How to Know if Your Dog Is Constipated
Your dogs normal bowel movement pattern may differ depending on the type of food they eat, their activity level, and their current health. But typically, dogs will have at least one bowel movement each day.
If your dog is attempting to go multiple times during the day unsuccessfully, this is a key sign that theyre constipated.
Other common signs that you may see include:
If your dog is struggling with constipation, its always best to check with a vet to rule out any serious health conditions that may be causing constipation.
Once youve ruled out any serious health concerns, these at-home remedies can effectively relieve your dogs constipation.
Pumpkin offers many great health benefits for your pup, but the high soluble fiber content is what makes it so effective for treating constipation. Fiber helps to regulate your dogs digestive tract, and the moisture content in the pumpkin can also help soften their stool.
The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends adding 1-4 tablespoons with your dogs meal to help ease constipation. If your dog ever struggles with diarrhea, pumpkin is also helpful in those cases.
Make sure to always buy 100% pumpkin puree and never pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that can be harmful to your dog.
Sometimes, your dogs digestive system just needs a little stimulation.
Adding an extra walk or more playtime to your dogs daily routine can help move stool through the digestive tract and down to the colon. Daily exercise is also a great way to keep your dogs digestive system functioning regularly.
Olive oil is another ingredient that can offer your pup a variety of health benefits, from moisturizing their skin to helping protect against cancer.
A small amount of olive oil added to your dogs food can help lubricate their digestive system, making it easier for your dog to pass stool – like a DIY stool softener!
Only use a small amount of olive oil, however. Using too much oil or giving it too frequently can lead to diarrhea in your pup.
Similar to olive oil, coconut oil can also act as a natural stool softener for your dog. Adding a tablespoon or two to your dogs food can help lubricate the digestive tract.
Coconut oil also has anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties that can help improve your dogs gut health and promote healthy digestion. Constipation also often goes hand-in-hand with inflammation, and coconut oil is a natural anti-inflammatory.
One of the most common causes of constipation is dehydration. Without enough water and moisture in your pups diet, theres no way for them to lubricate their stool.
If your dog is constipated, make sure they have access to plenty of fresh, clean water at all times. You can also add water or broth to their daily meals to encourage more hydration, especially if your dog doesnt go for their water bowl as often as youd like.
If the weather is warm, a couple of ice cubes as treats can also encourage your dog to drink more water.
Another great way to add more moisture and hydration to your dogs diet is to switch to canned food, even if its only temporary.
Canned food naturally has more moisture than traditional kibble, and the change in food can also help increase your pups appetite if constipation has suppressed it.
Switching your dogs food abruptly can lead to other digestive issues, so always make the shift in phases. Try adding the canned food in with their dry food at first and then switch to strictly canned food after your dogs system has had a chance to adjust.
Many pet owners swear by apple cider vinegar as a way to help their pup with a wide range of health issues. Apple cider vinegar is a natural probiotic, which helps promote healthy gut bacteria and improve your dogs digestive system.
The taste of apple cider vinegar can be off-putting to some dogs, so try just a small amount in their water bowl. You can also try yogurt or a small amount of chopped fermented vegetables if your dog isnt a fan of apple cider vinegar.
Leafy greens like kale or spinach are high in fiber and can help regulate your dogs digestive system. You can mix them straight into your dogs regular meals or add them to DIY dog treats.
Other great, high-fiber foods you can give your dog include:
Does your dog experience any of these symptoms?
Select one and learn what may be causing it.
So can coconut oil be used to help treat constipation in dogs?
Dogs are a lot like their human counterparts. While we share many traits, we sometimes can share the same health problems.
One of these common yet frustrating problems for dogs is constipation. This can occur when your pet has issues with their bowel movements. Having coconut oil in your dog’s food may help. This article explores how we can use coconut oil to improve our dog’s digestion.
First, let’s take a look at its causes.
Dosage Of Mineral Oil For Dogs
The following is a guideline for typical use of the drug in dogs and must not replace your veterinarian’s advice for your individual pet.
Veterinarians generally recommend mineral oil for dogs in a dosage of one teaspoon of mineral oil for every ten pounds of the dog’s weight, administered by mixing it into their food.
Again you must consult with your regular veterinarian to double check that you are administering a safe dosage.
Warning: Never ever feed a dog mineral oil directly to their mouth. This can cause respiratory issues.
If your dog is suffering from temporary constipation, you should also make sure your dog is not dehydrated. Always provide enough fresh water.
Can I give my dog olive oil for constipation?
You can add a small amount (half a teaspoon for small dogs, two teaspoons for large dogs) of olive or coconut oil to their food to help with mild constipation, but be careful in dogs who need a low-fat diet.