what to feed your dog if he is constipated

What should I do if my dog is constipated?

When you visit the vet, make sure you come armed with as much information as possible, including:

• The last time your dog had a normal bowel movement
• Stool color and consistency
• Changes in the dog’s diet or routine
• Non-food items the dog may have eaten (this can include anything from bones to kitty litter)
• Straining or pain while trying to go
• Drug treatments
• Injuries

More items...

What food helps dogs with constipation?

Some home remedies for treating a dog’s constipation include:

• Pumpkin is high in fiber and moisture that works nicely for dogs with either constipation or diarrhea.
• Fiber supplement powder
• Food and herbs like ginger, wheat bran, powdered psyllium seeds, and olive oil.
• Hydrate your dog with water or electrolyte supplements
• Do exercise- sedentary lifestyle can be a factor of having constipation. ...

What to do if dog seems constapated?

• If your dog has long hair, use a small pair of scissors to trim away the hair containing matted feces. ...
• Use warm & soapy water, along with a small towel, to clean the anal region. Because of the constant straining, this region will probably be very sensitive. ...
• Applying KY jelly to the region after it’s clean will help to soothe the irritation. ...

What can you give a dog that is constipated?

Six Common Remedies

• Constipation-Easing Treats. The following are some veggies you can add to your pooch’s diet or give on their own. ...
• Constipation-Reducing Diets. Fiber is necessary for your dog’s digestive health, so be sure to include it in your constipated pup’s diet.
• Additional At-Home Remedies. ...
• Highly Digestible Diets. ...
• Final Thoughts. ...

Know When to Go to the Vet

If your dog is showing severe symptoms of constipation, no home remedies can help. You need to call your vet for an appointment as soon as possible. Constipation can affect a dog’s entire body and cause permanent damage to their gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

5 Home Remedies for Mild Dog Constipation

If your dog only has symptoms of mild constipation, and they seem to feel fine otherwise, you can try home treatment.

Can You Give a Dog a Laxative or Enema?

Never give your dog an enema at home unless your veterinarian has recommended a specific product and has shown you how to safely perform the procedure.

What to give a dog for constipation?

In many cases, constipation in dogs can be treated at home easily and doesn’t require any vet visit. Home remedies are considered the best option, and you can give them to your constipated dog with your vet’s advice. However, chronic situations can only be treated under the supervision of a professional veterinarian.

Best Home made Foods For Constipated Dogs

Canned Pumpkin is a proven and tonic food that works like a charm in canine constipation, gastrointestinal problems, and upset stomach.

When To Take a Constipated Dog to the Vet?

Always keep your faithful companion health on Priority. We always recommend vet visits even in minor health problems. Canine Constipation can be caused by many reasons. Some are considered normal however some may be a sign of alarming health issues.

Why does my dog have constipation?

Dog constipation can happen when they don’t get enough fiber in their diet or when they eat something non-digestible that causes blockage . It can also happen if your dog is not getting enough exercise or is getting older.

What happens if my dog has constipation?

Constipation occurs in dogs when they cannot produce normal stool during their daily routine. If your dog has constipation, they will either strain to defecate or not attempt to “go.”. They may have rock-hard stool if they can go, which is very painful for them. Other signs to watch for in your dog include decreased appetite, vomiting, lethargy, ...

What is the best way to help a dog with bowel movement?

Stool softener or laxative. A veterinarian may recommend giving a laxative or stool softener to your dog to help them have a bowel movement. A stool softener is a type of laxative called an emollient laxative. Enema.

What to do if my dog is not drinking?

If they are not drinking anything at all, you should seek veterinary care. Exercise. Take your dog for long walks to get their bowels moving and stimulate a healthy movement. Exercises like running, fetch, and chase are great ways to promote a healthy digestive tract. Stool softener or laxative.

How to soften a dog's stool?

Dietary fiber supplements will increase fiber in their bodies, which will help soften their stool and regulate their bowel movements. Ask your veterinarian to recommend specific types and dosages of supplements for your dog. Access to fresh water makes sure they are well hydrated.

