Constipated puppies can cause considerable distress for both themselves and their owners. A vet may prescribe laxatives for dogs in extreme cases; these should only be administered after receiving an examination from their physician.
There are natural solutions available that are safer and more effective than prescription laxatives for helping dogs suffering from constipation.
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Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has become a trendy trend in human healthcare, but it may also help treat constipation in puppies. Research shows that it works by rebalancing the ratio between medium-chain triglycerides and long-chain triglycerides in their intestinal tract and helps lubricate stool to move through more easily.
Recommended dosage is one tablespoon for every 10 pounds of body weight up to two times daily, administered either mixed into your puppy’s kibble or given directly as a drink. Bran (wheat or oat) can also help prevent constipation; powdered psyllium seed has natural lubricating effects while mineral oil has similar results.
Exercise can also help prevent constipation in dogs. Regular walks or playing fetch can stimulate movement of the digestive tract, so make sure your puppy stays hydrated while exercising. If your pup begins having problems pooping regularly again, contact a vet as soon as possible so they can prescribe stool softeners or laxatives to ease his or her discomfort.
Olive Oil
Few drops of olive oil can soften and facilitate easier stool passage for dogs. But too much olive oil could result in diarrhea for your puppy; therefore, it is essential that you adhere to the recommended dose for your animal.
Puppies often ingest items that can block their digestive tract, such as socks, toys or rubber bands. Furthermore, their diet may lack fiber or contain too much calcium from chewed-up bones causing constipation issues.
Add more fiber to your pup’s diet and avoid foods high in corn or wheat to help avoid constipation, and consult your veterinarian about which food would best fit their breed and health status. If they remain chronically constipated, speak to them about using natural laxative treatments such as essential oils. If the problem persists, your vet may need to administer an enema – never attempt this at home as this could harm or make the condition worse!
Canned Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a high-fiber food often recommended as an effective home treatment for canine constipation. Simply provide plain canned pumpkin (typically found in the baking aisle of grocery stores) that is 100% pure with no additional sugars or spices added, to your pup to treat constipation symptoms at home.
Pumpkin is an effective natural laxative, drawing moisture out of your pup’s intestines to soften and bulk up stool for easier passage. Furthermore, pumpkin may help treat mild diarrhea by increasing beneficial bacteria growth within their digestive tracts.
But if your pup’s diarrhea or constipation continues, it is time to visit their vet so they can determine the source. Constipation could be indicative of serious health conditions like an intestinal tumor, arthritis, diabetes, hypothyroidism or an enlarged prostate; severe diarrhea could be evidence of dehydration, colon or anal gland blockages as well as dehydration.
Water
Be sure to add plenty of water into their diet for best results, while avoiding pumpkin pie mix as this contains spices that might upset their stomachs. Cooked pumpkin can provide moisture without disturbing their digestion.
Aloe vera juice can also provide natural relief from constipation in dogs. As a laxative, aloe vera acts to encourage proper bowel movements without irritating their stomach. When selecting food-grade gels or juices made from inner leaf extracts of this plant, these are more gentle alternatives to prescription laxatives.
Constipation in puppies can be avoided through regular physical exercise and potty breaks with your pup, along with maintaining a nutritious diet. If they exhibit symptoms like straining to urinate, contact a holistic veterinarian immediately for advice.
