Dog Constipation Remedy

Constipation is not a very common dog health problem, buy might trouble your pet sometime. Dog constipation can be caused due to various reasons, most common being lack of exercise, dehydration and lack of fiber. Sometimes it might be caused due to a rather serious problem like an enlarged prostate, when you can observe painful laxation and trouble urinating along with constipation.

At times, consumption of a foreign object can lead to intestinal obstruction. If your dog usually has a habit of eating non-food items then this might be a probable cause. You will notice your dog straining during bowel movements, vomiting or becoming lethargic. Remember that in this case you must take him soon to a vet. In older dogs, if you see no obvious reasons of constipation then get them examined as this can be sign of metabolic disease. If your dog has recently undergone a surgery, then constipation is a common side effect of the same. In other cases, change in regular diet can lead to dog constipation.

Identifying the dog constipation symptoms and opting for a treatment is much essential. In case of simple constipation caused due to food consumed you can always opt for constipation home remedies. In other serious cases or after trying home remedies for not more than five days, you must take your dog to a vet. Common dog constipation symptoms include straining during bowel movements, infrequent bowel movements, hard and grayish stools and no bowel movements for 2-3 days.

You might also notice some changes in dog's behavior. He will look upset and angry while constipated. Prolonged constipation can further lead to problems like loss of appetite, and vomiting. In any of the above cases you can start with dog constipation home remedies.

Best Dog Constipation Home Remedies

Dog Constipation Remedy #1: Grooming
Make sure you groom your dog well. Especially in case of long hair dogs, do keep the rear end well-trimmed. Matted or tangled hair around the anus can prevent the passage of feces leading to constipation. Also regularly brushing his hair and then cleaning the shelter will ensure that they are not swallowed in. Keep their shelter clean and remove all the non-eatable items.

Dog Constipation Remedy #2: Water
As dehydration can be one of the various causes of constipation in dogs, make sure they drink a lot of water. Keep a bowl of fresh water in his shelter. Filtered water is best, instead of giving tap water. Also keeping their food moist by adding a few drops of water to it is a good idea.

Dog Constipation Remedy #3: Pumpkin
Pumpkin, natural laxative is known to be the best treatment for dog constipation. Opt for a canned pumpkin. It is a fiber rich food which very effective in treating the dog constipation problem. You can mix ¼ cup of pumpkin to his meals till he gets relief.

Dog Constipation Remedy #4: Aloe Vera
Another classic dog constipation home remedy is using aloe vera juice. Make sure you feed it in small amount, 1/2 tsp will be enough. You can mix it with water or wet dog feed.

Dog Constipation Remedy #5: Diet
A healthy diet is essential for curing dog constipation problem. Dry beans can be added to his diet, which are one of the fiber rich foods. Also, add other fiber rich foods in his diet till he gets relief. Raw or boiled vegetables are good for constipation. Also make sure you avoid lacteous and other high fat products. Add 2 tsp oatmeal or wheat bran to his meal for a few days to cure problem of dry hard stools. Feeding a bland diet that consists of cooked rice, milk and cereals along with meat broth is the best remedy. You can also feed your dog, not more than 1/8 cup - 1/2 cup milk daily that will help lubricate the colon.

Dog Constipation Remedy #6: Fiber Supplements
One of the best ways to help your dog get constipation relief is to add psyllium husk, avena sativa, aloe ferox, herbal fiber supplement to his meals. There are many fiber products available in the market but your dog might not be able to digest them well. Fibers are known to be useful in faster evacuation of feces. If you opt for commercial fiber supplements, make sure they do not contain sugar. The right fiber dosage is, ½ tsp two times a day for a medium-sized dog. You can also opt for 2 tbsp of milk of magnesia that will help evacuation of feces.

Dog Constipation Remedy #7: Olive Oil or Mineral Oil
If you are sure that your dog is suffering from constipation, add olive or mineral oil, that are lubricant laxatives to regular dog food. It will help ease the dog's digestion process and lubricate the colon. Remember that excess of olive oil or mineral oil can lead to diarrhea. You can also use almond oil or coconut oil instead.

Dog Constipation Remedy #8: Exercise
As mentioned above lack of exercise can be one of the causes of constipation in dogs. Hence daily exercise along with healthy diet is essential to cure the constipation problem. Taking your dog for a walk of 15-20 minutes, at least twice a day is a must. Taking them for a long walk after meals is also essential. This will help your dog in regular bowel movements.

If the aforementioned dog constipation remedies don't help him in getting relief then you must take him to a vet. A veterinarian will prescribe proper medications, give stool softeners and recommend dietary changes for dog constipation treatment. Sometimes enema can also be used by the vet. If the problem persists, blood analysis and urinalysis will be recommended to know whether any other underlying health condition is the cause of constipation.

In much severe cases, a colonoscopy would be recommended by the vet. Knowing your dog well, monitoring his behavior regularly, will help you identify the constipation problem soon and give him the required treatment before it becomes a serious problem.