Cures For Constipation in Dogs
If your dog is exhibiting signs of being constipated (infrequent or difficult elimination of feces), the first thing you need to do is see your vet for a proper diagnosis.
There are a number of reasons why your dog may have become constipated and some of them could actually be fatal.
Pelvic fractures, prostate disease or tumors are just some of the serious medical conditions that may cause constipation.
If a major physical ailment is ruled out, then most likely a dietary or environmental factor is to blame.
Proper Nutrition Adequate consumption of fiber and water are necessary for proper digestive function.
Dog foods that contain a moderate amount of whole ground grains such as rice, oats, barley and millet are best.
Excessive amounts or the wrong type of fiber often found in inexpensive dog foods can cause cause loose stools and gas.
It's best to stay with name brands when choosing your dog's food.
Reputable dog food companies ensure balanced nutrition by formulating diets with the right levels of fiber for a dog's age and activity level.
Water is Important Water is an essential element in maintaining efficient gastrointestinal function.
If your dog does not have daily access to fresh water, he will become constipated and possibly dehydrated, which can lead to kidney and heart damage.
As a guideline, animals need about 1/40 liter of water per pound of body weight.
A 40-pound dog should drink a liter of water per day to remain healthy.
Variables such as warm weather and rigorous exercise will elevate the amount of water your dog needs to consume.
Environmental Factors Changes in your dog's daily routine, such as a visit to the veterinarian's office, too much or a lack of exercise, and monthly flea or heartworm treatments, may result in him becoming constipated.
This problem will usually resolve itself in a couple of days after his schedule returns to normal.
How You Can Help In the absence of a serious underlying medical condition, there are some things you can do to help your dog's digestive system get back on track.
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of bran to your dog's food, which add moisture to the stool.
- A half teaspoon of psyllium husk, two times per day added to your dog's diet, will also act as a stool softener.
Psyllium husk (Metamucil) is a natural, bulk-forming laxative that can be found in most drug and health food stores.
- Two teaspoons of mineral oil, twice daily, is another option to treat constipation.
This method can be continued for up to a week.
If the constipation is not resolved in that time, visit your veterinarian.
- A tablespoon of canned pumpkin added to your dog's food twice a day will add needed moisture to his system.
- A half teaspoon of fish oil once per day is beneficial in helping the stool to hold moisture.
Prevention is the always the best medicine.
With proper hydration, diet, daily exercise and providing regular opportunities for your dog to eliminate - you can rest easy knowing that you are doing all the right things to ensure your dog's health and overall well-being.
There are a number of reasons why your dog may have become constipated and some of them could actually be fatal.
Pelvic fractures, prostate disease or tumors are just some of the serious medical conditions that may cause constipation.
If a major physical ailment is ruled out, then most likely a dietary or environmental factor is to blame.
Proper Nutrition Adequate consumption of fiber and water are necessary for proper digestive function.
Dog foods that contain a moderate amount of whole ground grains such as rice, oats, barley and millet are best.
Excessive amounts or the wrong type of fiber often found in inexpensive dog foods can cause cause loose stools and gas.
It's best to stay with name brands when choosing your dog's food.
Reputable dog food companies ensure balanced nutrition by formulating diets with the right levels of fiber for a dog's age and activity level.
Water is Important Water is an essential element in maintaining efficient gastrointestinal function.
If your dog does not have daily access to fresh water, he will become constipated and possibly dehydrated, which can lead to kidney and heart damage.
As a guideline, animals need about 1/40 liter of water per pound of body weight.
A 40-pound dog should drink a liter of water per day to remain healthy.
Variables such as warm weather and rigorous exercise will elevate the amount of water your dog needs to consume.
Environmental Factors Changes in your dog's daily routine, such as a visit to the veterinarian's office, too much or a lack of exercise, and monthly flea or heartworm treatments, may result in him becoming constipated.
This problem will usually resolve itself in a couple of days after his schedule returns to normal.
How You Can Help In the absence of a serious underlying medical condition, there are some things you can do to help your dog's digestive system get back on track.
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of bran to your dog's food, which add moisture to the stool.
- A half teaspoon of psyllium husk, two times per day added to your dog's diet, will also act as a stool softener.
Psyllium husk (Metamucil) is a natural, bulk-forming laxative that can be found in most drug and health food stores.
- Two teaspoons of mineral oil, twice daily, is another option to treat constipation.
This method can be continued for up to a week.
If the constipation is not resolved in that time, visit your veterinarian.
- A tablespoon of canned pumpkin added to your dog's food twice a day will add needed moisture to his system.
- A half teaspoon of fish oil once per day is beneficial in helping the stool to hold moisture.
Prevention is the always the best medicine.
With proper hydration, diet, daily exercise and providing regular opportunities for your dog to eliminate - you can rest easy knowing that you are doing all the right things to ensure your dog's health and overall well-being.
