If your dog is constipated, this means she has a hard time going to the bathroom. She might have an irregular potty schedule, not go at all, or strain every time she tries. Her feces may be rock hard or mixed with blood.
It’s sad to see your pup struggle with this digestive problem, but fortunately, you may be able to treat it at home before you take your dog to the vet! Here are a few ways to treat your pup’s constipation to get them back to their normal happy, healthy lifestyle as soon as possible.
Dog Constipation Remedies
Try these suggestions one at a time to hopefully cure your dog’s constipation without bringing on the opposite problem: diarrhea. Trading one digestive problem for another is never good, so try a new remedy no more often than every 12 hours.
- Canned dog food: The added moisture in canned dog food may be all your pup needs to loosen up her insides. Feed her canned food for two days, and then return to dry. If the problem returns, consult with a vet about changing your dog’s diet permanently.
- Pumpkin: Most dogs love the taste of moist, high-fiber pumpkin. Be sure to choose canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Mix a little bit with your dog’s food to help prevent or cure constipation.
- Wheat and oat bran: Add a small amount of bran to your dog’s food. Similar to pumpkin, bran can prevent constipation. Just ask your vet for advice about how much to give your dog.
- Milk: A small bowl of cow or goat milk works as a great canine laxative.
- Gravy: Premade canned gravy may help relieve constipation. Just a few tablespoons should be enough to get things moving.
- Olive oil: If you have olive oil on hand, try adding a little to your dog’s food dish. Just be careful not to overdo it.
- Mineral oil: This natural laxative is effective for humans as well as dogs. For the best results, mix a little into your pup’s food rather than syringing it directly into her mouth. Mineral oil has an odd slippery consistency, and your dog may end up inhaling it instead of swallowing. Mixing mineral oil with food prevents this problem.
- Ginger and broth: This at-home remedy combines the digestive health qualities of ginger and the fat content of chicken or beef broth to lubricate your dog’s insides. The ideal mixture consists of 1/4 teaspoon ginger diluted in 1/2 cup broth.
- Water: Dehydration is the most common cause of constipation. Make sure your pet has access to clean water at all times to help prevent this digestive issue.
- Exercise: A lazy dog may develop a slow digestive system, leading to constipation. Run around or play fetch with your dog to massage the internal organs, increase blood flow to the colon, and help encourage a bowel movement.
When to Visit the Vet for Constipation in Dogs
It’s wise to contact your vet as soon as you notice your dog is constipated. You can ask for advice about what remedies to try and describe any other accompanying symptoms that could point to a more serious health issue.
If your attempts to treat your dog’s constipation aren’t successful within a few days, take your dog to the vet. Chronic constipation can lead to serious problems, including obstipation (when dried fecal matter gets stuck in the colon) and megacolon (the inability to pass feces normally). Don’t let your dog’s constipation come to this!
Visit Germantown Vet to Treat Constipation in Dogs
If you’re concerned about your dog’s digestive health, call Germantown Vet at 240-252-7467 for personal advice from one of our experts. Then, if your dog’s constipation persists, schedule an appointment at our clinic.