Home Remedies For Dog Constipation

There comes a time in everyone's life when constipation rears its ugly head. The same holds true for dogs, unfortunately. Lack of exercise and proper diet can lead to bouts of constipation (sound familiar?). While you may seek a variety of ways to "eliminate" this problem in your own life, let's explore some home remedies for dog constipation which can be utilized in the eventuality it occurs in theirs.

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As mentioned earlier, a proper diet and exercise are key components in ensuring your dog has the ability to move his bowels as often as necessary. House dogs usually need to be walked twice a day while maintaining a proper diet. If your dog becomes constipated, one method to alleviate this problem is by adding one to two teaspoons of bran to his meal. This allows for extra moisture in the stool.

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Another method to soften the stool would be to add psyllium (Metamucil in the adult world) to his diet. Half a teaspoon twice a day, in addition to drinking plenty of water, will suffice. A third option would be mineral oil. This may be used in cases where there is a large build-up of hard stool. Two teaspoons, twice a day should be added to his meal, but for only a week. There are several other steps you can take to alleviate your dog's constipation. Keep his food moist by adding a bit of water. If your dog is getting on in years, add some raw meat and vegetables to his diet.

There are certain signs which can alert you to potential problems, and for which you can take immediate steps. Long hair on dogs can cause feces to become entangled; therefore, keep your dog properly groomed. Dogs tend to eat everything in sight, ensure no bones or other material has been ingested. Just as we experience constipation due to certain medications, dogs are no exception. Psychological stress is another indicator relating to constipation.

While it has been suggested that all breeds and dogs of any age are prone to constipation, there are other aspects which you may need to consider, and for which many dog owners are culpable. Never feed your dog from the dinner table. While you may indulge the dog with a few scraps here and there, you are contributing to his constipation.

Foods that contain flour, sugar, rice, dairy and high protein are the main source of the problem. Ice cream, cookies, bread, chocolate, or other unhealthy food items can cause your dog unnecessary pain. As mentioned earlier, a lack of fiber and dehydration are common causes. Another cause for concern would be a condition known as mega colon. This simply means your dog has an inflamed colon which prevents the discharge of feces.

The time to visit the vet will become evident when your dog's inability to defecate is hampered by a decreased appetite, passing blood in minimal amounts, and overall lethargy. Keep in mind, contributing to the overall health of your dog should be of the utmost importance. A dog's love is unconditional, therefore, he or she is totally dependent upon you to maintain a healthy and harmonious life. Be ever vigilant to any signs of stress and ensure his diet and exercise regimen is appropriate and on-going.

Home Remedies For Dog Constipation

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Cat Constipation

Normally a cat has bowel movements once or twice a day. If the pet does not do it or strain to do it with hard feces, the cat is suffering from Constipation. It is a very common problem with cats and an occasional bout of Constipation is nothing to worry about.

But when a cat is chronically constipated it needs serious attention. As the cats age they are more prone to this problem. There are quite a few causes of Cat Constipation. Obstructions like hairballs, tumors and foreign bodies stop the movement of the feces inside the colon, and the fecal matter builds up. This becomes a hard dry mass and distends the colon, which looses its ability to contract and expel feces. This condition is known as megacolon.

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When the cats are constipated they behave in a typical manner. They run to their litter box quite often and strain to pass stool. They make noise and start licking the anal area. They lose their appetite and become sluggish. Vomiting and passing a small amount of liquid feces is quite common.

If the Constipation is not very severe, an enema will clear the colon. Hard impacted feces may have to be physically removed in a veterinary clinic under anesthesia. Intravenous liquid is also given to prevent dehydration.

After the bout of Constipation is cleared, the underlying problem, like obstruction in the colon, has to be tackled. For the cats suffering from megacolon or an untreatable or unknown problem, a management regime has to be adopted. A high-fiber diet increases the bulk and assists in bowel movement. Increase the liquid consumption of the cat by feeding canned cat food rather than dry. Milk and soup can also be tried. We have to try and get the cat to consume liquid by a means that the cat likes.

If the megacolon is advanced, no amount of management can make it propel the stool to the exit. The only alternative is surgery. The colon is removed, and most surgeries are successful.

Cat Constipation

Constipation provides detailed information about constipation, cat constipation, causes of constipation, chronic constipation and more. Constipation is the sister site of Osteoarthritis Web.

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Dog Constipation Remedy: Useful Remedies to Treat Your Constipated Dog

If your dog is suffering from constipation, then it is up to you, as the dog owner, to find a remedy for the problem. Fortunately, there are a lot of remedies you can employ to save your pet from this uncomfortable situation. If you are looking for a remedy, then you may want to look into the following options:

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Water

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Constipation can be caused by dehydration. If you are looking for an easy home remedy for dog constipation, all you have to do is give your dog a lot of water. Fluids can regulate the bowel movement and will cure your dog of constipation. Make sure that your dog has enough water to drink at all times. Always refill your dog's water to ensure that it has enough to drink.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is known as a natural laxative because it has very high fiber content. Whenever your dog is suffering from constipation, feed it some pumpkin to soften its stools. This will make it easier for your dog to defecate and will put it in a good mood.

Fiber

Fiber is always helpful when it comes to regulating bowel movement. Introducing fiber supplements to constipated dogs is a popular dog constipation remedy. You can find a lot of fiber supplement varieties in pet stores or even supermarkets. You can get the one in powdered form and dilute it in water so that your dog can drink it.

Wet Dog Food

If you dog is constipated, it may be necessary to change the kind of dog food that you have. Choose a type of dog food that is rich in fiber and has minimum grain content. Changing your dog's food can help your dog digest easier and it can also help soften its stools.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is also a common remedy for dog constipation, as it is known to help in regulating bowel movement. However, since aloe vera does not have a very pleasurable taste, it may be necessary to get it in juice form and mix it with your dog's food to ensure that your dog takes it properly.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a popular lubricant and laxative. If your dog is having trouble defecating, then it is highly advisable to mix some olive oil in its food. You can employ more than one dog constipation remedy. However, if your dog frequently suffers from constipation, the best remedy to employ is to change its diet, as there is a high possibility that it does not get enough fiber.

Dog Constipation Remedy: Useful Remedies to Treat Your Constipated Dog

Learn more about dog constipation and other common dog health problems, visit DogAilments.org.

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