What to feed a dog that is constipated? Let’s Explore

What Can I Give My Dog for Constipation?

For your average case of canine constipation, these five easy home remedies should help clear things up. Try one or a mixture of these solutions, and watch your dog closely to see if they improve. In most cases, your dog will get relief within 48 to 72 hours. If theyre still struggling to have a normal bowel movement, take them to the vet.

What’s Causing My Dog’s Constipation?

Typically, constipation isnt caused by an underlying health problem. Dietary and lifestyle factors are the most common causes of constipation in dogs, and identifying the issues that could be affecting your dog can help you select the best remedy. Here are the main suspects to consider:

Low-fiber diets: Dietary fiber helps move food through your dogs digestive system. If your dog doesnt get enough fiber, that system will get backed up.

Dehydration: Interestingly, constipation can also emerge if your dog eats too much fiber — while not drinking enough water. Hydration can help stave off constipation.

Lack of exercise: Exercise not only gets the body moving, it also gets the digestive system moving. A dog thats mostly sedentary is more likely to experience constipation.

Side effects from medication: Some medications, especially antihistamines, antacids, diuretics, and iron supplements, can cause side effects, including constipation.

How can you tell if a dog has a blockage?

There are a few signs that may indicate your dog has a blockage, including:

Vomiting

Lethargy

Loss of appetite

Abdominal pain or bloating

Inability to poop or only pooping small amounts of hard stool

If you notice any of these signs, its important to see the vet right away. Blockages can be very serious and may require surgery to remove them.

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

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Constipation refers to an inability to produce normal stools on a regular schedule, which, for a dog, is generally once or twice per day. Dogs who are suffering from constipation will not “go” at all, strain to defecate, or produce rock-hard stools.

In chronic cases, dogs may retain hard, dry fecal matter in their digestive tracts. This is known as obstipation, in which there is so much fecal matter that it becomes compacted and the dog cannot defecate at all. Luckily, there are ways to help relieve dogs of constipation, including stool softeners.