What to Give a Dog for Constipation: A Vet’s Advice

Constipation can be an uncomfortable experience for dogs, and it’s equally worrying for their owners. If your dog struggles to pass stools regularly, they might feel bloated, uncomfortable, and even lose their appetite. In some serious cases, constipation can lead to dangerous complications like intestinal blockages, which need urgent care. That’s why it’s so important to keep an eye on your dog’s bowel habits and help them feel better quickly.

By recognizing the signs of constipation, understanding what causes it, and knowing how to respond, you can help your dog return to normal, happy self. 

Signs Your Dog Might Be Constipated

Spotting the signs of constipation is the first step in helping your dog. Sometimes, the symptoms can be subtle, but others are more noticeable. Here are a few common signs that might indicate your dog is constipated:

• Straining or having difficulty when trying to poop
• Passing small, hard, or dry stools
• Repeated but unsuccessful attempts to go to the bathroom
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or seeming less active than usual
• Vomiting or signs of stomach discomfort
• A bloated or visibly swollen belly

Common Causes of Constipation in Dogs

Constipation can happen for a number of reasons, ranging from minor dietary issues to more serious health problems. Knowing what might be behind your dog’s constipation can help you address it. 

As Kathleen Claussen, DVM, says: “In normal digestion, waste is full of water and electrolytes as it is pushed through the intestines to the colon by an automatic muscular motion called peristaltic waves. The water is absorbed in the colon and the waste is moved out as a stool. 

If this process becomes slow or impaired, the colon will keep absorbing water and the stool will become harder, drier, and possibly compacted.

Some of the most common causes of constipation in dogs include:

• Lack of exercise
• Poor diet or sudden diet changes
• Not enough fiber
• Blockages from eating non-food items like garbage, bones, gravel, or plants 
• Too much self-grooming that leads to hair collecting in the stool
• Age
• Hypothyroidism
• Renal issues
• Enlarged prostate
• Enlarged colon
• Anal gland problems
• Dehydration
• Spinal injury
• Certain medications
• Surgery or anesthesia effects 
• Stress or anxiety
• Tumors 
• Trauma to the pelvis”

Why Untreated Constipation Can Be Risky

While mild constipation might not seem like a big deal, if it lasts too long, it can lead to more serious issues. Here are a few risks associated with untreated constipation:

• Impaction: If stools become too hard and dry, they can get stuck in the colon, causing discomfort and requiring veterinary care.
• Intestinal blockage: A complete obstruction of the digestive tract, whether from a foreign object or hardened stools, can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
• Dehydration: Ongoing constipation can make it harder for your dog’s body to absorb fluids, worsening dehydration.
• Electrolyte imbalances: Severe constipation can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in your dog’s body, leading to additional health concerns.
• Loss of appetite and weight loss: If your dog stops eating due to discomfort, weight loss can worsen their overall health.
• Lethargy and discomfort: Constipation can make your dog sluggish and uncomfortable, affecting their mood and energy.

How to Help a Constipated Dog Go Quickly Using Home Remedies

Many pet owners prefer to start with natural solutions when dealing with constipation. Here are some effective home remedies to try that Kathleen Claussen, DVM recommended in her article:

“Most of the time, occasional constipation can easily be treated at home with lifestyle adjustments. You may be able to help ease your dog’s constipation with a home remedy, but make sure to talk to your vet first. Constipation can be a sign of more serious conditions.

If your dog is constipated, you can try these home remedies to relieve their pain:

• Pumpkin puree. This puree is high in fiber and moisture, it helps regulate the digestive tract, and 100% pumpkin puree is best. Do not give your dog pumpkin pie filling. You can feed your dog the puree straight from the can, and they will consider it a nice treat. 
• Canned dog food. The softer food and higher moisture content will help regulate their digestive system and create softer stool. You should mix canned food in with their normal food to avoid an upset stomach.
• Dietary fiber supplements will increase fiber in their bodies, which will help soften their stool and regulate their bowel movements. Ask your veterinarian to recommend specific types and dosages of supplements for your dog.
• Access to fresh water makes sure they are well-hydrated. It is best to encourage your dog to drink plenty of water. If they are not drinking anything at all, you should seek veterinary care. 
• Exercise. Take your dog for long walks to get their bowels moving and stimulate a healthy movement. Exercises like running, fetch, and chase are great ways to promote a healthy digestive tract. “

Is It Safe to Give Laxatives or Enema To Your Dog?

