If your dog has been showing signs of constipation, you may be worried about the long-term effects on its health.

In this guide, we’ll give you a breakdown of the questions ‘what can you give a dog for constipation’, so you can help to aid their symptoms and improve their digestive system with diet and fluids.

Worried? Consult A Professional

Before we get into our remedies, it’s important to note that if your dog doesn’t seem to be getting any better, you should go to a vet for a professional medical opinion.

After researching dog health, and why constipation might affect your dog, we’re sure you’ll do everything possible to help them. However, sometimes the cause is less obvious than it seems, and your dog might need some medicine to help it recover.

If your dog is constipated and doesn’t seem to improve, you should consult your veterinarian to determine the cause and the appropriate treatment. Your veterinarian may recommend increasing your dog’s fiber intake by feeding them high-fiber foods like pumpkin or green beans.

They may also recommend adding more water to your dog’s diet to help soften their stools.

In some cases, your veterinarian may need to prescribe a laxative or other medication to help relieve your dog’s constipation. It is important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions and not give your dog medication without consulting them first. When in doubt, a vet knows best!

High Fibre Foods For Constipation

High-fiber foods are a great way to encourage your dog to pass their constipation naturally. When a dog is constipated, its stools can become hard and dry, making it difficult for them to eliminate.

Increasing their fibre intake can help to soften their stools and make it easier for them to pass. Additionally, fiber can help to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut, which can support your dog’s overall digestive health.

Some high-fiber foods that you can give your dog include:

  • Pumpkin
  • Green beans
  • Oatmeal
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Broccoli

It is important to remember that you should always introduce new foods to your dog’s diet gradually to avoid upsetting their digestive system. Additionally, you should check with your vet before making significant changes to your dog’s diet.

They can help you determine the right amount and type of fiber to give your dog based on its individual needs.

It is also very important to check that food is dog safe before you feed it to your furry friend! Not all foods that help humans will be helpful to your dog, so it’s always important to do some research beforehand.

Give Your Dog More Water

Sometimes dogs will be fussy about drinking water, which can lead to constipation. To try and relieve your dog’s constipation, encourage them to drink more water. Some ways to do this include:

  • Ensure that your dog always has fresh, clean water available.
  • Consider using a water fountain or a pet water dispenser.
  • If your dog needs a further incentive, add a little chicken broth or low-sodium beef broth to your dog’s water to make it more appealing.
  • Place the water bowl in a cooler area, such as the front porch or pantry, as dogs prefer drinking cold water.

It is important to monitor your dog’s water intake and to consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about their hydration. Some easy ways to detect if your dog is dehydrated include:

  • If their nose is dry
  • If they lack energy
  • By monitoring the level of water in their bowl
  • If they have dry or sticky gums
  • Loss of elasticity in the skin (the skin does not bounce back when gently pinched)

If you notice any of these symptoms, try encouraging your dog to drink. If they still refuse, it could indicate an underlying health condition, and you should consult a vet ASAP.

Getting A Laxative Prescribed For Your Dog

As a final resort, take your pup to the vet and ask for a laxative.

Make sure to explain to the vet what you’ve tried and noticed about your dog’s diet/drinking habits and see what they can do to help.

A laxative can be an easy way to help clear a dog’s constipation; however, it’s only a short-term solution if there is an ongoing problem with your dog’s digestion. That’s why it’s important to ask a professional for help.

Please Note: You must never give your dog medication that is not authorized by your vet. Human medicine is made especially for the human system, and it can create terrible side effects for animals with much smaller, specific digestive systems.

Final Thoughts

We hope this article has helped you to understand the question ‘what can you give a dog for constipation?’ and you get some insight into why your dog may be struggling with constipation, and what you can do to aid it.

Remember, if ever in doubt – consult a vet for help!