what to feed your dog when they are 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. ...

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.

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.

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.

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Causes and Symptoms of Canine Constipation

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.

Remedies for Constipation

If you think your dog might be dealing with constipation, here are 12 home remedies you can try to help your companion feel more comfortable.

When To Consult Your Vet

Although a little bit of constipation can be normal for some dogs, it can also be an indication of more serious health problems. It’s important to keep a close eye on your pet in case their symptoms need professional treatment.

Dog Constipation: Our Final Thoughts

If your dog is having tummy issues, these home remedies can help them feel better in no time. Sometimes it’s just as simple as making sure your dog gets more water or fiber in their diet every day. In other cases, they may need a stool softener to help them pass a blockage.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are a few different natural laxatives that you can use for dogs. One popular option is olive oil, which acts as a stool softener. Aloe vera juice is another mild laxative that can be very effective.

How to help a dog with constipation?

Please encourage them to drink more by providing fresh, clean water at all times. You can even add a little low sodium chicken broth or a low sugar electrolyte solution to help.

What can cause a dog to be constipated?

Medications: Some medications, such as antihistamines, pain relievers, and diuretics, can lead to constipation. Inadequate activity: Dogs need physical activity to get their guts moving. Laying around all day can lead to a sluggish digestive tract that fails to push feces through.

Why does my dog cry when he goes to defecate?

Constipated dogs may go fewer times per day, or they may pass smaller amounts of feces when they do go. Constipation may cause a dog to strain or cry and whine when they go to defecate, or they may only pass hard, dry pieces instead of their regular formed bowel movement. Sometimes, constipation may cause a dog to pass small amounts ...

Can dogs have constipation?

Constipation in dogs is a widespread condition, maybe too common for the likes of some dog parents. However, it is usually an easily treatable condition, and many mild cases can be handled at home. Always treat your dog under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Can enemas help with constipation?

Enemas offer a more one-the-spot relief for most constipated puppies. They require the infusion of a solution into the rectum to help soften and lubricate hard feces. Again, professionals only, please, unless a veterinarian has directed you.

Does fiber help with constipation?

Fiber helps relieve constipation by bulking up the bowel movements and helping to draw water into the colon to rehydrate feces. In cases of repeat constipation, your vet may prescribe your puppy a high fiber weight loss dog food to help prevent future problems.

Can a vet prescribe laxatives?

A vet may prescribe laxatives to up the water content of that dry feces.

What to feed a dog with constipation?

If your dog is constipated, try feeding them easy-to-digest foods, like pumpkin and oat bran. Foods that are good for sensitive stomachs are good go-to’s when your dog is experiencing constipation. If your pet has an especially sensitive stomach, we recommend our Chompin’ Chicken meal. 2.

Why do dogs eat fiber?

Eating too little fiber: Fiber helps prevent dry and hard stool, which is why your dog must get enough fiber daily to prevent constipation. Not enough exercise: It’s unknown exactly why, but being sedentary can slow down the transit of stool.

How to keep a dog from having a dry GI tract?

Hydration is key in preventing your dog from having a dry GI tract and providing the colon with enough moisture to keep everything moving. A dehydrated dog may suffer from hard, “pebble-like” stools that are painful to pass and, in severe cases, need to be removed by a veterinarian.

Why does my dog hold his bowels?

Stress: Stress can cause a dog to “hold it.”. Ongoing fear and anxiety are also known to prevent regular bowel movements. Colon diseases: The colon is crucial for water absorption in the body. If a dog’s colon is compromised in any way, they may experience hard, dry stool. Digestive Tract Tumors: Tumors can upset the body’s ability ...

How to tell if my dog is poopy?

Here are a few signs to watch out for: No bowel movements in more than two days. Straining or crying while trying to poop. Small amounts of watery feces (while this may seem like diarrhea, this is often from a dog straining to defecate) Dry and hard stools. Multiple, unsuccessful attempts to defecate.

What is the importance of balance in dog food?

Balance is critical when examining your dog’s diet. Take a look at what you’ve been feeding your dog and study anywhere their diet could be lacking, such as too little or too much fiber.

Why does my dog have matted fur around his anus?

Matted hair around the anus: A dog with matted fur around the anus may become constipated and need a professional groomer or veterinarian to get their fur back under control. A dog may experience the same symptoms if they are continuously overgrooming themselves as well.