What Can I Give My Dog For Constipation? Canine Constipation Help!

A range of intestinal problems can affect dogs, including occasional episodes of constipation. This is typically not a major concern, and most dogs will resume their normal bowel movements within a day or two.

Although rare, it can cause significant health issues, and constipated dogs experience extreme discomfort when unable to defecate, making it crucial to address and not overlook the matter.

Dog Constipation Symptoms: Signs Your Dog is Constipated

If you understand what I mean, the absence of any indications is the clearest indication of constipation in dogs.

When dogs are constipated, they experience decreased frequency of bowel movements compared to their regular routine. Thus, if your dog usually defecates in the backyard every morning, and fails to do so for a day or two, it is reasonable to conclude that it is suffering from constipation.

Nevertheless, there are several additional signals that you may observe that suggest your dog is constipated.

Constipated dogs often appear to be in pain or discomfort while attempting to eliminate, and may strain to do so. Certain dogs may experience minimal output or blood when straining.

Moreover, dogs who are experiencing constipation may release fecal matter that is small, solid, and resembling rocks, even if they are able to excrete a small amount. Other indications of constipation can entail pain in the abdominal region, the bulging of the belly, a decrease in appetite, and a feeling of sadness.

How to Prevent Constipation in Dogs: Home Remedies & DIY Treatments

If your dog is experiencing mild constipation, there are some actions you can take to assist them, but if it’s a severe or persistent issue, it’s advised to seek veterinary guidance.

Recognize that every dog is unique, and certain approaches may be more effective for certain dogs than others. Therefore, it is advisable to begin with basic treatment options before progressing to more intricate methods.

Many people resort to home remedies to alleviate constipation, with some of the most prevalent being:

Encourage Your Dog to Drink Water

Encouraging your dog to drink plenty of fresh water can often be the simplest and safest solution for constipation, as it increases the water content in their intestines.

In case your pet struggles to drink enough water, there are techniques you can try to entice them such as the ones suggested below:

Offering your dog water from a garden hose or the spray attachment in your kitchen sink may be a good alternative if your dog refuses to drink from a bowl. Dogs that show reluctance to drink from a bowl seem to find water provided in this way more appealing and may drink greedily.

Provide your dog with a drinking fountain designed for canines. The flowing water ensures that the water remains fresh and tempting for the dog, which can potentially boost their water intake.

Provide water to your dog by offering it from your hand. Certain dogs (including my dog) tend to be more receptive to drinking water from cupped hands rather than a bowl. It is essential to wash your hands both before and after offering water to your pet.

Put some ice in your dog’s water bowl. Some dogs find it fun to play with and chew on ice, which results in them drinking some water. However, it is best to utilize smaller ice cubes to prevent damaging your pet’s teeth. Alternatively, you may want to provide your pet with shaved ice that does not have any flavoring.

To enhance the taste of your dog’s water and stimulate him to drink more, mix some unsalted chicken broth into it. However, ensure that you do not overdo the quantity.

Get Your Dog Some Exercise

To aid your dog in overcoming problems, engaging them in physical activities like playing catch with tennis balls in the backyard, extended walks, or allowing them to swim can produce beneficial results.

Providing a complete body workout, swimming is actually one of the most effective exercises for easing constipation.

Offer Constipation-Correcting Food: What Can You Give a Constipated Dog to Eat?

Several types of food can assist in boosting water content in your dog’s colon or supplying extra dietary fiber to promote the elimination of waste, thereby acting as a homemade laxative for your dog.

There are three optimal choices available:

Canned pumpkin
Canned / wet dog food
A teaspoon or so of olive oil (add it to your pet’s food)

It has been suggested by certain experts to give dogs a high-fiber additive to alleviate constipation. Additionally, incorporating high-fiber treats into the dog’s diet may also be beneficial. Nevertheless, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian prior to making any changes, and ensure that your dog is adequately hydrated when taking any fiber supplements or stool softeners.

Canine Probiotics For Balancing Intestinal Microflora

An imbalance in their intestinal microflora can result in constipation among certain dogs.

One way to tackle this issue is by offering your puppy supplementary probiotics, which are good bacteria. There are many dog-friendly probiotic supplements available, as well as high-quality dog foods that contain them.

It should be noted that probiotics do not usually offer immediate relief for constipation, however, they can play a significant role in a complete treatment plan. Furthermore, they may prove beneficial in preventing recurring and chronic constipation.

Potential Signs of Danger With Dog Constipation

Don’t worry too much if your dog doesn’t defecate at the park as constipation is generally not a severe issue for dogs. It is typical for most dogs to return to their usual bowel movement within 1-2 days.