How long does it take for a dog to stop constipation?

It is important to pay attention to your dog’s daily bowel movements. Dog constipation should resolve within 48 hours with adequate water consumption, daily exercise, and a well-balanced diet.

Why mix canned dog food with normal dog food?

You should mix canned food in with their normal food to avoid an upset stomach.

How to get rid of constipation in dogs?

Adjusting your dog’s diet could potentially get rid of their constipation. Check the fiber content in your dog’s food – the problem may simply be that they are not getting enough water in their diet.

What is the best fruit to give a dog for constipation?

Pumpkin is the best fruit or vegetable to give your dog if they are struggling with constipation. This is because it is very high in fiber.

How to tell if my dog is constipated?

It’s important to know the symptoms of constipation in dogs so that you can tell when your pet needs some help. Pay attention when your dog goes to the bathroom – are they straining or struggling? You might notice a difference in their stool as well.

Why does my dog keep pooping on food?

Other foreign objects can also cause blockages that prevent your dog from passing food normally. In more serious situations, your dog could also be experiencing constipation as a result of a hernia, enlarged prostate glands, neurological condition, tumor, or other chronic health problem.

What is the best supplement for dogs?

Psyllium seeds are an easy natural supplement that you can give your dog to encourage regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. These seeds are very high in fiber, which is excellent for your dog’s digestive system. These supplements should always be taken with plenty of water to help your dog process them.

What is the best stool softener for dogs?

One of the most common stool softeners that is available over the counter is docusate sodium. This supplement helps your dog’s intestine absorb more water and therefore pass food much more easily. Keep in mind that it may take some time for your dog’s bowel movements to return to a regular pattern after taking laxatives.

How to get my dog's digestive system moving?

If your dog only struggles with occasional constipation, a little bit of extra exercise could be what they need to get their digestive system moving again. Make sure you are going for walks on a regular schedule, and consider making their walk slightly longer.

Signs of Constipation vs. Obstipation in Dogs

A healthy dog should poop 1-3 times per day and produce normal stool that isn't too hard or too dry but is still easy to pick up. (There are some guidelines that can help determine if your dog's stool is normal.) A constipated dog will have difficulty pooping and will produce small, hard stool. An obstipated dog won't be able to poop at all.

What's Causing My Dog's Constipation?

Typically, constipation isn't caused by an underlying health problem. Dietary and lifestyle factors are the most common causes of constipation in dogs, and identifying the issues that could be affecting your dog can help you select the best remedy. Here are the main suspects to consider:

What Can I Give My Dog for Constipation?

For your average case of canine constipation, these five easy home remedies should help clear things up. Try one or a mixture of these solutions, and watch your dog closely to see if they improve. In most cases, your dog will get relief within 48 to 72 hours. If they're still struggling to have a normal bowel movement, take them to the vet.

Offer Relief With Easy Home Remedies

If you've wondered, "What can I give my dog for constipation?," the answer may already be in your cupboard. Try offering your dog pumpkin, probiotics, fresh water, bone broth, wet food, olive oil, mineral oil, or exercise. These therapies are safe to use in combination, so you can try a mixture of any or all of these options.

When to take a dog to the vet for constipation?

When To Take a Constipated Dog to the Vet. It’s a good idea to call the vet as soon as you become aware of the problem. Constipation can be a sign of some very serious diseases. Long-term or chronic constipation may lead to a buildup of dried fecal matter that gets stuck in the colon, known as obstipation.

How often does a dog have constipation?

Constipation refers to an inability to produce normal stools on a regular schedule, which, for a dog, is generally once or twice per day. Dogs who are suffering from constipation will not “go” at all, strain to defecate, or produce rock-hard stools.

What Causes Constipation?

Under normal circumstances, fecal matter travels through the digestive tract, reaching the colon where water and electrolytes are absorbed from the mass. Water reabsorption is the colon’s main function.

