Home Remedies For Dog Constipation

Dog constipation is a common problem in dogs and can be uncomfortable and even painful for them. Home remedies for dog constipation can help alleviate this condition without the need for prescription medications or medical intervention. Common causes of constipation in dogs include dehydration, a diet lacking in fiber, low physical activity, a change in diet, or certain medication side effects. Common home remedies for dog constipation include adding more fiber to their diet, feeding a wet food diet, adding probiotics, increasing exercise, and encouraging them to drink more water. With the right tools and preventative measures, owners can help their dogs avoid constipation and maintain their healthy lifestyles.

Home Remedies For Dog Constipation

1. Increase Fibre Intake: Adding some fiber to your dog’s diet may help alleviate constipation. Consider adding fresh vegetables like carrots and green beans, and other high-fiber foods like canned pumpkin.
2. Feed Probiotic Foods: Probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut can help improve gut health and ease constipation.
3. Provide Plenty of Water: Increase your dog’s water intake to keep his bowels regular. Adding moisture to the diet also helps soften stools.
4. Exercise: Increase your dog’s physical activity and make sure he’s getting enough exercise. Regular exercise helps stimulate his digestive system to move regularly.
5. Massage: Rubbing your dog’s abdomen in a circular motion with the palm of your hand can help ease digestive discomfort caused by constipation.
6. Mineral Oil: Administering mineral oil is a simple way to help lubricate your dog’s intestines and soften stools.
7. Psyllium Husk: Psyllium husk is a popular herb that’s often used to treat constipation. It’s an effective laxative that adds bulk to stools and helps in their movement.

What Is Dog Constipation?

Dog constipation is a very common problem for pet owners. It occurs when a dog is unable to pass hardened feces through their digestive system. Constipation can cause discomfort, pain, straining, and muscular fatigue. Common symptoms of constipation include a lack of appetite, vomiting, a bloated belly, dry stools, and straining to defecate. Treatment often involves dietary changes, medical intervention, and home remedies. Over-the-counter medication or prescribed laxatives may also be used to treat constipation in dogs.

Causes of Dog Constipation

1. Insufficient dietary fiber: Without enough dietary fiber in their diet, your dog’s digestive system will slow down and not be able to pass stools with ease, leading to constipation. It is important to feed your dog high-fiber dog food or add a tablespoon of canned pumpkin or cooked, plain oatmeal to their meal for added fiber.
2. Lack of exercise: Lack of activity can lead to constipation in dogs, as they are designed to move and be active. A lack of exercise can also slow digestion and make it harder to pass stools. It is important to ensure that your dog gets adequate exercise either through walks, playing, or running every day.
3. Ingesting foreign objects: Dogs often swallow things that they shouldn’t, which can cause them to become constipated. If your dog is constipated and is not producing any stools, it’s best to take them to the vet as soon as possible to get checked out.
4. Anal gland issues: If your dog’s anal glands become impacted or infected, it can cause them to become constipated. If you suspect this, you should take them to the vet for treatment.

How Do You Know If Your Dog Is Constipated?

If your dog is constipated, it may show visible signs such as straining to defecate, having decreased appetite, or a “painful” or “uncomfortable” stomach. A dog constipated may also produce hard, dry stools or fail to produce any stool at all. 

What Are The Signs Of Dog Constipation?

Signs of dog constipation can include straining to defecate, producing smaller than normal stools, lack of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, bloating, and licking or biting at the abdomen.

Dog Constipation Relief

1. Add more fiber to your dog’s diet: Easy sources of fiber for dogs include cooked vegetables, canned pumpkin puree, and cooked beans.
2. Increase your dog’s fluid intake: Increase the amount of water your dog drinks every day.
3. Give your dog a gentle massage: Gently massage your dog’s abdomen to help move stool along the intestines.
4. Try an over-the-counter pet laxative: Speak to your veterinarian before using any type of laxative for your dog, as not all are suitable.
5. Monitor your dog’s daily activities: Pay attention to your dog’s level of activity, and make sure they get enough exercise.
6. Add probiotics to your dog’s diet: Consider adding probiotics or yogurt to your dog’s diet for additional digestive health benefits.
7. Speak to your veterinarian: If constipation persists despite home remedies, it may require a visit to your veterinarian.

How Can I Relieve My Dogs Constipation Fast?

• Increase the amount of fiber in their diet. Adding probiotics and soluble fiber-containing foods can help. Examples include canned pumpkin, fresh or canned sweet potatoes, and carrots.
• Increase water intake. Adding a splash of water to their food, providing them with various sources of water around the house, and/or purchasing a fountain can help encourage your dog to drink more.
• Regular exercise. Adding daily walks and playtime with your pup can help stimulate the digestive system and help promote regular bowel movements.

