Effective Dog Constipation Remedies for Natural Digestion Support

Dogs may be facing the discomfort of constipation at times. It can be frustrating, as well as a possible sign of a deeper health concern. With that said, you, as a pet parent, may be worried about what really might be going on. You notice that your dog is straining to pass a stool or may be uncomfortable during recent defecation sessions.

Perhaps the best solution may be dog constipation remedies that can be great for natural digestive support. You’ll learn about what those are, so you can be ready to apply them whenever necessary. Of course, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian beforehand for any guidance you might need.

What To Know About Constipation in Dogs?

When normal bowel movements are infrequent or difficult to produce, that is typically a sign that constipation in dogs exists. This can be due to several common causes. Stool could be small, hard, or dry, creating a hard fecal mass that can be painful for dogs to pass. If unaddressed, chronic constipation may become a serious issue, as well as rectal prolapse (both of which require veterinary attention).

One thing to note is that the large intestine (colon) plays a crucial role in stool formation, among other tasks. Thus, if waste remains in the colon for longer periods of time, that’s when too much water gets absorbed, making the stool itself dry and difficult for expulsion. As such, there are common causes that you need to be aware of, including:

• Dehydration or insufficient water absorption
• Anal gland or anal sac issues
• Lack of fiber in your dog’s diet
• Foreign objects or internal blockages that may be in the gastrointestinal tract
• Enlarged prostate gland (if your dog is an older male dog)
• Renal issues that can cause a reduction in rehydration levels
• Neurological disorders affecting the peristaltic waves
• Limited mobility due to orthopedic issues
• Sedentary lifestyle

These underlying factors could be to blame for your dog’s constipation. However, the first step in finding effective and safe dog constipation remedies is to pinpoint what’s causing it to happen in the first place. From there, your veterinarian will be able to consider one that will be excellent in supporting your dog’s natural digestive rhythm.

What Are the Signs of Canine Constipation?

It’s one thing to know the cause of canine constipation. Yet, it’s another to know what to look out for when it comes to the signs. As a pet parent, you’ll want to be vigilant and watch your dog to see if they exhibit the following:

• Straining or whimpering during defecation
• Decreased appetite or abdominal discomfort
• Produces small, dry stools or none at all
• Scooting or licking around their anal area
• Restlessness or signs of pain
• Swelling near the anal sacs or glands

If you notice that your dog is going more than two days without a bowel movement, or if you notice serious signs like vomiting, lethargy, or blood, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. This can be a sign of a serious concern, and your vet may be able to perform diagnostic tests like a blood test, abdominal ultrasound, or rectal examination that can rule out major conditions.

What Are the Top Dog Constipation Remedies to Try at Home?

If your dog is dealing with constipation that is mild or occasional, there are plenty of home remedies that you can consider for promoting normal bowel function. All of these are natural, gentle, and effective under the guidance of a veterinarian. These include the following:

Increase Hydration

Perhaps one of the most common causes of dog constipation is dehydration. That’s why it is important for your dog to hydrate on a regular basis. To encourage this, you will need to do the following:

• Provide fresh water throughout the day
• Use water fountains that can encourage your dog to drink
• Offer ice cubes so they can lick on them
• Add moisture-rich canned food to their meals

With regular hydration support, it can make gastrocolic reflex activity as strong as it needs to be. This will be necessary to ensure stools move through the colon as they normally do.

Use Canned Pumpkin or Pumpkin Puree

One of the tried and true ways to relieve constipation is using pumpkin. Whether it’s canned or in puree form (not pie filling, by the way), it can really get the job done thanks to its generous amounts of fiber and water. Simply put, they both work together to make stools softer and improve motility in the gastrointestinal tract. If you’re using canned pumpkin puree, add it to your dog’s regular food using the following formula:

1 teaspoon = per 10 pounds of body weight

So, for example, if your dog is 25 pounds, then it’s 2.5 teaspoons. If they are 5 pounds, then it’s 0.5 teaspoons. You’re giving your dog soluble dietary fiber that will balance the gut microbiome as well as support a peristaltic wave. 

Include Healthy Oils

This includes small amounts of coconut, olive, or vegetable oil. These are excellent for lubricating the colon and softening stools. Even better, it has all kinds of natural detoxifying properties that can be good for additional health support. One thing to be aware of is that overdoing it isn’t a good idea. 

Too much can cause loose stools (which is not a good thing) or gastrointestinal issues. As always, it is important to make sure you contact your veterinarian before you incorporate oils into your dog’s diet.

Consider Fiber Supplements or Probiotic Support

With vet approval, fiber supplements may be the best option in maintaining stool consistency and promoting regularity. Likewise, probiotic supplements and probiotic treats can be an excellent option. At Under The Weather, we offer products that provide your four-legged friend with the best gut health support possible so they can feel their best and even have a better functioning digestive system that works like clockwork.

Try Mild Stool Softeners

If your dog is experiencing hard stools or painful defecation, your veterinarian may recommend docusate sodium as a mild stool softener. Or, they could recommend something more natural, like fiber-rich food toppers. Either way, both can increase water retention in the colon to ensure that stools pass more comfortably.

Gentle Exercise and Movement

Yes, we wouldn’t want to leave out at least some light physical activity. For example, regular walks are useful here since they can stimulate the gastrocolic reflex that supports natural bowel movements. If you have an older dog recovering from orthopedic issues, such exercises or gentle play can make a huge difference for them when it comes to constipation relief.

Ask your veterinarian about exercise activities your dog can participate in if you have any questions or concerns, especially if they’re already dealing with certain conditions where exercise may be out of the question. 

When Must Constipation Require Veterinary Attention

Though mild constipation can be managed at home, it’s persistent or chronic constipation that may require veterinary evaluation. During a physical exam, they may look for the following:

• Anal sac disease or impaction
• Signs of internal blockage or foreign objects
• Enlargement of lymph nodes or masses in the abdomen
• Neurologic diseases that may interfere with bowel control
• Enlarged prostate (if the dog is an intact male)

If the case is advanced, this can involve manual removal of fecal material or additional diagnostic tests like imaging and bloodwork. Severe situations like rectal prolapse or long-standing impaction may need to be solved by way of surgical intervention or even a partial or subtotal colectomy, though these cases are rare.

Finally, it should be noted that your vet may also consider nerve-stimulating medications or therapeutic options for renal issues if they are linked to contributing to constipation issues in your dog. The goal is to make sure that your vet finds the safest and most effective path to recovery for your dog.

At Under The Weather, we believe that your dog’s health is important, and we’ll make sure that our products, from our bland diet foods to high-fiber food toppers (and some things in between), work to make sure that your four-legged friend’s digestive system is in good working order for the long run. While our products do not substitute medication or vet visits, they are made from natural ingredients that go a long way in providing your dog the health support that they need.

Supporting Your Dog’s Digestive Health

Dog constipation can be solved easily and at home if the cases are mild. However, it may be a good idea to be vigilant to ensure that it is not a serious case. If you notice some of the signs that we’ve listed above, such as constipation occurring more than 24 to 48 hours after discovery, veterinarian intervention is a must. To see what products Under The Weather has for your dog’s digestive health and more, check us out today.