How often do dogs poop?

poop. medicine. Constipation refers to an inability to produce normal stools on a regular schedule, which, for a dog, is generally once or twice per day. Dogs who are suffering from constipation will not “go” at all, strain to defecate, or produce rock-hard stools. In chronic cases, dogs may retain hard, dry fecal matter in their digestive tracts.

What is the best supplement for constipation?

A 2011 study, exploring treatments for constipation in humans, showed that fig paste was effective for treatment of constipation in their research colony of Beagles.

What can a dog eat that is not food?

Non-food items the dog may have eaten (this can include anything from bones to kitty litter)

Can dogs eat hair?

Also, unlike humans, dogs tend to eat things that are not food —like hair, toys, and kitty litter—and these may cause blockages and abnormal fecal transit. Bones, bone meal, and other sources of dietary calcium can contribute to constipation. Age —Elderly dogs seem more prone to constipation.

Why does my dog have constipation when he eats his food?

If your dog recently switched his food and is now suffering from constipation, then the change in diet could be the cause. While slight stomach abnormality is normal for dogs when changing food, things like constipation can be a warning sign that your dog's food is not the correct formula for his dietary needs.

How do I know if my dog is constipated?

If your dog is regular, and frequently passes stool that is similar in size and consistency, it will be easy to tell if he is constipated. VCA Hospitals lists warning signs of constipation as:

What is constipation?

Medically speaking, constipation is described as the insufficient passage of stool. Constipation does not always mean there is a build-up of stool. PetMD says the sensation is characterized by an inability to go despite the feeling or need. As an owner, sometimes it is hard to identify any dog constipation symptoms, however, you will notice that your canine is uncomfortable while trying to go to the bathroom. There are three distinct types of canine constipation:

How long does it take for a dog to re-start bowel movements?

Once hydrated your dog's bowel movements should return to normal over a 24 hour period . As his body can absorb the electrolytes, you can begin to mix in regular water. If constipation due to dehydration becomes a frequent issue for your dog, you may want to look into dog-specific hydration supplements that you can add to his water daily.

How long does it take for a dog to get a stool softener?

These laxative-based stool assistants are typically fast-acting, within 24 hours, and yield positive results for most dogs.

What does it mean when a dog's abdomen is sensitive?

A sensitive abdomen could mean a potential blockage or other serious medical problem that requires immediate veterinary care.

What happens if my dog doesn't use his body?

If your dog is not using his body, then his digestive system will not be functioning adequately. For your dog's bowels to work, he needs to exercise to process and digest food. The less exercise your dog gets, the more his body goes into survival mode, wherein food is stored in the stomach and intestines.

What is the best oil for dogs to eat to help them with constipation?

Flaxseed oil is another good treatment and prevention for constipation. Adding a little oil to your dog’s food can help lubricate dry stool and get digestion moving again. Not all oils are suitable for dogs, so check with your vet before giving your dog oil.

How do you know if your dog is constipated?

Another way to tell if your dog is constipated is if he is straining to go when he does his business or if he doesn’t show interest in going at all. Blood or mucus in the stool can also be a sign that the dog is having trouble with digestion and defecation.

Why does my dog poop so hard?

This happens when the stool is too dry and firm to move through the dog ’s colon easily. Usually, when a dog is constipated, he will pass stool less frequently than usual or not at all.

How to keep a dog's digestive tract moving?

Plenty of exercise can help keep your dog’s digestive tract moving. That’s because the movement of the other organs around the intestines can help break up the tough stool and push it towards the exit. Exercise might also make your dog thirsty and encourage him to drink more water.

Why does my dog eat garbage?

Anything your dog can’t digest has the potential to cause constipation. Plastic, gravel, and garbage are common causes of constipation in dogs.

What is commercial dog food?

Commercial dog foods are specifically formulated to give your dog all of the nutrients he needs to be healthy and happy. There are dozens of brands and recipes for specific types of dogs and specific nutritional goals, so it can be tricky to pick the right brand and recipe for your pup.

Can constipation hurt dogs?

A little constipation is not going to harm your dog in the long-term. But it can be painful. If your dog is experiencing constipation, you should try to resolve it as soon as possible.