Giving your dog laxatives or enemas at home is something you should only do if your vet specifically recommends it and shows you how to do it safely. Otherwise, it’s best to leave this to the professionals!

When to See the Vet

Home remedies can often help with mild constipation, but there are times when it’s important to seek professional veterinary care. Here’s when to call the vet:

• If your dog hasn’t pooped for more than 48 hours, despite trying home remedies.
• If your dog shows signs of severe abdominal pain, like whining, arching their back, or refusing to move.
• If they’re vomiting, not eating, or seem unusually lethargic.
• If there’s blood in their stools.
• If your dog has an underlying medical condition that could complicate the constipation.
• If the constipation isn’t improving or gets worse after trying remedies for more than a day or two.

How Can Pet Insurance Help You if Your Dog Needs a Treatment?

Pet insurance can be a valuable tool in managing the costs of treating a dog’s veterinary expenses. By having a pet insurance policy in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that you can provide medical care for your furry companion without worrying about the financial burden. Pet insurance can help cover the costs of veterinary consultations, diagnostic tests, medications, and even specialized treatments if required.

Reimbursement

This method is the most common for pet insurance companies. You pay out of pocket for the veterinarian bill, and then the insurance company reimburses you for what’s covered under the insurance plan. The steps look like this.

• You pay the vet bill after your dog’s visit.
• You fill out the pet insurance claim form.
• Submit the claim form and other required documentation to the insurer. 
• After the claim is approved, you will be reimbursed for eligible expenses. 

What Does Odie Pet Insurance Cover?

Pet insurance covers various veterinary expenses, providing financial protection and peace of mind for pet owners. Here are the details of the coverage options offered by Odie Pet Insurance:

Illness & Injury Plan

The Illness & Injury Plan is an all-inclusive insurance plan designed to cover a wide range of medical needs for your pet. This plan includes comprehensive coverage for various illnesses, injuries, and veterinary services. Some of the covered items include:

• 24/7 Televet Chat
• Emergency vet visits
• Overnight hospital stays
• IV Fluids & Medications
• Medical Supplies
• Surgeries
• MRI/CAT Scans
• Rehabilitative Care
• Prescription Medications
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Laboratory Tests

Accident-Only Plan

The Accident-Only Plan is designed for pet owners seeking coverage specifically for accidents. This plan provides financial protection for emergency veterinary care resulting from accidental injuries. It includes 90% reimbursement up to $10,000 each year, with a $250 annual deductible. 

Here’s an overview of the Accident-Only Plan:

• Coverage for broken bones, sprains, eye injuries, and traumatic dental fractures.
• Coverage for wounds, including bite wounds, lacerations, snake bites, and bee stings.
• Veterinary treatments covered for accidental injuries include X-rays & ultrasounds, laboratory tests, emergency care, hospitalization, CT scan & MRI, and surgery.

The Wellness Add-on Plan

The Wellness Plan is an add-on for routine care coverage you can purchase with an insurance policy. It focuses on preventive care and covers routine veterinary services. Odie has two wellness plan options available: 

 Basic Plan:

• Covers services such as spay/neuter and teeth cleaning, rabies vaccination, flea & tick prevention, heartworm prevention, vaccination/titer, wellness exam, heartworm test or FELV screen, blood, fecal, parasite exam, microchip, urinalysis or ERD, and deworming.
• Reimbursement up to $305 per year.

Plus Plan:

• Ideal for puppies and kittens.
• Covers services such as spay/neuter and teeth cleaning, rabies vaccination, flea & tick prevention, heartworm prevention, vaccination/titer, wellness exam, heartworm test or FELV screen, blood, fecal, parasite exam, microchip, urinalysis or ERD, and deworming.
• Reimbursement up to $535 per year.