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As a long time dog owner, one of the problems I have had to deal with the most is constipation and I can safely say it is also my least favorite. There is something just so painful about watching your beloved pooch going through the discomfort of a backed up tummy. Over the years, I have picked up a few tips and tricks that helped the pooches poop quickly and easily. Let’s take a look at constipation as the problem and how to deal with it using natural methods for your dog’s comfort.
Constipation in dogs usually manifests as irregular and infrequent passing of stool and pain while doing so. The reasons for the problem range from dietary deficiencies like insufficient water and fiber to digestive tract diseases like volvulus. Whatever the case, it is highly uncomfortable for the dog and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Fortunately, there are several remedies you could try out for quick relief. Here are 11 of the most effective in order from commercial preparations to more natural at-home tricks:
An enema is a procedure done to flush out stool that is stuck in the colon. There are different techniques used including some that use tap water and others that use irritants to trigger bowel movements.
These procedures are delicate and have to be done by trained professionals. They are also more often than not reserved for doggies that have severe cases of constipation where other methods including laxatives may have failed to work.
There are several different laxative drugs out there that could help your little pooch out. They work in very different ways depending on the specific option. Some help to soften stool while others promote muscle contraction along the gut.
Like enemas, commercial dog laxative drugs are more often than not reserved for cases of serious constipation. It is also always best to consult a veterinarian before buying or administering the drugs to the doggy.
It may sound unusual but physical exercise could really help relieve constipation in your dog. It works by increasing blood flow to several organs in the gut including the colon. It could also relieve the constipation mechanically through contraction of abdominal muscles while playing.
Try the IDOGMATE Automatic Ball Launcher in this case as a way to take the simple game of catch to a whole other level for your furry little buddy with gut benefits. Dogs are generally interested in a game of fetch. What better way to keep them fit and entertained simultaneously?
This is one of the oldest tricks in the book when it comes to dealing with constipation in dogs. It is a natural remedy that works by pulling water from cells in the colon. The water in turn permeates the stool therefore softening it and making it easier to travel along the gut.
Fiber for Dogs With Psyllium Seed Husk Powder is a fantastic source of the stuff and is an all-natural, two-ingredient product with dehydrated beetroot as the only other compound.
A lot of times, dogs suffer from constipation as a result of poor digestion. You could therefore help put them out of their misery by giving them digestive enzymes. These come in particularly handy if you have an overeater on your hands.
The enzymes ensure that the food is properly broken down in the gut. The resulting stool is softer and therefore passes through the colon a lot easier for more regular and less painful bowel movements for your dog.
A probiotic is any microorganism that when introduced to the body has beneficial results. More often than not, they act in the gut complementing the effects of naturally-occurring microbes in the colon.
In addition to promoting digestion, these good germs improve gut motility which in turn eases any non-obstruction constipation. You can find probiotics in many dog foods these days so when shopping for your pooch make sure to get a brand that includes them in the formula.
This is probably the easiest way to deal with constipation in your dog. Dry food has a lot of benefits of its own but it more often than not only worsens the constipation. Wet food on the other hand is not only easier to digest but also moves along the gut with much less resistance.
You could turn your dry kibble options into wet food if you are not in a position to immediately replace the dog food you already have. Just add some warm water to the kibble and mix it right up and it should do wonders for your best buddy.
Technically speaking, it is not always the wisest idea to give your dog milk. This is because they tend to have lactose intolerance and it could cause more gut problems for the pooch. However, if you are sure that they are not intolerant them milk will do wonders when it comes to relieving the constipation.
The Honest Kitchen Instant Probiotics Goat’s Milk is a wonderful option to use in this case. Just add some water to the all-natural goat’s milk and give it either directly or with dry kibble. It comes with probiotics to alleviate any digestive problem your pooch may have. Apart from its laxatives properties, it is also a rich source of calcium for teeth and bone health.
Pumpkin is another favorite for dog owners when it comes to dealing with constipation. This is because of its high water and fiber content. These two are required for proper digestion, formation of stool and passage through the gut.
One way to give it to your dog is by pureeing it and adding to wet dog food. You could also get it ready-made in which case Fruitables Pumpkin Dog Digestive Supplement are your best option. The formula includes several fruits, vegetables and herbs for optimum gut health including pumpkin, apple, and spinach.
Grains are rich in fiber which as earlier mentioned plays a huge role in eliminating constipation in dogs. Some of the best grains here include oats, brown rice, and whole-grain wheat. There are several dog food brands that already have these grains as a major part of the ingredients. If you are not already feeding your dog fiber-rich dog food then consider switching things up for quick results.
However, it is important to note that some dogs have grain allergies including gluten intolerance. If your dog has such a history or seems to get worse with the new food then try a different method.
Finally, you could help your furry little buddy out with their potty woes by simply giving them water. Failing to give water with food is a common mistake that dog owners make from rookies to veterans. It doesn’t matter whether it is dry food or wet food.
The water helps to smoothen the stool while also promoting normal gut functioning. For the best and fastest results, give your pooch 1 to 1½ cups of water every day.
Can you give a dog Dulcolax? Dulcolax is a laxative that works by promoting muscle contraction in the colon for bowel movements. It is a human laxative drug. It is not advisable to use it on dogs. This is because human laxatives are often too strong and may end up causing more trouble than they are worth. Instead, consult your vet on safe dog laxatives.
What Causes Constipation In Dogs? Constipation in dogs is caused by two main things. The first is a diet deficient in fiber and water. This hinders normal peristalsis and causes poor movement of food along the gut.
It could also be due to gut problems in which case volvulus is the biggest culprit. This is where the gut twists on itself and basically blocks movement of the stool.
What Are Some Dog Constipation Symptoms? Constipation in dogs manifests in different ways. This depends on a lot of factors including the cause and the type of dog involved. For perspective, however, here are some of the most common dog constipation symptoms:
Pete Decker is the Lead Editor at The Goody Pet. He is a passionate wildlife educator and loves to share his experiences on pets. During his free time, you can find him cozying around his 2 adorable Labradors (Tobi & Kobi).
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