Home Remedies For Canine Constipation

Usually, the leading cause of mild constipation in dogs is dehydration, change in diet, hair, lack of exercise, old age and/or lack of fiber in their diet, also known as, too much people food!

Serious constipation problems can be caused by intestinal blockage, neurological problems, prostate problems and/or intestinal parasites. For those, get your pet to your veterinarian immediately.

Before canine pharmaceutical for every health problem real or imagined became the rage, dog owners used whatever they had around the house, to help ease their dog’s discomfort. The following home remedies and having lots of water available, have helped many a plugged up dog, get “regular” again.

If possible, get that dog up and moving. Sometimes, something as simple as exercise gets the plumbing moving. If your dog is too old for a good run, take it for a walk. Carry water with you, and try to encourage them to take a drink or two along the way.

Groom your dog regularly. This is especially important if you have a long hair or thick coat dog that shed heavily. Cats aren’t the only one to get “hairballs.” Intestinal blockage can be caused by your dog swallowing balls of their own hair.

Ease up on their regular dry food. Wet it and let it soak for a while before feeding it to your pet. As your dog shows signs of improving, slowly wean them back onto their regular food.

The most important thing to remember is to keep your dog hydrated! If they are refusing to drink, mix their water half-and-half with broth.

Ice cubes and ice chips – you can also make ice cubes out of broth!

Pumpkin – canned pumpkin, not pie filling. 1 teaspoon – 2 tablespoons added to canned food, once or twice a day, depending on the size of your dog. Also works for diarrhea! Pick up an ice cube tray from a dollar store. Freeze cubes of pumpkin. Pop them out and store them in an airtight freezer bag, to use as needed.

Breakfast cereals -1/2 cup sugarless bran or shredded wheat soaked for a few minutes, then added to canned food with extra water or chicken or beef broth.

Chicken or beef broth -1/4 cup – 1 cup, depending on the size of your pet, added to their canned food or breakfast cereal.

Olive oil, cod liver oil, mineral oil or vegetable oil – 1 teaspoon per 25 lbs, mixed into your dog’s canned food.

Metamucil – mix 1/2 teaspoon – 1 teaspoon into their canned food, with extra water added, for small dogs. Mix 2 tablespoons into their canned food, with extra water added for larger dogs. Limit to two times daily. Make sure there is plenty of fresh water available!

Beans and green beans – Add some beans to your dogs diet to increase their fiber.

Canned dog food, with an extra splash of broth or water.

Milk, cottage cheese or plain yogurt – Some dogs have problems digesting dairy products. A little milk, yogurt or cottage cheese, may be just enough to help loosen things up enough to move. Do not over do!

Bottom line: Make sure your dog gets plenty of fluids. Keep them hydrated. Exercise and walk your dog at least twice a day. Feed smaller portions, more often. If their stools do not soften in 3 days, get them to your veterinarian. Their problem may be more serious than home remedies can cure.

Source by Karen Soukiasian

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