Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal problem in dogs. If your dog has trouble keeping his stool soft and easy to pass, he likely needs food for dog constipation.
Pet nutrition for dog constipation , Stimulating intake of food, Intestinal mobility and improve gastrointestinal function, Loss of bile salts and decrease intestinal inactivity.
A dog’s digestive system is an important part of it’s health and well being. Dog constipation can be a major problem if not taken care of. This food can help improve the digestion, so your dog can have a better quality of life
Food For Dog Constipation
Just like people, dogs can experience constipation which can make him uncomfortable and even cause him pain. The condition can usually be attributed to a lack of fiber in his diet or not drinking enough water during the day. Feeding your dog certain types of people food can also contribute to the problem. There are many options for treating constipation, we’ve listed just a few to get you started.
Please keep in mind that you should always consult your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet or administering medications (and also to be certain that he isn’t exhibiting symptoms of a more serious illness or disorder).
What Causes Constipation in Dogs?
Let’s start by defining constipation. According to the Veterinary Centers of America, constipation is when a dog has a difficult time passing stool or has infrequent stool. Constipation is usually a temporary issue and may cause your dog significant discomfort while it occurs.
There are many causes of constipation in dogs. Some of the most common causes of constipation include:
Eating too much fiber: This can happen when your dog eats low-quality dog food or is being fed table scraps, which is why here at Pet Plate, we take every measure to balance our pet meals properly.
Eating too little fiber: Fiber helps prevent dry and hard stool, which is why your dog must get enough fiber daily to prevent constipation.
Not enough exercise: It’s unknown exactly why, but being sedentary can slow down the transit of stool.
Matted hair around the anus: A dog with matted fur around the anus may become constipated and need a professional groomer or veterinarian to get their fur back under control. A dog may experience the same symptoms if they are continuously overgrooming themselves as well.
Ate something strange: Per the Veterinary Centers of America, this is the most likely cause of dog constipation. Often, a dog may eat something indigestible or irritating, which causes them to have constipation.
Hormonal diseases: Hormonal diseases, like hyperparathyroidism or hypothyroidism, can disrupt the system and cause constipation.
Medication side effects: Certain medications, such as diuretics, narcotic pain relievers, antihistamines, and sucralfate, are known to cause constipation in dogs as a side effect.
Dehydration: When a dog is dehydrated, their GI tract can become dehydrated, resulting in hard and dry stools.
Stress: Stress can cause a dog to “hold it.” Ongoing fear and anxiety are also known to prevent regular bowel movements.
Colon diseases: The colon is crucial for water absorption in the body. If a dog’s colon is compromised in any way, they may experience hard, dry stool.
Digestive Tract Tumors: Tumors can upset the body’s ability to pass stool easily.
Osteoarthritis: A dog with osteoarthritis may struggle to properly squat to defecate, which can cause further strain on their bodies.
Now that we’ve discussed some of the reasons a dog may have constipation, let’s look at signs that your dog is experiencing constipation.
How to Tell if Your Dog is Constipated
Think your dog may be constipated? Here are a few signs to watch out for:
No bowel movements in more than two days
Straining or crying while trying to poop
Small amounts of watery feces (while this may seem like diarrhea, this is often from a dog straining to defecate)
Dry and hard stools
Multiple, unsuccessful attempts to defecate
Pain or tension when you touch their abdomen
Changes in appetite
Frequent circling or scooting (dragging their bottom on the ground)
Weight loss
4 Steps to Take When Your Dog is Constipated
Let’s take a look at the four steps you should take when your dog is constipated.
- Examine Their Diet
Balance is critical when examining your dog’s diet. Take a look at what you’ve been feeding your dog and study anywhere their diet could be lacking, such as too little or too much fiber.
As previously mentioned, overfeeding your dog table scraps can provide them with too much fiber. See our piece on dog food vs. human food here for an in-depth breakdown of what’s in your dog’s food and what human foods are bad for dogs.
If your dog is constipated, try feeding them easy-to-digest foods, like pumpkin and oat bran. Foods that are good for sensitive stomachs are good go-to’s when your dog is experiencing constipation. If your pet has an especially sensitive stomach, we recommend our Chompin’ Chicken meal.
- Keep Them Hydrated
Hydration is key in preventing your dog from having a dry GI tract and providing the colon with enough moisture to keep everything moving. A dehydrated dog may suffer from hard, “pebble-like” stools that are painful to pass and, in severe cases, need to be removed by a veterinarian.
Provide your dog with plenty of water and encourage them to rehydrate. Try feeding your dog canned dog food instead of their normal, dry kibble to supply them with even more moisture.
- Increase Exercise
Increasing your dog’s exercise, even for a few days, may be enough to relieve constipation and help your dog improve their popping habits, according to the Veterinary Emergency Group.
Extra movement is excellent for your dog’s health and overall mood, which can help ease constipation if their constipation is due to stress or being too sedentary. Try taking your dog for a longer than typical walk to see if this will help take their mind off their discomfort and get things moving again!
- Check in With Their Vet
The Veterinary Centers of America recommend calling your vet if your dog has not had a bowel movement for 48 to 72 hours. If your dog is constipated, call your vet for future steps. Take note of their last bowel movement, any signs of constipation, lifestyle changes, and the look and consistency of their stool to report to your vet. Frequently, constipation can be treated at home, and your vet may provide you with some food swaps or tips to help your dog out.
If your dog has recurring, frequent constipation, it’s important that you bring this up with your vet as well. Even if your dog responds well to home remedies, regular constipation can be a sign of a much larger issue, like digestive tract and colon issues or a tumor.
Don’t hesitate! Give your vet a call to get your dog back on the road to recovery.
- Pumpkin: Feeding your dog a little bit of pumpkin with his food is a great way to prevent and cure constipation. Pumpkin is high in water content and a great source of fiber. You can either puree fresh pumpkin or use canned pureed pumpkin. Take a look at our recipes for Pumpsicles, Pup-kin pie and Howl-o-ween cupcakes.
- Supplements: There are natural supplements available that will aid in curing a dog’s constipation. They usually contain additives such as acidophilus, folic acid, and vegetable enzymes. Check with your vet for recommendations.
- Laxatives: If your vet advises it, a mild laxative may do the trick. Of course the amount will depend on the size and weight of your dog.
- Enema: Your vet will tell you if this is an option he wants to pursue.
- Milk of Magnesia: A small amount of Milk of Magnesia may be all that he needs but again, check with your vet first!
- Bran (wheat & oat): Bran works as a preventative (much like pumpkin), when added to your dog’s food regularly. Ask your vet for advice on how much to add. Try our recipe for Digger’s Dream Muffins with oat bran.
- Powdered psyllium seed: Psyllium seed pull water into the stool and help move it along.
- Mineral oil: Mineral oil helps lubricate the stool.
- Aloe Ferox: Aloe Ferox has a beneficial effect on digestive functioning and acts as a natural system cleanser and remedy.
- Increased exercise: Increased exercise will massage internal organs and increase blood flow in the colon.