properly hydrated before adding pumpkin to his daily diet. The fiber will draw water into the intestinal tract, whether your dog is well hydrated or not.
Small dogs will only need about 2 tablespoons added to their meal once per day, while large dogs could eat about ¼ cup of canned pumpkin per day for a snack, or you could add it to their kibble.
Be sure you're feeding your dog 100% pure pumpkin and not the pumpkin pie filling sold in the same section of the grocery store.
Olive Oil or Mineral Oil
Lastly, oil is a great safe home remedy for dog constipation. Adding additional moisture, such as olive and mineral oil, can help make it easier for the dog to pass stools.
Try mixing a teaspoon of olive oil or mineral oil into your dog's meal. Both of these ingredients act as a natural laxative for dogs. Add 2 teaspoons (small breeds) or 2 tablespoons (large breeds) of olive oil or mineral oil to your dog's meals.
It should help to get things moving after 2-3 servings.
If your dog does not begin pooping normally within 48 hours after beginning a home remedy, you must seek veterinary care immediately.
Without proper treatment, the backup of stool could lead to life-threatening health problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give my dog milk for constipation?
The dairy route is not recommended for dogs suffering from constipation. Milk can help with easily passing the stool. However, that's because some dogs' lactose intolerances result in diarrhea and dehydration.
What if my dog hasn't pooped all day?
Check with your vet if your dog hasn't pooped for 24 hours. It's still best to consult with a professional rather than self-prescribed medicines for your dogs.
How long can a dog go without pooping?
Most healthy dogs can go 48 hours (sometimes longer) without pooping without any reason for immediate concern.
However, veterinarians will recommend a test if your pup goes more than 48 to 72 hours without pooping.
Home Remedy for Dog Constipation: Before You Go…
These 5 home remedies for dog constipation can be done in addition to adding fiber into a dog's diet. Certain dog foods are manufactured this way and will contain 2-3 times more fiber.
Some of the best high-fiber dog food brands are below; however, you should not make the switch very suddenly but rather make it a gradual change after your veterinarian has approved it.
Laxatives and stool softeners for dogs may be necessary if you are unsuccessful with the home remedy for dog and Puppy constipation.
You should NEVER give your pet laxatives, stool softeners, or any other over-the-counter digestion aid medication without consulting your veterinarian first.
Once you've consulted with a vet and got it approved, the below brands are some of the best on the market.
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