Constipation can be painful for dogs and can be an indicator of health problems. If your pup strains while pooping or is not producing waste on a regular basis, consult your vet immediately.
Fiber and water consumption can help your dog relieve constipation, as can offering them small portions of canned pumpkin or bran flakes as treats, along with taking stool softener medication.
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Vegetables
As with humans, eating too little fiber can contribute to constipation in pets. Fiber helps promote regularity by loosening stools. Furthermore, it retains water which increases gut motility.
Vegetables such as carrots, broccoli and green beans provide essential fiber and moisture content, essential for dogs on a dry food diet.
Your dog should receive either cooked vegetables (canned or frozen), vegetable supplements like psyllium husk (1-4 teaspoons per meal) or wheat bran. In order to combat constipation effectively, ensure he receives plenty of fluids – as dehydration will worsen it further.
Exercise stimulates bowel movement and can ease constipation in dogs, so encourage more walks and vigorous play sessions for your pup. You could even add in some moisture-rich broth as an extra moisture and fiber boost (but only if they don’t suffer from diarrhea). Finally, make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean drinking water!
Olive Oil
Substitutions of high-quality, extra virgin olive oil into your dog’s diet may help lubricate his/her bowels and make stooling easier, though this should be done sparingly as too much olive oil could result in diarrhea. It is best if the olive oil is mixed into their food rather than feeding directly from a spoon or syringe.
Olive oil is an ideal healthful choice, providing many human health benefits like lowering cholesterol, aiding weight loss, protecting against cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as being rich in polyphenols – powerful antioxidants.
If your dog is experiencing constipation, it is crucial that they seek veterinary assistance immediately. A physical exam, rectal palpation and x-rays will allow your vet to pinpoint the cause and offer possible solutions. Regular exercise, fiber-rich diet and plenty of water should help avoid constipation for most dogs.
Metamucil
Before giving your dog any type of laxative medication, it is vital to consult a veterinarian first. They can offer guidance as far as dosage and possible remedies that might also work.
Some veterinarians may recommend Metamucil to their clients suffering from constipation, and this product can often be found at pharmacies. Just make sure that it comes without any harmful additives like chocolate or xylitol that could prove toxic to dogs.
Metamucil can help dogs overcome constipation by fermenting in their digestive system, producing short-chain fatty acids which promote healthy intestinal bacteria and help prevent constipation. You can give metamucil in powdered form or pills or gels; mix into their food or give by mouth for best results; however always consult a veterinarian prior to giving any type of fiber supplements to your pet.
Water
If your pup is suffering from constipation for any extended period, it’s essential to visit their veterinarian immediately. They may recommend running tests like blood work, x-rays or ultrasounds in order to ascertain why.
Fiber is essential for healthy bowel movements in dogs and there are multiple ways you can add it to their diet. Choose high-fiber dog food or feed your pup fiber supplements such as psyllium husk or wheat bran (1-5 tablespoons per meal). Or give your canine cooked vegetables like sweet potatoes or squash as treats!
Increase their water consumption to help soften their feces and make passing easier, or consider mixing Pedialyte into their drinking water if necessary. Furthermore, feeding canned pumpkin packed with fiber and moisture may help regulate their digestive tract – just make sure only using 100% puree instead of pie filling that contains added sugars!
