What can I give dog to soften stool? A Step-by-Step Guide

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Remedies and Treatments for Dog Constipation

Dog constipation can happen infrequently in a dog’s life. There are multiple causes, and often the dog is able to begin passing normal stool again within a few days. However, it is important to keep an eye on your dog’s fecal matter to determine if it is healthy or a cause for concern.Â

If your dog is experiencing constipation, you can try these methods to relieve their pain. Here are a few home remedies:

  • Pumpkin puree. This puree is high in fiber and moisture, and helps regulate the digestive tract. 100% pumpkin puree is best. Do not give your dog pumpkin pie filling. You can feed your dog the puree straight from the can, and they will consider it a nice treat.Â
  • Canned dog food. The softer food and higher moisture content will help regulate their digestive system and create softer stool. You should mix canned food in with their normal food to avoid an upset stomach.
  • 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. It is best to encourage your dog to drink plenty of water. If they are not drinking anything at all, you should seek veterinary care.Â
  • 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. Â
  • 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. A veterinarian may administer an enema to relieve your dog’s constipation. An enema is an injection of fluid into the lower bowel via the rectum. Do not perform an enema by yourself, as you risk toxicity or injury to your dog.Â

    • If you see your dog circling a lot, dragging their bottom across the ground, squatting frequently, or even crying out in pain, they could be constipated. If you see your dog struggling to produce fecal matter, check on what they are able to produce.

    Your dog’s feces may be very small and contain water or mucus. This may look like diarrhea, but it could be a sign of constipation. You can lightly press your dogs abdomen to feel if it’s tense or painful for your dog.

    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. If it does not—or if your dog shows signs of discomfort or vomiting—you should schedule a veterinary appointment immediately to determine the cause.Â

    Your veterinarian will do a physical exam to identify any abnormalities like tumors, foreign objects, or a distended colon. Sometimes blood tests, X-rays, or ultrasounds will be necessary to identify the cause of the constipation. Your vet will determine the proper treatment for your dog’s constipation.Â

    Key takeaway Dog constipation can be annoying, stressful, and sometimes painful for your dog. To alleviate their symptoms, you can provide them with home remedies for dog constipation, such as olive oil, pumpkin puree, and laxatives. However, your vet should still be notified to ensure it’s a suitable treatment for your furry friend.

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    • Constipation, which is defined as infrequent bowel movements, difficulty defecating, and hard and dry stools, can be extremely uncomfortable for your dog. If your furry friend is suffering from dog constipation, you may be wondering what you can do to make them feel better.

    Most often, dietary changes are necessary to support constipated dogs. This can include home remedies, such as feeding your canine foods full of fiber to stimulate their digestive system, providing them with more water, or administering laxatives. So, what home remedy is good for dog constipation?

    In this guide, we’ll cover a few of the most popular home treatments for dog constipation to help your dog’s digestive system get back on track. Read on to learn what remedies are safe for your dog and tips for preventing constipation. You can also use the links below to skip to the sections or remedy options you’re interested in.

    Note: While home remedies can be a good option, it’s important to talk to your vet about your dog’s symptoms to ensure you are properly treating their needs. At-home remedies may also not be effective at treating more severe cases of constipation, so a vet visit will be necessary to remove impacted feces.

    Top Picks for the Best Stool Softener: Ranked and Rated

    Starting us off and winning the spot for the overall best stool softener for dogs is Naturvet’s Stool Ease. This option comes in a soft chew form and is designed to help maintain regular bowel movements.

    It’s created with fiber and a proprietary enzyme blend to help soften stool. Your pup will enjoy taking these chews because they taste just as delicious as a normal treat! Many pet owners appreciate that these are made in the United States and are cGMP and NASC-compliant.

    If your furry friend is under 12 weeks old, it’s suggested to opt for another option on this list. NaturVet Stool Ease comes in a resealable cup to keep the chews fresh for an extended period of time. Because they’re made with fiber, you’ll want to increase your dog’s water intake on days you give him one of these supplements.

    Most reviews for this product were favorable, but some buyers were unsure whether it worked for their dogs. Others indicated that it was too expensive.

    Top 4 Home Remedies for Dog Constipation (Safe, Natural and Effective)