Hey there, fur parent! Noticed your pooch having some 'troublesome' toilet time lately? No need to hit the panic button just yet! Doggy constipation is more common than you think and most of the time, there's no reason to freak out. Plus, Mama Nature has gifted us with a bunch of remedies to help your cuddly canine get back into their regular poo-poo routine.
So, if your doggo's having a bit of a tough time, we're here to help! In this blog, we're gonna chat about the usual suspects of constipation, show you how to spot it early and introduce you to some all-natural solutions to help your pup feel better without packing them off to the vet.
But remember, pals: While natural remedies are super cool, if your dog's having a severe or chronic case of the 'No-Poop Blues', it's time to call in the pros. Always check in with your vet if you're unsure.
What Causes Constipation in Dogs?
Constipation in our canine buddies can pop up outta nowhere and is usually due to a few hiccups that we can handle. Armed with the right knowledge, we can help them scoot their way to comfort. So, here are the usual suspects of doggie poop drama:
Thirsty much?
Chugging less water or gobbling down too much dry kibble can make their poops rock-hard and tricky to squeeze out.
Food feud
Scanty fiber, bone overload, inedible munchies (yes, we're talking about that mangled sock), and low-grade chow can throw their digestion off track.
Couch potato woes
A life of lounging around does more than just beef up their bellies—it can bungle up their bowel movements too!
Life's stresses
Had a recent change of address? Or maybe your pup went through a major life update? Stress can send their tummies in a tizzy.
Creaky bones
Our senior doggos often have a slow digestive system, leading to occasional poop pauses.
Drugs or bug
Meds like antihistamines, painkillers, or other health problems might sometimes disrupt their regular poop routine.
Now that you're clued in on why your dog might be feeling 'pooped out', the next step is figuring out if they're truly constipated.
Signs Your Dog Is Constipated
We know dog poop is not the most glamorous thing to talk about (or look at), but watching your dog while they’re outside or at the park is essential to gauge their health.
Here's your guide to sniffing out if your pooch's plumbing is plugged up:
Toilet Trouble
Spot your furball bent out of shape, battling to birth a brownie, or whimpering in their poop stance? Those are red flags.
Poop Vacations
Yup, that daily dump duty that your dog nails like clockwork might suddenly be off the calendar.
Poo Pebbles
When nature does call, are your canine's craps more akin to small, hard nuggets? Bummer, but that's classic constipation chatter.
Dinner Denial
If your pup's pushing their plate away, yet doesn't seem otherwise under the weather, a traffic jam in poop town might be to blame.
Energy Crash
If that usually bouncy buddy of yours is suddenly all about nap-time instead of fetch? Could be down to a grumpy gut.
Top Natural Remedies & Laxatives for Dog Constipation
If your four-legged friend is dealing with mild constipation, you can try the following natural remedies to help get things moving. Most of these are simple, safe, and effective when used appropriately.
1. Pump Up The Fiber!
If your pup's belly is feeling a bit out of sync, it's time to play the fiber card! This wonder worker is amazing for keeping things smooth and running in the digestion department. Here's how to sprinkle some fiber magic into your dog's chow:
- Canned Pumpkin: Open a can of pure pumpkin (not the pie filler folks, we're not making dessert here!) and voila, your pup gets a tasty fiber boost! A spoonful or two will do the trick.
- Bran or Oatmeal: Bran or oatmeal are also fantastic fiber-boosters for your furry child. Just a pinch mixed into their daily grub will do.
- High-Fiber Dog Food: If your dog is regularly having a constipation showdown, then switching to a high fiber doggy diet might be your way forward.
Remember, it's always best to introduce fiber into your pup's meals slowly to avoid a sudden belly surprise!
2. Probiotics to the Rescue
Probiotics aren't just for us two-legged creatures—our four-legged friends can totally benefit from them too! They're like tiny superheroes battling it out in your dog's tummy to keep things running smoothly. You can find probiotic powders or chews made just for dogs. Mixing these into their everyday routine could say 'adios' to constipation troubles in no time!
