How to treat constipation in dogs

Constipation in dogs often makes it difficult for them to pass stool, resulting in either infrequent or no bowel movements at all. This common digestive issue can be caused by various factors such as medication, lack of exercise, or a severe fiber deficiency. Similar to humans, dogs with constipation experience considerable discomfort. If your dog is constipated, you can try some home remedies to help relieve the condition. However, if the constipation is severe, it's important to take your dog to the vet immediately.

Determine if your dog is constipated. Common signs of constipation include straining during bowel movements and only being able to pass a small amount of dry stool. You may also notice stool around the anus, especially in long-haired dogs. The stool might stick to the fur, making it even harder for the dog to defecate normally. Although rare, you could even find mucus mixed with the stool when your dog is constipated.

• Straining during bowel movements causes your dog discomfort and pain.
• Be cautious, as these symptoms can sometimes be confused with other conditions, such as a urinary tract infection. A vet can help confirm whether the dog is suffering from constipation or another illness.
• If the constipation lasts for several days, your dog may show other symptoms like loss of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy. You might even notice blood around the dog's anus. Take your dog to the vet right away if you observe these signs.

Clean your dog's anus properly. It's important to regularly clean any feces stuck to your dog's anus or any other objects (such as grass) that may be caught in the fur around the area. Before touching your dog's anus, make sure to wear rubber gloves. If you have a latex allergy, you can opt for nitrile gloves instead.

• If your dog's fur is too long, trim the hair around the anus where the stool might stick. Your dog may or may not like having their fur trimmed. If they don't, soaking the hair in warm water beforehand can make the trimming process easier.
• Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth to clean the anus. The anus can become sensitive from the straining. Therefore, gently wipe and speak softly to reassure your dog. The dog can either stand or lie down during the grooming process; let them choose the position that feels most comfortable.
• After cleaning, you can apply KY Jelly to the anus to soothe any irritation. This gel can be purchased at most pharmacies.

Treating constipation. Unfortunately, once constipation sets in, it can be difficult to treat and sometimes requires the use of an enema. Be aware that oral medications can take several days to reach the lower digestive tract, so they may not be the most effective treatment once constipation occurs. However, oral laxatives are one of the most effective preventive measures. A vet can recommend treatment options for constipation, including prescribed medication. If you're unsure about what to give your dog, you can call the vet for advice.

• Mineral oil or laxatives can be used, but they are often too strong for dogs. Always consult your vet for the correct dosage based on your dog's condition.
• Mix mineral oil into your dog's food for a week. Don't give the mineral oil directly to the dog to avoid lung issues or pneumonia. Use 0.5 ml of mineral oil per kg of your dog's weight (about 1/8 teaspoon per 1 kg). For example, if your dog weighs 20 kg, add 10 ml of mineral oil (less than 1 teaspoon) to their food.
• Add a small amount of plain canned pumpkin to your dog's dry food. The amount depends on your dog's weight: 1 tablespoon for dogs under 12.5 kg, 2 tablespoons for 12.5-25 kg dogs, and 3 tablespoons for dogs over 25 kg.
• If your dog usually eats dry food, consider switching to canned food for a few days. Canned food is more moist, making it easier to pass through the digestive system. However, don't feed your dog canned food for more than a few days to avoid diarrhea.
• Give your dog 1/4 to 1/2 cup of milk. While milk can cause diarrhea in some dogs, the lactose may help relieve constipation.
• Every 12-24 hours, sprinkle fiber supplement powder containing psyllium husk into your dog's food (1/4 teaspoon for dogs under 12.5 kg, 1/2 teaspoon for dogs 12.5-25 kg, and 1 teaspoon for dogs over 25 kg). This fiber helps move food more easily through the digestive tract. Fiber supplements can be bought without a prescription at pharmacies.
• Ensure your dog drinks plenty of water when you increase fiber intake.
• If these methods don't relieve the constipation after a week, and your dog seems to worsen, take your dog to the vet for further treatment.

Increase fiber in your dog's diet. Adding fiber is an effective way to prevent and manage constipation, as well as to treat it. As with treating constipation, you can sprinkle psyllium husk powder into your dog's food. You can also feed your dog more fresh vegetables to increase fiber intake. Carrots, peas, and green beans are great choices for dogs.

• Ensure your dog drinks plenty of water when increasing fiber. The digestive system will produce more stool if fiber is present, but without enough water, the stool won't pass easily, potentially worsening constipation.

Encourage physical activity for your dog. Physical activity helps stimulate your dog's bowel movements, aiding in the easy passage of food and preventing blockages in the intestines. Avoid overexerting your dog; instead, take them for a short 15-minute walk each day.

Limit your dog's grass intake. Dogs rarely eat grass, but when they do, it can lead to constipation. You should prevent your dog from eating grass while outdoors or during walks.

Take your dog out for frequent bathroom breaks. If your dog shows signs that they need to relieve themselves, take them outside immediately. Preventing your dog from going to the bathroom only increases the chances of stool getting stuck in the intestines, which raises the risk of constipation.

Brush your dog's coat regularly. Dogs with long fur are more prone to constipation because the fur around their anus can easily collect feces. If you're comfortable trimming your dog's fur, soak it in warm water to make the process easier. If trimming around the anus is difficult, consider brushing the fur in the natural direction.

• Dogs may ingest their own fur and become constipated if they groom themselves too much. Helping your dog with grooming or taking them to a professional grooming salon can reduce the risk of them swallowing their fur.

Neuter your dog. For older male dogs, an enlarged prostate can obstruct the passage of stool, making constipation worse. If a vet determines that prostate enlargement is causing your dog's constipation, neutering may prevent further complications.

• Enlarged prostate is just one of the conditions that can cause constipation. Other issues like perineal hernia or anal sac disease may also lead to constipation. If your dog experiences frequent constipation, it's important to visit the vet to identify and treat any underlying medical conditions.