Treatments And Home Remedies For Dog Constipation
Having a constipated dog can be a very unpleasant experience. Luckily, there are many treatment
options available for this condition, both at a veterinary facility and for at-home care.
However, if you have any doubts about which at-home treatments are best to give your dog,
it is always best to first get the approval of your veterinarian.
At Home Treatments
Once you have identified that your dog is suffering from constipation, there are many home
remedies that you can try to alleviate this condition.
1. Pumpkin
A popular vet-recommended home remedy that has been increasing in popularity, is to feed your
dog canned pumpkin.
Pumpkin has a high fiber content, as well as containing a good amount of water. Feeding pumpkin to dogs is apparently not difficult, since the taste appeals to their sense of smell.
However, be sure to feed them the pure canned pumpkin, and not the "pumpkin pie filling" that includes flavoring and spices.
2.Wet Canned Dog Food
This remedy works better if your dog has not yet started to refuse eating, as this could signify an advanced condition of constipation. Choose a high-quality, high-fiber canned dog food, that has a low grain content. This will make it much easier for your dog to digest, and may help to regulate your dog's bowel movements.
3. Fiber Supplements
The easiest way to increase your dog's fiber intake is to add additional fiber into their food, usually in the powdered form. As many commercial fiber products are not fit for your dog's digestive system, a good source of fiber can be psyllium, an herbal fiber supplement.
If you choose to purchase a commercial fiber supplement, be sure to use caution. Avoid any fiber supplements containing sugar, or artificial dyes.With a medium-sized dog, half of a teaspoon twice per day should be a good initial fiber dosage.
4. Olive Oil/Mineral Oil
Adding too much oil to your dog's diet can cause diarrhea, so be certain to use olive or mineral oil only if you are certain that your dog is suffering from constipation. With olive or mineral oil, try to mix it into your dog's regular food, as opposed to administering it directly. Not only will this be much easier, it will make the oil easier for your dog's digestive system to process.
5. Herbal Remedies
There are many healing herbal remedies that can be safely used to treat constipation in your dog. Many pet owners choose herbal treatments over medication, though it should never be used as a replacement for constipation requiring veterinary care.
The most commonly used herbal remedy for constipation is Ginger, usually in powdered form. Ginger is used to treat all sorts of digestive problems, and can help cure constipation by reducing muscle spasms that can worsen this condition. It also can reduce inflammation in the bowels, which can worsen your dog's constipation. Some dogs do not like the taste of ginger, so you may have to combine it with wet dog food or chicken broth.
Aloe Vera juice can also help with constipation in your dog, though should only be used in small amounts, and be mixed with water or wet dog food.
6. Milk
This home remedy is subject to debate, because there is some uncertainty as to how well your dog's digestive system is able to process dairy products. However, in small doses, offering a bowl of milk to your dog can help with mild constipation, as well as other digestive problems.
Veterinary Treatments
Your veterinarian will probably initially prescribe a high-quality medication that is specifically designed to treat constipation in dogs. However, in more severe cases (such as obstipation, which is constipation that is resistant to all forms of control), additional medical care will be required.
If your dog's constipation is persistent, your veterinarian may recommend that a full blood analysis and a urinalysis (test of your dog's urine, which helps show the state of the kidneys) be preformed. In very severe cases, a colonoscopy in addition surgery may be necessary. Constipation can become a very serious problem for your dog, so it is extremely important to catch it as early as possible.