With Reflexologist Nuria Weaver
Home Remedies for Constipation in Dogs
Like human beings, dogs too can have the problem of constipation. In many cases, this is likely to be a mild symptom and gradually it subsides within few days. However, in some cases constipation in dogs can be a more serious problem if left untreated. You can follow some home remedies for constipation in dogs as well, which are effective and safe on their own way!
Causes for Constipation in Dogs
The inability to lose waste and toxins from the body can lead to a series of awful condition and problems. The primary causes for the constipation in dogs are:
- Dehydration can be a cause and can be associated with the constipation in dogs. In dehydration, the colon is likely to absorb the fluid from the waste which is being passed via the intestines. This makes the stools hard and is responsible for the constipation.
- If dogs are active and playful, then they may have chewed some indigestible objects such as rubber, sticks, balls, paper clips or plastic bags.
- Another possible cause for the constipation is poor quality food or highly processed food that may affect the dog digestive system. The highly processed food does not contain the necessary fiber that is required for proper digestion of food in the dog's body.
- An excessive stressful environment can be a temporary condition for the problem. This may result in a large percentage of food being expelled as waste.
- Low fiber intake is regarded as the most widely known cause.
Symptoms for Constipation in Dogs:
A common sign which many dog owners can see is frequent and forceful attempts of defecation which can either have very less or have no results at all. Other signs and symptoms for constipation in dogs are:
- Small hard and dry fecal material
- Discharge with a small amount of mucus or liquid from the anus after repeated attempts of defecate
- Soreness around the anal area which can become red and swell up
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Scooting and lethargy
- Abdominal bloating and discomfort
In milder case, the constipation is often resolved on its own or by following some home based remedies.
- Pumpkin can be used to reduce constipation in dogs. All you got to do is add a teaspoon or two of some canned pumpkin to your dog's food. This will ease them to get things move out.
- Milk can sometime be very effective. But be sure to give a very less amount of it as this in some cases can cause completely opposite problem.
- Olive oil and vegetable oil if added in your dog's food regularly can help them in a great way. However, do not give them quite often as this too can incur an opposite problem.
- If your dog is prone to frequent episodes of constipation then add some small quantity of bran to their regular diet. This will reduce the problem considerably.
- Another solution to the problem is to sprinkle some Metamucil on the dog's diet. You'll need a half teaspoon Metamucil in puppies or small dogs and two teaspoon in large dogs. This fiber supplement should be given two times a day. Do keep in mind that this should be given with plenty of water.
- If you are looking for herbs for the treatment of constipation then you can use some ginger powder. Ginger can solve many of the digestive problems in humans as well as animals too. This is helpful to reduce inflammations in dogs that may be a result of constipation. Giving your dog ginger may be quite troublesome so in this case simply combine some of the powder with wet dog food or in a chicken broth.
- Aloe vera juice can of great use to reduce constipation. Just add some small amounts of the juice with either water or some wet dog food.
Preventive measures and tips for constipation in dogs
Prevention can be the best medicine to avoid any such treatment that can affect the health of your dog greatly. Some simple tips and measures that as a dog owner you can take are listed below:
- Exercise is the best thing for the overall health of your dog. This will not only improve your bonding with your pet but also improve their digestion. This will help both you and dog to become healthier!
- Give them a high fiber diet along with adequate of liquid intake. Adequate hydration will not make the colon absorb water from the intestines.
- And yes one of the most important thing you should avoid giving your pets are commercial laxatives. This is because the laxatives are designed for humans and not dogs! This can lead to a serious problem otherwise.
- Take them out frequently as possible.
- Keep them away from thrash, bones and other table scrapes.
- Monitor the dog's diet regularly as this will help you know if there is any food item that does not suit it.
- Do not feed them soft drink or any kind of soda drinks.
- Opt for dog's food as these foods are specially made for them and will help their body to digest them easily and properly. Thus avoiding constipation.
If the above home remedies for constipation in dogs are not helpful and the condition persists, consult a veterinarian immediately who may recommend a full blood analysis and urinalysis tests.
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