If your dog is constipated, there are a few safe and effective things you can try at home, but always check with your vet first—especially if symptoms last more than a day or worsen.
Common Remedies for Dog Constipation: Pumpkin (Plain, Canned)
Pumpkin is high in fiber and moisture, which helps soften stools and promote digestion.
Give about 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight, mixed into their food.
Increase Water Intake
Make sure your dog drinks plenty of water to stay hydrated, which helps keep stools soft.
Exercise
Regular walks and playtime can stimulate bowel movements.
Olive Oil or Coconut Oil
A small amount (about 1 teaspoon for small dogs, up to 1 tablespoon for large dogs) added to food can help lubricate the digestive tract.
Canned Dog Food or Wet Food
The extra moisture content may help ease constipation.
Fiber Supplements
Some vets recommend adding fiber supplements like psyllium husk (Metamucil) but only under veterinary guidance.
What to Avoid Avoid giving human laxatives or stool softeners without vet approval — many are toxic to dogs.
Don’t give dairy products as they can worsen digestion.
When to See a Vet If constipation lasts more than 2 days.
If your dog is vomiting, lethargic, or showing signs of pain.
If there’s blood in the stool or difficulty defecating.
If your dog’s constipated, don’t panic — it’s common and usually treatable at home if it’s mild. Here’s what you can give (or do) to help get things moving:
1. Canned Pumpkin (plain, not pie filling!)
High in fiber and moisture
Give about 1–2 tablespoons for small dogs or 2–5 tablespoons for larger dogs, mixed into their food
Works gently and naturally within a few hours or by the next day
2. Olive Oil or Coconut Oil
Acts as a lubricant
Add ½ to 1 teaspoon (small dog) or 1–2 teaspoons (larger dog) to their food
Don’t overdo it — too much oil can cause diarrhea
3. More Water & Exercise
Dehydration is a common cause of constipation
Make sure your dog has clean water at all times
Take them on a walk — movement helps stimulate the digestive system
4. Fiber-Rich Foods
A bit of cooked green beans, sweet potato, or bran cereal (unsweetened) can help
Just a spoonful or two — too much fiber can backfire
🛑 When to Call the Vet
If it’s been more than 2–3 days with no poop
If your dog is straining, crying, vomiting, or seems in pain
Or if you see blood or mucus in the stool
❌ Don’t Give:
Human laxatives (like Dulcolax or Ex-Lax)
Enemas — unless your vet says it’s okay
Milk (can cause more issues than it solves)
TL;DR:
Try pumpkin, a little oil, hydration, and exercise first. If nothing changes in a day or two, it’s vet time. Better safe than sorry with your furry friend!
If your dog is constipated, there are a few safe and effective things you can try at home, but always check with your vet first—especially if symptoms last more than a day or worsen.
ReplyDeleteCommon Remedies for Dog Constipation:
Pumpkin (Plain, Canned)
Pumpkin is high in fiber and moisture, which helps soften stools and promote digestion.
Give about 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight, mixed into their food.
Increase Water Intake
Make sure your dog drinks plenty of water to stay hydrated, which helps keep stools soft.
Exercise
Regular walks and playtime can stimulate bowel movements.
Olive Oil or Coconut Oil
A small amount (about 1 teaspoon for small dogs, up to 1 tablespoon for large dogs) added to food can help lubricate the digestive tract.
Canned Dog Food or Wet Food
The extra moisture content may help ease constipation.
Fiber Supplements
Some vets recommend adding fiber supplements like psyllium husk (Metamucil) but only under veterinary guidance.
What to Avoid
Avoid giving human laxatives or stool softeners without vet approval — many are toxic to dogs.
Don’t give dairy products as they can worsen digestion.
When to See a Vet
If constipation lasts more than 2 days.
If your dog is vomiting, lethargic, or showing signs of pain.
If there’s blood in the stool or difficulty defecating.
If your dog’s constipated, don’t panic — it’s common and usually treatable at home if it’s mild. Here’s what you can give (or do) to help get things moving:
ReplyDelete1. Canned Pumpkin (plain, not pie filling!)
High in fiber and moisture
Give about 1–2 tablespoons for small dogs or 2–5 tablespoons for larger dogs, mixed into their food
Works gently and naturally within a few hours or by the next day
2. Olive Oil or Coconut Oil
Acts as a lubricant
Add ½ to 1 teaspoon (small dog) or 1–2 teaspoons (larger dog) to their food
Don’t overdo it — too much oil can cause diarrhea
3. More Water & Exercise
Dehydration is a common cause of constipation
Make sure your dog has clean water at all times
Take them on a walk — movement helps stimulate the digestive system
4. Fiber-Rich Foods
A bit of cooked green beans, sweet potato, or bran cereal (unsweetened) can help
Just a spoonful or two — too much fiber can backfire
🛑 When to Call the Vet
If it’s been more than 2–3 days with no poop
If your dog is straining, crying, vomiting, or seems in pain
Or if you see blood or mucus in the stool
❌ Don’t Give:
Human laxatives (like Dulcolax or Ex-Lax)
Enemas — unless your vet says it’s okay
Milk (can cause more issues than it solves)
TL;DR:
Try pumpkin, a little oil, hydration, and exercise first. If nothing changes in a day or two, it’s vet time. Better safe than sorry with your furry friend!