We had a lab that had this problem and the vet said to give wet food. so I just wet down the dry for about half an hour before feeding. Also you can put the fiber powder in the food and put stool softeners in the food. All of this was adviced by our vet. We had to do this for the last 6 years of his life.
My first concern would be why is he constipated. If there is any possibility that he may have swallowed something that has become lodged in his intestines I would get him in to the vet as soon as possible. They can x-ray to be sure it isn't a foreign body.
You really can't think in terms of people when it comes to dogs. You may be able to live with constipation for a few days where for your dog that could be fatal. Why take the risk?
I don't have a dog but my cat has that problem. We feed her a vet recomended high fiber diet and once a day I mix a vet prescribed liquid into her food. It is not expensive and works very well. I personally believe pet problems should be solved by vets rather than well meant advice. While we play around with this remedy and that remedy, the pet is suffering.
I, too, have heard about the pumpkin. Apparently you just mix a tablespoon or two into their food. They like the taste, and it is good for them. It cannot hurt to try, it is inexpensive and drug-free.
Try giving him those treats that look like smoked sausage in a stick form. There should be a lot of them around at this time of the year. Also, take him on a long walk, that usually loosens things up right quick. Especially in combination.
Login using the form on the top of the page to post feedback (if you are a registered user). If you have not yet registered, click here to do so. It's FREE!.
Archives:
Request: My Dog is Constipated
Archived on 12/11/2009
My dog is constipated. What can I do?
Benjamin from Greenfield, MA
Feedback:
RE: My Dog is Constipated
A product called "The Missing Link" has worked wonders for both my Bichon and Golden Retriever. It even helps with skin problems and weight maintenance. You can get it at 1800petmeds.com or I have also found it a Petsmart. It is relatively inexpensive and certainly worth a try. (03/24/2008)
I had the same problem with my dog and I fed her canned pumpkin and it worked great. (03/25/2008)
By AndreaR
RE: My Dog is Constipated
I worked at a pet store for a while and when this question came up we were advised by the local vet to add butter/margarine into the dog food. It should help and will also make their coats shiny. Hope this helps you. (03/25/2008)
By Debbie
RE: My Dog is Constipated
We had this problem fairly recently and the vet advised buying a Fleet's enema for humans, put Vaseline on the tip to help ease it in and slowly insert the liquid. Try to keep the dog still for a few minutes. It did work and our dog laid fairly still for it as she seemed to know we were trying to help. It did take two of us, one to give and one to pet and distract the dog. (03/25/2008)
By Beverly
RE: My Dog is Constipated
Is this a chronic problem? Exercise helps my dog a lot. If it is something that has come on suddenly I would check with the vet as it could be a blockage of some kind. (03/25/2008)
I worked for a veterinarian who prescribed Metamucil. You can put it right in the dog's food. They also love the Metamucil cookies. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink. (03/26/2008)
My Dog is Constipated. I have a 8 year old brown Kelpie and he is constipated. Does this come with age? How does one fix the problem? I am very thankful for all your answers.
Toni from Australia
Answers:
RE: My Dog is Constipated
I would ask the vet if age is an issue. One definite problem is that store-brand and low end dog foods contain a lot of corn and wheat, which can actually contribute to constipation if they don't get enough protien and fat/oils. I swear by fish oil for my dog's healthy coat and regular movements! I switched to Diamond Brand dog food (don't know if they carry it there) but read the label, and if it does not have a meat product or by product as one of it's first three ingredients, or if corn is number one, find something else! You may also need to switch to canned, as it is easier to digest and is generally better for hydration and nutrient absorption. Just make it gradual so he doesn't get the runs!
I am also a Shaklee distributor, which provides a gambit of vitamin and herbal supplements. They have no artificial ingredients or fillers, so they have a maximum potency and absorption rate. You may check out my website at www.healthyhomeworld.com and leave me a message if you have any questions, or I can email you more info. (07/12/2006)
Talk to your vet! The dog could have a serious problem. (07/14/2006)
By Robin
RE: My Dog is Constipated
When my older dog got constipated, the vet suggested a tablespoon of canned pumpkin (not pie mix) daily until things started happening. I have Pomeranians, so if you've got a larger dog, you may need a bit more. Usually took 2-3 days, and I'd give him a bit for a couple days more, but be careful. If you give too much, things may progress too rapidly, and you may have issues of the opposite sort! (07/14/2006)
When my dog used to get constipated i would put a tablespoon of caster oil in her food. That would usually do the trick. If this problem continues on please see a vet. As it can be a symptom of something else. GOOD LUCK. (07/14/2006)
By Kim
RE: My Dog is Constipated
We have an 8 year old Westie that weighs about 18 lbs. He was a rescue dog and had bad problems with constipation when we first got him. We discovered that feeding him a dry food only (Beneful) and not wet food (we had been feeding the little foil sealed tubs) helped alot. Lots of fresh clean water and exercise. He had a problem with his anal glands and I think that contributed to the problem as they stayed enlarged and bothered him. The dry food seems to "work" them and they are not much of a problem. We get them expressed every so often but they are really not too much of an issue. We still give him treats from table foods but not complete meals. Its hard not to spoil him cause rescue dogs appreciate what you do for them and especially good food so much. So if you get him checked by the vet and there are no bad issues going on, these suggestions might help. Good Luck! (07/15/2006)
By Darlene
RE: My Dog is Constipated
Stress of any kind, shortage of water, and lack of animal fat can be the culprits. I wouldn't wait too long after trying these ideas. Hopefully you don't have a sand box or kitty litter that he gets into?
(08/04/2006)