SHOP PROBIOTICS FOR DOGS
3. Hydration Station
Did you know dehydration can turn your pup's poop into hard-to-pass little rocks? Yup, staying well-hydrated is key in the poop game. Always make sure there's fresh water available.
You can also jazz up their kibble by adding some water or broth. You know what's also fun? Ice cubes! Many dogs love to chase and crunch them, and it's an amazing way to keep them hydrated.
4. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!
Let's get them moving! A daily stroll is like magic for their digestive system, making everything flow nice and easy. If your four-legged friend is a bit of a telly addict, shake things up a bit:
- Add an extra walkies session to their daily agenda.
- Transform them into a park ranger with a fun run around.
- Get their tail wagging with an exciting game of fetch.
- Just 20 minutes of fun can get their tummy moving in the right direction,
5. Try an Oil Supplement - Natural Laxatives for Dogs
Adding a touch of oil to your dog’s meal can help lubricate their digestive system. Here are a couple of safe, natural options:
- Olive Oil: Add a teaspoon of olive oil to their food. It’s gentle and can help soften their stool.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil works similarly to olive oil and can even boost your dog’s overall coat and skin health.
6. Massage Their Tummy
Let's face it, who can resist giving their pooch a belly rub? Not only does this feel good for your furry friend, it can actually help get their bowels moving! Go for gentle upward strokes or little circles around their tummy. Remember to take it easy and not press too hard.
Plus, this massage session could turn into a super chill bonding time for you and your canine buddy. Totally a win-win situation right there!
7. Aloe Vera Juice
Yes, aloe vera isn’t just for sunburn! Small doses of edible aloe vera juice have been shown to offer digestive benefits for dogs. Always check with your vet before introducing aloe vera, and use it sparingly—just a teaspoon can suffice, depending on the size of your dog.
When to See the Vet
Natural remedies are pretty cool, right? But sometimes, they don't quite cut it when your furry friend is facing a serious case of, well, a constipated tail. So when should you hit the panic button and dial your vet? Here's the scoop:
- If your pet hasn't pooped in more than a couple of days, it's probably time for a checkup.
- If their belly seems bloated or swollen, that's another warning sign.
- Seeing blood in their stool (or your pet straining but producing nada) is definitely a red flag.
- If your cutie is barfing while also struggling with constipation, give your vet a call.
- Finally, if they're super tired or seem in pain, don't wait – get them checked out immediately.
How to Prevent Future Constipation
Prevention is always better than cure (and less stressful for both you and your pup!). Here are a few tips to keep constipation from creeping back:
- Stick to a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber.
- Ensure your dog stays hydrated—especially during hot weather.
- Build consistent exercise into their daily routine.
- Monitor them closely to make sure they aren’t eating inappropriate items (like socks or chew toys).
- Incorporate probiotics or supplements to maintain gut health.
Wrap-Up
Constipation isn’t fun for anyone—especially not your dog. But with the right natural remedies, a little love, and some attention to their diet and exercise, your pup will be back to doing their business like a champ in no time.
Remember, every dog is different. If one remedy doesn’t work, another might. And don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet if something feels off.
Here’s to wagging tails, happy tummies, and smooth bathroom breaks! Give these remedies a try, and don't be shy to share which ones worked for your pup!
FAQs
What should I feed my dog to relieve constipation?
A high-fiber diet can do wonders for constipation. Foods like canned pumpkin (unsweetened), green beans, or plain, cooked sweet potatoes are excellent options. Make sure your dog drinks plenty of water to complement their fiber intake for the best results!
When should I call the vet about my dog’s constipation?
If your dog hasn’t pooped in more than 48 hours, seems to be in pain, or is showing signs of distress, call your vet right away. Sometimes constipation can indicate underlying health issues that need professional treatment. Better safe than sorry!
Have more questions? Drop them below or consult your vet for tailored advice for your pup.
References
1) Sharma, S., Pokharel, S., & Singh, S. (2023). Diagnosis and Management of Constipation and Obstipation in Canine: From Current Practices to Future. Nepalese Veterinary Journal, 38(1), 206–216. https://doi.org/10.3126/nvj.v38i1.55867
