Dog constipation is not only uncomfortable for your pup, but it can also be dangerous if left untreated. There a several home remedies that can help your dog find relief from constipation. These remedies can range from dietary changes to adding moisture to add bulk to stools. If you suspect your dog is constipated, be sure to schedule an appointment with your vet. The veterinarian can help identify the cause of constipation and provide the proper treatment, which may include dietary changes, supplements, or medication.

Home Remedies For Dog Constipation

Home remedies for dog constipation can help your dog to relieve minor symptoms quickly and effectively.

Increase Fiber Intake: If your dog isn’t getting enough fiber in their diet, fiber supplementation can help to alleviate constipation. You can buy a fiber supplement for your dog at your local pet store or veterinary clinic.
Give Your Dog Plenty of Water: Making sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water is one of the most important aspects of constipation prevention and treatment. Strive to give your dog 1 to 3 ounces of water per pound of body weight each day.
Add Natural Laxatives to Your Dog’s Diet: Certain foods, such as canned pumpkin, psyllium husk, applesauce, or wheat bran can help to stimulate the bowels and reduce constipation. You can also try mixing 1 teaspoon of olive oil with your dog’s food to help lubricate their digestive system.
Exercise Your Dog More Often: Regular exercise helps to keep your dog’s bowels and digestive system in good working order. Taking your dog for daily walks and making sure they have plenty of room to run and play helps to keep their digestive system functioning normally.
Massage Your Dog’s Belly: Lightly massaging your dog’s abdomen may help to stimulate the digestive system and relieve constipation.
Try Homeopathic Options: Homeopathic remedies such as Nux vomica or Bryonia can also help to relieve constipation. Herbal remedies such as chamomile or ginger may also help to alleviate constipation symptoms.

Puppy Constipation Home Remedy

Pump Up the Water Intake: Make sure your pup has access to plenty of clean, fresh water.
Add Fiber to Their Diet: Give your pup high-fiber foods like fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash.
Exercise: Get your pup up and moving to help with digestion.
Massage: Gently massage your pup’s abdomen in a clockwise direction.
Use a Warm Compress: Place a warm compress over your pup’s abdomen to help relax their muscles and encourage the passing of stool.

What Is Dog Constipation?

Dog constipation refers to difficulty passing stools, which may range from hard, dry stools to no stool at all. Symptoms of constipation in a dog may be decreased appetite, decreased activity, pain or straining during defecation, and reduced stools. Many dogs may also show signs of abdominal bloating and discomfort.

Why Is My Dog Constipated?

There are many potential causes of constipation in dogs. Possible causes include a diet low in fiber, inadequate hydration, dietary indiscretion, physical inactivity, ingesting foreign objects, side effects of certain medications, disease of the intestine or colon, metabolic diseases, spinal injury, neurological disorders, or trauma. The most common cause of constipation in dogs is a diet low in fiber.

How to Know If Your Dog Is Constipated

Check for straining. One of the most common and obvious signs of constipation in dogs is frequent or prolonged attempts to defecate with no results.
Look for smaller amounts of feces. If your dog’s normal size, shape, and texture of fecal matter are smaller than usual, this could be an indication of constipation.
Look for hard, dry stools. dry, compacted feces is another sign that your dog may be constipated.
Look out for unusual behavior. Dogs who are constipated may exhibit discomfort or lethargy. Your pet may also avoid the outdoors more than normal or it may be uncomfortable when touched around its abdomen.
Check urine color. Normally, urine should be clear and pale-yellow in color. If your dog’s urine is dark, concentrated, or more yellow than normal, this could be a sign of constipation.

Small Dog Constipation Symptoms

Small dog constipation symptoms can include:

Straining while trying to defecate
Abdominal discomfort
Poor appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Loss of interest in play or walks
Blood in stool
Excessive licking of the anal area

Dog Constipation Treatment

Increase the fiber in your dog’s diet. Adding foods like canned pumpkin, psyllium husk, ground flaxseed, or oat bran to their food can help regulate the digestive tract.
Feed smaller, more frequent meals. Dogs might experience less digestive stress with smaller meals.
Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. Exercise helps keep digestion regular and healthy.
Provide plenty of fresh water. Having access to fresh water at all times can help to prevent dehydration.
Consider adding probiotics to your dog’s diet. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help support digestive health.
Try over-the-counter stool softeners. If your dog is having difficulty passing stools, stool softeners may be necessary.
Visit your veterinarian. If your dog’s constipation persists, it’s best to consult your veterinarian for professional advice and assistance.

