My dog is constipated. How can I help him?

Answer 1

Giving your dog a laxative without the consultation of a vet may be missing the problem. Without alarming you there are a number of reasons why your dog might be constipated, some more serious than others. It is a good idea to figure out what the underlying cause is, if possible. However, if you really want to use a home-remedy, I would suggest vegetable oil, sunflower oil or olive oil, 1-2 teaspoons mixed into each meal.

Adding fiber to your pets food will prevent constipation in most pets who have a mild problem from time to time. A high-fiber commercial food will work, or you can mix unflavored Metamucil into canned food. Check pet food labels for a diet that supplies 2.4 grams of soluble fiber per serving. You can use 1 teaspoon of Metamucil per meal for each 10 to 25 pounds of body weight.

One of the best and healthiest ways to prevent constipation is to mix pumpkin into your pets food. Pumpkin is very high in fiber and has a high water content, and both of these factors help keep pets regular. Even better, most dogs love the taste, especially canned pumpkin. it takes only 1 to 2 teaspoons per meal for a dog who weighs less than 15 pounds. Dogs that weigh 15-35 pounds can have 1-2 tablespoons.

Another thing you can use is Grape Nuts cereal- dogs seem to love that as well. Just give a few teaspoons of it a couple times through the day and that should help your pet "go".
If your dog's stool appear too runny, you'll know to cut back slightly on the fiber you're adding to her diet.

You didn't say how long your dog has been constipated,but you will want to get your dog to the vet if this has been going on for several days.

Answer 2

Generally little puppies don't have this type of problem, however if you do not feed the puppy a well rounded diet – due to the lack of fibers and fats – or because of the excess of bones – the puppy can become constipated. Make sure, if you have a puppy, that he does his needs two or three times a day (depending on the dog's age). One of the reasons a dog gets constipated is due to the blockage of elimination because of a foreign object (such as a rock, plastic, wood, a toy, etc), which impedes the dog from doing his business.

Answer 3

Lax-Air, a dog and cat laxative may work.

Laxatone and Lactulose Solution Syrup are others that may work.

You might also try canned pumpkin.

1 to 2 tsp. a day for dogs under 15 lbs, 1 to 2 tbs. per day for dogs between 15 and 35 pounds and 2 to 5 tbs. per day for larger dogs. Since too much could make the problem worse, it's best to start with smaller amounts and see how that works. You can always increase it if necessary.

Answer 4

Not typically, but it's certainly possible, and tiny dogs can be susceptible to many things that a larger dog would not. If the constipation started when you started giving the peanut butter, you can certainly back off the peanut butter for a few days and then should be able to tell if everything goes back to normal.

Answer 5

Put canola oil on the dogs food, about a tablespoon. How do you know he is constipated? Is the dog acting normal otherwise? If not then I would have the dog checked to make sure there isn't something blocking in the intestines..

Answer 6

When this happens to my dog, the vet recommended giving him a couple of teaspoons of mineral oil or vegetable oil to help him pass his feces. If you are feeding him dry dog food, make sure he drinks plenty of fresh water. If your dog is a senior dog, sometimes the fecal sac becomes enlarged because of inability to empty the bowels (weakened muscles due to age) and has to be emptied by a vet. Hope this answers your question!

Answer 7

Make sure there is plenty of water, and use Flax Seed Oil. This stuff is GREAT! All you need is an eighth of a teaspoon for a small dog and one quarter teaspoon for a large dog. Flax Seed is Great for the digestive track, coat, heart, reduces shedding, etc.
I had a friend tell me about it and I tried it on my dog and cats.
Flax Seed is good for humans, and animals. It is rich in antioxidants, and other good for you stuff.
You can find it in your local health food stores refrigeration section.
Good Luck!!

Answer 8

i just went through the same thing. My 78 lb golden retriever hasnt gone for 2 days. i didnt have any creamed corn or pumpkin mix, which i've been reading has a great success rate. i gave her 2 Tablespoons dark KAro corn syrup and then fed her 15 minutes later...she finally pooped after eating! (I never thought i'd be so happy to see her go! lol)

Answer 9

You do need to know why this has happened. For a quick fix, try this website for the dosage on otc products that are safe for most dogs and cats.
http://animalsunlimited.net/meds.htm
If it happens again, see a vet.

Answer 10

Lots of water and weetabix in the morning put hot water over the weetabix and give to the dog when warm but not hot. don't forget the sugar. Works every time.