If your dog is constipated then he can become lethargic and uncomfortable and bloated. There can be several reasons for constipation in dogs but the main causes are common.
Usually, the main cause of mild constipation in dogs is dehydration, change in diet, hair, lack of exercise, old age and/or lack of fibre in their diet, and generally feeding the wrong type of food.
We have a list of easy to do home remedies for dog constipation that you can use to help your dog to get rid of his constipation and get moving again.
Veterinary advice is always recommended for dog constipation
If your dog is suffering from constipation then you should always consider getting professional advice from your vet. Constipation can be caused by some serious conditions that will need veterinary investigation so, if you have any doubts then get professional help.
Serious constipation problems can be caused by intestinal blockage, neurological problems, prostate problems and/or intestinal parasites. For those, get your pet to your veterinarian immediately.
Dealing with your dog’s constipation
Prior to the development of drugs and other veterinary treatments for dog constipation, most dog owners would use household ingredients and natural remedies to help their dogs.
The following list of suggestions could help your dog to get his bowels moving again and have helped other dogs to get going.
Hydration
Make sure that your dog has plenty of clean drinking water.
One of the key reasons for constipation is dehydration, so ensuring your dog has plenty of fluids will help to prevent and treat the condition.
You can also give your dog some watered-down fruit juice or broth – just make sure that there is no added sugar.
Fibre
Another key way to help your dog’s constipation is to increase their fibre intake.
There are a few ways to do this – you can either add some high-fibre food to their diet, or you can give them some fibre supplements.
There are a number of different high-fibre dog foods on the market, or you could try adding some cooked oatmeal, bran, or pumpkin to their regular diet.
If your dog doesn’t like to eat solid food, you can also give them a fibre supplement in the form of a tablet or a powder that you can mix in with their food.
Just make sure to read the instructions carefully, as too much fibre can actually make constipation worse.
Exercise
Regular exercise is important for dogs of all ages, and it can also help to relieve constipation.
A good 20-minute walk can do wonders for getting your dog’s bowels moving again.
Make sure that your dog isn’t over-exercising, especially if he or she is already struggling with constipation.
If in doubt, ask your vet for advice.
Massage
One of the most ancient and popular remedies for constipation is massage.
Massaging your dog’s stomach in a clockwise direction can help to stimulate the bowel and encourage evacuation.
You can also use an old fashioned enema syringe to gently insert water into your dog’s rectum, which will also help to stimulate the bowel.
Just be careful not to use too much pressure, and stop if your dog seems uncomfortable.
Hot water bottle
Another old-fashioned remedy for constipation is the application of heat.
You can try placing a hot water bottle or a heating pad on your dog’s stomach, which will help to relax the muscles and stimulate the bowel.
Make sure that the water bottle or pad isn’t too hot, and don’t leave it on your dog for too long.
Herbal remedies
There are a number of herbal remedies that can be used to help relieve constipation in dogs.
One popular remedy is chamomile, which can be found in tea or capsule form.
Another herb with laxative properties is dandelion, which can be given in tea, capsule, or tincture form.
Herbal remedies should only be given to dogs under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Change in diet
If you’ve been feeding your dog the same food for a long time, it might be time to change up their diet.
Many dogs become constipated because of a diet that is high in fat and low in fibre.
Try switching your dog to a high-fibre diet that is low in fat, or ask your vet for advice on specific dog foods that are beneficial for constipation.
Medical problems
There are a number of medical problems that can cause constipation in dogs, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and pancreatitis.
If you suspect that your dog’s constipation is being caused by a medical problem, please take him or her to the veterinarian for a check-up.
Final words
There are many ways to help your dog with constipation, but the most important thing is to be patient and to take things slowly.
If you’re not sure what to do, or if your dog’s condition doesn’t improve after a few days of treatment, please consult your veterinarian.