Dog Constipation Relief

Increase your dog’s fiber intake by offering more vegetables and fruits to its diet.
Increase hydration by providing more water and/or canned food.
Give your dog an over-the-counter fiber supplement such as Metamucil or psyllium husks.
Allow your dog to increase activity levels to help move the stool along.
Offer your dog a homeopathic remedy specifically designed to treat constipation.
Take your dog to the vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
If constipation persists or worsens, take your pet to the vet for a more comprehensive workup.

Stool Softener For Dogs

There are not many stool softeners specifically designed for dogs. As always, consultation with your vet should occur first before giving your dog any type of medication for digestive health. If determined to be necessary, some veterinarians may recommend medications such as lactulose, Kaolin-pectin, or dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate. Treats with psyllium husk or fiber may also help, as well as incorporating canned pumpkin into your dog’s diet.

How To Make A Constipated Dog Poop Quickly

Increase fluids: Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water throughout the day. You may also want to add some broth or plain, low-sodium chicken or beef broth to the water to help entice your dog to drink.
Add more fiber to the diet: Offer your dog foods with fiber like canned pumpkin, oats, and fresh vegetables.
Exercise: Exercise helps to stimulate peristalsis, which is the contraction of muscles in the intestines that help pass food waste through. Take your pup for a walk or play catch for 10 minutes a couple of times a day.
Massage: Gently massage your dog’s abdomen in the direction of the rectum to help move things along.

Milk For Dog Constipation

Yes, milk can help with dog constipation. Specifically, lactulose, a type of artificially-created milk sugar, can be used to help treat canine constipation. Over-the-counter lactulose products can be found at most pet stores. It’s important to follow the directions for dosage and duration, and it’s best to consult with a veterinarian before using any lactulose products.

What Do I Feed a Constipated Dog?

If your dog is constipated, feed them a high-fiber diet. This can include adding a few spoonfuls of plain, canned pumpkin to their food. You should also make sure they stay hydrated and increase their exercise to help move their bowels.

When to See a Veterinarian About Your Dog’s Constipation

If your dog is experiencing constipation for more than a few days or is showing signs of being uncomfortable or in distress, you should contact your veterinarian. They can diagnose the underlying cause of your dog’s constipation and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. It is also important to see a veterinarian if your dog has not had a bowel movement for more than two days, is straining excessively to have a bowel movement, or if they seem to be in pain.

What Are the Risks of Constipation in Dogs?

The primary risk of constipation in dogs is that it can lead to more severe digestive problems such as impaction or obstruction, both of which can be life-threatening. Constipation can also lead to secondary problems such as pain, bloating, loss of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy. Additionally, having difficulty defecating may cause dogs to strain, which can put them at risk for anal prolapse.

How Can I Prevent Constipation in Dogs?

Feed a high-fiber diet.
Exercise regularly.
Make sure your dog stays hydrated.
Give your dog natural probiotics.
Provide your dog with ample playtime and mental stimulation.
Give your dog chews and bones to promote healthy digestion.
Limit artificial additives in treats and food.
Add fiber supplements to your dog’s diet.
Make sure your dog’s anal glands are regularly checked.
Visit your vet regularly for check-ups.

FAQ

Q. Does milk help constipation in dogs?

A. Yes, milk can help alleviate constipation in dogs. In some cases, milk may be useful when a dog is having problems with digestion or is feeling bloated and uncomfortable. This is because milk is a natural remedy for constipation in canines. As with humans, it acts as a laxative and helps to soften stools to make them easier to pass. Milk is a natural source of electrolytes that help to improve hydration and increase the production of digestive juices, which can help loosen the stools.

Q. How much olive oil for dog constipation?

A. The amount of olive oil necessary to treat a dog’s constipation depends on the size of the dog. For toy breeds, a half teaspoon to a teaspoon of olive oil is sufficient. For medium or large breeds, 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil may be recommended.

Q. What can I give my dog for constipation home remedies?

A. A common and safe home remedy for constipation in dogs is to give them 1 teaspoon of canned pumpkin mixed into their food. This is a natural remedy that helps to loosen stools and can help provide relief. Additionally, increase fiber in their diet by adding high-fiber foods such as cooked sweet potatoes, oat bran, flaxseeds, or peas. Also, ensure that your dog is drinking plenty of water and getting regular exercise.

Conclusion

Dog constipation is a common condition that can be caused by many things, including dietary issues, dehydration, and lack of exercise. Home remedies for dog constipation can be used to help alleviate the symptoms and discomfort associated with it. These include increasing your dog’s water intake, adding fiber to their diet, and providing them with additional exercise. While home remedies can be helpful for some dogs, if symptoms persist and worsen you should contact your veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment.