Your pup may not be able to say, “Help! I’m constipated!” but the signs of constipation are obvious if you know to look for them. It’s uncomfortable but quick relief for constipated dogs is possible in most cases. Discover five ways to help pups poop! Plus, learn when you should abandon home remedies and head to the vet instead.
Signs of Constipation
You probably know your dog’s pooping schedule. Typically, a dog goes at the very least once each day, but your dog may have as many bowel movements as you provide meals each day. When your dog is constipated, they want to produce feces but they’re unable to. Some of the behaviors you may notice include scooting their butts, squatting as if they are getting ready to poop but not being able to, and if it’s severe, your dog may whine or cry. Other symptoms of constipation include vomiting, not eating as much, watery poop, or soggy poop with mucus.
Constipated dogs may try to poop but are unable to.
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Causes of Constipation
There isn’t a single cause of constipation in dogs. It could be a variety of reasons. Sometimes long hair paired with excessive grooming is the culprit whereas other times, your dog may have gotten into something that’s a bit irritating to the stomach. However, some reasons for constipation are a bit more serious. For example, a diseased colon could cause constipation as well as an intestinal obstruction. Hormonal diseases can be at play, or it could be an enlarged colon, a neurological disease, or tumors in the colon. Sometimes, constipation is due to fear and anxiety. Other times, it could be a lack of physical activity, and sometimes it’s as simple as a change in the type of food your dog is eating.
Constipation in dogs could be caused by a variety of reasons including a medical issue or changes in their diet.
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Quick Relief for Constipated Dogs: 5 Ways to Help Your Dog Poop
1. Walk / Play
If your dog hasn’t been doing a lot of physical activity recently, that could be the culprit for constipation. You can help your pup move things along by engaging them in play so that they get a bit of exercise. If not play, simply take a walk around your neighborhood. Getting your pup to move their body can help stimulate a bowel movement. Since you’re already out and about, it would be easy for your pup to relieve themselves after a bit of exercise.
2. Provide a Fiber Supplement
A good fiber supplement helps to increase the fiber inside your pup’s body. When fiber is present, stool softens, which makes it easy for your pup to have a regular pooping schedule. Check with your vet for specific recommendations!
3. Feed Pumpkin
That’s right, pumpkin! The puréed version doesn’t just deliver the moisture your dog needs to help move things along, it’s also a great source of fiber. Make sure you go for 100% pumpkin purée though. Dogs enjoy the flavor, and it helps to regulate their digestive tract.
4. Increase Water Intake
While pumpkin purée offers the moisture your dog needs, there’s nothing quite like proper water intake. Make sure that your pup always has access to fresh water, so they are getting enough hydration every day. If you notice that your dog is not drinking water at all, there’s something going on. It’s best to head to the vet right away.
Getting your dog to drink more water not only ensures proper hydration but can help avoid constipation.
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5. Use a Stool Softener
Before you give your dog a stool softener, make sure to check with your vet for recommendations. Sometimes, Miralax powder can help with getting your dog to poop. It’s unflavored and you just mix it in with their food. There are also lubricant gels that you can use but again, instead of trying to do this on your own, get your vet’s recommendation first.
Sometimes, home remedies don’t cut it. That’s when you call your vet.
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When It’s Time for a Vet Visit
Although home remedies can help your constipated pup, in some cases, constipation calls for a vet visit. A dog’s constipation should resolve within two days and if you are trying home remedies and your dog is still struggling to poop, you need to let your veterinarian know and bring your pup in so they can determine the cause of the constipation. Your vet will perform a full exam to determine the underlying cause of your dog’s constipation. Make sure you provide your vet with all the information they need, including what you’ve observed over the last two days, any injuries your pup may have, and any medications or supplements your pup is currently taking.
