If your dog is constipated, here are effective steps and remedies you can try to help relieve their discomfort:
What to Do for a Constipated Dog
- Increase Water Intake: Ensure your dog has constant access to fresh, clean water to prevent dehydration, which can harden stool and worsen constipation. You can encourage drinking by offering water fountains, multiple water bowls, or adding water or broth to their food
- Add Fiber to the Diet: Fiber helps regulate bowel movements. Adding plain canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) is a common remedy-about one teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight mixed into their food. Other fiber supplements like psyllium may be recommended by your vet
- Feed Canned or Wet Food: Wet food contains more moisture than dry kibble, which can help soften stool and improve hydration
- Exercise: Regular physical activity stimulates the digestive system and helps move stool through the intestines. Take your dog for extra walks or play sessions to encourage bowel movements
- Natural Stool Softeners: Adding small amounts of coconut oil or olive oil to your dog's food can act as gentle laxatives and improve digestion. Start with small quantities to avoid diarrhea
- Probiotics and Yogurt: Probiotics can restore healthy gut bacteria, aiding digestion and stool regularity. Plain, unflavored Greek yogurt can also help ease constipation
When to See a Vet
If constipation lasts more than 48 hours, your dog is straining excessively, vomiting, lethargic, or showing signs of pain, seek veterinary care promptly. Your vet may need to perform examinations, administer enemas, fluids, or prescribe medications to relieve constipation
. By combining hydration, dietary fiber, exercise, and natural remedies, most mild cases of dog constipation can be managed at home effectively. However, persistent or severe cases require professional veterinary attention to rule out underlying health issues