Milk For Dog Constipation

Milk is not usually recommended as a remedy for dog constipation. It may provide temporary relief but the effects are often short-lasting. If your dog is constipated, you should speak to your vet about trying other treatments such as increasing water intake, providing additional fiber, or adding a stool softener. If your vet recommends giving milk to your dog, it should only be done under their direction, since some dogs may experience an adverse reaction to it.

What Do I Feed a Constipated Dog?

If your dog is constipated, you should try to get them to eat high-fiber foods such as pumpkin, sweet potatoes, cooked green beans, and oatmeal, as well as increase its intake of water. You should also give your dog more exercise to help treat constipation. If these measures do not produce any results, you may need to consult with your veterinarian regarding treatment options.

When Should You Worry About Dog Constipation?

If your dog is constipated for more than one or two days, it could be a sign of a health issue and is something you should be concerned about. You should also be worried if your dog is straining more than normal when defecating, or if their feces are hard and dry. Other signs to look out for include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, very small or difficult-to-pass stool, excessive gas, bloating, and abnormal behavior. If any of these signs are present, it is important to contact your veterinarian to identify the cause of constipation and develop a treatment plan.

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What Are the Risks of Constipation in Dogs?

Risks of constipation in dogs include the following:

• Intestinal blockage: If the constipation is severe and if a large amount of feces accumulates, this can cause an intestinal blockage that prevents eating, drinking, and passing of further stool. This is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate veterinary care.
• Impaction: Impacted feces can cause a large mass of accumulated fecal material to form in the colon effectively “plugging” it and preventing further stool from passing. This impacts urination, interrupts nutrition, and results in dehydration.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD is an inflammatory condition caused by the overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines. IBD can be caused or aggravated by the accumulation of impacted feces.
• Pain and Discomfort: Chronic constipation can cause abdominal discomfort as well as rectal pain when passing feces.
• Skin Problems: Long-term constipation can cause hair loss in the perianal area, as well as cracking and swelling of the skin due to stretching of the area as a result of the impacted feces.
• Toxins: Bacteria break down the impacted fecal matter releasing harmful toxins into the bloodstream. These toxins can cause changes in mood and sleep patterns, as well as nausea, anorexia, and weight loss.
• Loss of Appetite: Dogs suffering from constipation often experience a loss of appetite due to discomfort and abdominal pain.

How Can I Prevent Constipation in Dogs?

• Increase Dietary Fiber: Increasing the amount of dietary fiber in your dog’s diet is one of the best ways to prevent constipation. Adding high-fiber dog food or canned pumpkin to your dog’s meal can help bulk up your dog’s poop and make it easier to pass.
• Increase Water Intake: Increasing your dog’s water intake is essential to preventing constipation. When your dog’s body is adequately hydrated, it is able to process and eliminate waste more effectively. You can also try adding water to your dog’s food to help them stay hydrated.
• Exercise More: Regular exercise helps stimulate digestion and can help to prevent constipation in dogs. Try to take your pup for at least two walks a day or let them play in an open outdoor space (while still following social distancing guidelines, of course) to help them stay regular.
• Add probiotics or supplements: Adding probiotics and supplements such as fish oil, olive oil, and glucosamine can help aid in digestion. These supplements are known to help reduce inflammation and increase nutrient absorption, so your pet can get the most out of their meals.

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FAQ

Q. Does milk help constipation in dogs?

A. No, milk is not recommended as a treatment for constipation in dogs. In fact, milk may worsen constipation because it can cause diarrhea or inflammation of the intestines.

Q. How much olive oil for dog constipation?

A. The amount of olive oil needed for dog constipation depends on the size of the dog. Small dogs generally need 1/2 teaspoon per day while large dogs may need up to 2 tablespoons per day. It is important to note that olive oil should be used in moderation. Too much olive oil can lead to other health issues.

Q. What helps with dog constipation home remedies?

A. Some common home remedies for constipation in dogs include increasing their water intake, changing their diet (adding more fiber or canned pumpkin), adding probiotics and other supplements, and exercising more. Additionally, there are a few homemade remedies such as giving dogs pure coconut oil or providing them with boiled, plain white rice mixed with boiled, skinless chicken to help them pass stools.

Conclusion

Home remedies for dog constipation can be beneficial for dogs suffering from this uncomfortable condition. However, be sure to check with your vet before applying any new treatments to your pet. If the constipation is severe or if your pet is experiencing any other health issues, your vet may recommend more aggressive treatments. Additionally, a quality diet high in fiber and plenty of exercise may help your pet to avoid constipation in the future.