It's not unusual for a dog to periodically suffer from constipation. If you notice your dog straining while trying to do his business, only to pass a small amount of very dry poo--or none at all--odds are good the dog is constipated. In general, canine constipation is not a serious condition, and it is simple to remedy. However, if the situation goes unnoticed, it could lead to more significant health problems for your pooch. Fortunately, there are many at home treatment alternatives for your pet. To help your dog recover from constipation, choose one of the options listed in the guide below.

Feed the dog 1 to 2 teaspoons of puréed pumpkin. It has plenty of dietary fibre. It is nutritious and has high water content. It is also palatable to most dogs. If the dog does not seem interested in eating the pumpkin, try spreading it over a dog biscuit or adding it to the food. Make sure you use pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling which has unhealthy added sugar.

  • It's not unusual for a dog to periodically suffer from constipation.
  • Make sure you use pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling which has unhealthy added sugar.

Switch from dry dog food to canned. Compare the labels and choose the brand which uses the lowest percentage of grains. Grains are difficult for your dog to digest, and too much grain intake can be one of the causes of canine constipation.

Mix 1 teaspoon of olive oil, mineral oil or cod liver oil into the dog food. A little oil goes a long way, and too much can give your dog diarrhoea. A spoonful at mealtime can encourage her to eat and ease her constipation.

  • Switch from dry dog food to canned.
  • A little oil goes a long way, and too much can give your dog diarrhoea.

Give the dog 1 cup of chicken broth with ½ teaspoon ginger mixed in. Ginger is commonly used to treat the symptoms of a wide variety of digestive ailments, including constipation. If the dog refuses ginger, try putting 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera juice in her water.

Increase the dog's fibre intake by adding high fibre foods--such as bran flakes or broccoli--to her dog food. Alternatively, stir a can of green beans into the evening meal. Commercial fibre supplements should be used with great care and only in very small quantities. Simply ½ a teaspoon twice a day should do the trick. Be sure to avoid using a product that has added sugar or artificial colours.

Encourage the dog to exercise and make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water. A long walk or a 20 minute session of chasing the ball in the back yard can kick a slow-moving system into gear, and the exercise will encourage the dog to drink more. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of dog constipation.

  • Increase the dog's fibre intake by adding high fibre foods--such as bran flakes or broccoli--to her dog food.
  • A long walk or a 20 minute session of chasing the ball in the back yard can kick a slow-moving system into gear, and the exercise will encourage the dog to drink more.

Give the dog a small bowl of milk as a last resort, as lactose intolerance runs rampant in dogs. In small quantities, the good it may do should outweigh any negative effects.

TIP

Do not feed your dogs cheese--even if they love it--as this can lead to constipation. Make sure the dog is taken out doors at least 3 times a day. Allow the dog to have unlimited access to water. Be certain the dog gets an adequate amount of exercise.

WARNING

Do not give over-the-counter constipation medication that is intended for use by humans to a dog. Remedies listed in this guide are intended to be used one at a time. If you have tried everything and the dog is still constipated--or if he is refusing to eat and listless--take him to the veterinarian's office immediately; he may have an obstruction or blockage that needs to be removed.