My dog seems a bit constipated, anyone recommend anything to help?

Question

A bit of cod liver oil maybe?

Now, wher am I going to get a male chicken from at this time of day??

Canned pumpkin? Do they sell that at Sainsbury's or Morrisons?

Answer 1

Premium quality dog food and exercise. That should prevent constipation. You probably won't want to hear this but if your dog is constipated it is a symptom of an underlying problem. Sure you can give it cod liver oil or canned pumkin and treat the symptom....but that does nothing for the actual problem. The first course of action would be a check up at the vet, the second would be to take a good look at what you are feeding the dog. Our pets need quality pet food. Read the ingredients list and learn what the stuff on there is and what it does (or does not do) to/for our pets. A quick pet food 101. If the pet food contains corn/corn products or by products it is a poor quality food. Do not pay attention to advertising, they all say there food is great. Corn is a filler that can trigger skin problems. (allergies, skin problems, itching and excessive shedding) By products is anything from an animal not fit for human consumption, including cancerous tissue. Quality foods have meat as the first ingredient. California Natural, Solid Gold, Innova and Merrick are a few of the best brands available. If you want to learn more check out: http://www.sagekeep.com/petfood.htm www.api4animals.org/facts?p=359& more=1 http://animalark.eapps.com/animal/PetFoods.nsf/$$PetFoodsByRating?OpenForm

and lastly, increase the dogs exercise. Good luck

Answer 2

Hi Emma L!!
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 1 1/2 teaspoons per meal for a dog who weighs less than 15 pounds. Dogs that weigh 15-35 pounds can have 1-2 tablespoons. Larger dogs will need 2-5 tablespoons. To make it simple to use, buy jumbo-size cans when they go on sale, then freeze the right amounts in muffin papers and thaw them as needed. You'll know that you've given too much if your pet's feces aren't formed and they have a pudding-like consistency. If this happens, just cut back on the amount of pumpkin.

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".

Some pets have problems with chronic constipation because their intestines don't work normally. One type of prescription medication, Lactulose, may help by increasing the amount of water retained by the fecal material, allowing for softer bowel movements.

Dogs that have corkscrew tails, often have anatomical structures that can interfere with normal defecation. Please go to vet and get consult .
Jason Homan

Answer 3

Older animals are usually prone to constipation, because as they get older, their systems are not working 100% as when they younger. Some breeds are more prone than others. you may find after a few days he is back to normal.
Diet can also be another point to consider, feeding them bones and some treats can cause blockages if they are not chewed properly.
If you go to a vet, they would probably give you liquid pariffin to squirt into his mouth to help 'slide it all out'!
Feeding bland food, like chicken breast and plain boiled rice, will help settle its stomach and digestive tract.

BUT...............
If he seems in pain, uncomfortable or his stomach starts to swell (like it has eaten a football) go to your vets immediately. Blockages can cause the stomach to twist and causes a build up of gas, vets call it a GDV this IS life threatening!

I hope your dog will be back to your usual self, if you have questions/worries, ring your vet, it is better to put your mind at ease!

Lolli

Answer 4

Can't suggest a dose because it depends on the size, but cod liver oil or sunflower oil for a day won't hurt; the problem is its rare for dogs to get constipated, its usually an internal problem so keep an eye on him.

If his stomach gets taught, if he shows any discomfort then don't waste any time getting him to the vet. An intestinal blockage or torsion can kill very quickly.

Answer 5

When my papillion was constipated, my vet instructed me to give him 1/4 tsp. of Phillip's Milk of Magnesia 3x/day until #2 is achieved... all without costly vet visit and/or prescriptions. Works like a charm! Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Give her some sweet potato. It's nice and sweet so she should eat it right up and it has a lot of fiber. After this is taken care of you should try to remedy the cause of the constipation. Perhaps not enough water available or low quality food.

Answer 7

The oil tricks are ok, but they work better when you add fluids-- so a cup of low sodium chicken broth helps. Also, just like people, exercise helps a lot.

Answer 8

a bit of oil in his/her food, even a cod liver oil capsule is great i was giving one to my dog for a few days to help his joints. And he kept pooing on the carpet which is not like him but my vet told me the oil makes him poo.

Answer 9

Cheese!

That always gave me dog the runs!

My dad found out the hard way when he fed my dog cheese and Cheezels (orange pomeranian) got the runs... went to the loo and came back and sat on dad's lap... running poo and all!

Answer 10

I have found mixing a tablespoon of sunflower oil with his food helps.