Although uncommon, it may indicate an underlying issue. Neglected constipation may result in severe problems. It is crucial to seek veterinary assistance if any of the subsequent signs or symptoms are observed in your dog:

Constipation that lasts longer than 72 hours
Weakness or lethargy
Abdominal distension
Fever
Bloody stools that occur before or after constipation sets in
Vomiting
Food refusal
Obvious pain (above and beyond the discomfort constipation typically causes)

Neglecting or prolonging constipation can lead to major issues such as intestinal perforation or harm. In the event of a ruptured intestine in your dog, harmful bacteria can spread throughout their body cavity and bloodstream, resulting in severe illness.

Moreover, the existence of an intestinal obstruction, which poses a significant threat to dogs, can be inferred from severe symptoms.

Megacolon: A Potentially Problematic Ramification of Constipation

Megacolon occurs when a dog’s lower intestines experience a significant increase in diameter and the smooth muscles fail to function properly.

There are situations when waste movement through your dog’s intestines may come to a complete halt.

Megacolon may arise from various causes. Certain dogs may be born with the condition, whereas others may acquire it without any apparent cause. Nevertheless, chronic constipation is believed to be a primary factor in the development of megacolon.

It is important to take constipation, especially persistent constipation, seriously and seek appropriate treatment.

BONUS: Should You Feed a Homemade Diet?

As information about commercial dog foods and recalls continues to change frequently, an increasing number of pet owners are choosing to make their own dog food at home. While dogs enjoy home-cooked meals, it’s essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure that the food is healthy and suitable for your pet. The process of preparing homemade dog food differs from cooking for yourself or your human relatives, and there are crucial rules to follow for your dog’s wellbeing.

Before transitioning your dog to a homemade diet, certain factors must be taken into account as home-cooked dog food may not be suitable for all.

Be sure to find a dog food recipe that is complete and balanced. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to feed an incomplete or imbalanced diet to your dog.
It takes time to measure ingredients and prepare the food correctly. Be sure you have a schedule that allows enough time to properly make your dog’s food on a regular basis.
Make sure you can afford the ingredients to make your own dog food. Homemade food is typically less expensive than commercially prepared fresh or raw dog food, but it usually costs a little more than kibble.
If you have a picky dog, you may need to source multiple recipes so you can change the diet periodically and keep your dog interested.

Proper Nutrition for Dogs

Just as humans require proper nutrition to be healthy, dogs also have specific nutritional requirements that must be fulfilled for them to flourish. Dogs’ nutritional needs are distinct from ours, so you cannot simply feed them what you eat. Providing an incomplete or unbalanced diet to dogs can result in deficiencies of essential vitamins and nutrients.

Meeting energy requirements is essential for dogs, and their required amount of daily calories varies depending on their activity level and life stage. Seeking the advice of your veterinarian can assist in determining the appropriate amount of calories your dog should consume daily.

To achieve a complete and balanced homemade diet for dogs, it is necessary to incorporate an adequate proportion of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and fat. Additionally, it is essential to supplement the food with vitamins and minerals.

At least 10% protein , such as chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef
Up to 50% carbohydrates, such as rice, pasta , and potatoes (also provides some fiber)
About 2.5-4.5% fiber , which can come from vegetables like peas, green beans, and carrots
At least 5.5% fat , usually in the form of vegetable oil
Vitamin and mineral supplements (dog-specific; can be purchased from a reputable company like BalanceIT.com )

Before you begin cooking for your dog, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian. Your vet can provide you with recipe recommendations or refer you to a veterinary nutritionist or a specialist in canine nutrition.

What to Watch for When Feeding Homemade Dog Food

When switching to homemade dog food, it is crucial to observe your dog diligently. Ensure that you communicate any progress or setbacks with your veterinarian. Create a log to track your dog’s weight and physical condition over a substantial period. Weigh your dog at least once weekly and inform your veterinarian if you notice any unintended weight changes. In case your dog is sensitive to some constituents, keep track of any vomiting or diarrhea. Notify your veterinarian of any of these or other sickness signs.

How to Prepare Homemade Food for Dogs

It is crucial to adhere to a comprehensive and well-balanced recipe when creating a diet for your dog at home. After selecting a recipe with your veterinarian’s assistance, it is time to commence the cooking process.

Before you begin, it’s best if you have ready a food scale, food processor, pots and pans, and containers or bags for portioning the food.
Purchase fresh, high-quality ingredients that are not canned, seasoned, or heavily processed.
Set yourself up in a clean area of the kitchen that is free of foods that may be harmful to your dog .
Measure out the ingredients. Use a food scale if possible for accuracy.
Cook ingredients as directed on the recipe
Mix food and supplements together well (ideally, use a food processor to blend ingredients).
Place food in containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
In general, refrigerated food will stay fresh for three to four days. Frozen dog food is best within about two months. Avoid feeding homemade dog food that has been in the freezer for more than six months.

Preparing food in large quantities and storing it in pre-portioned containers in the fridge or freezer is a popular choice among pet owners for its time and cost-saving benefits. It is advisable to start with smaller quantities to assess how your dog responds to the diet before scaling up.