Constipation in puppies can be scary for their owners—especially if you’re not sure what to do. There are several things that you can do to help relieve your constipated dog, so don’t worry. Here are some tips that may help your pup “go” again and enjoy life as a happy puppy, free of dog constipation. When you see signs of constipation, this is your go-to guide.
Hydration is Key
The most important thing when it comes to helping your puppy poop is making sure they stay hydrated. If they don’t have plenty of water, their stool will become dry and hard, which makes it difficult or painful for them to pass. Make sure your pup has access to fresh water at all times, and keep an eye on how much they drink throughout the day—the more they drink, the better! If you notice that they aren’t drinking as much as usual, try adding a little bit of wet food or low-sodium chicken broth into their bowl, as this may be just the motivation they need to stay hydrated and their digestive tract running in tip-top shape. And remember, the more they drink, the more they pee. Read our guide on how to prevent your puppy from being in the house.
Exercise is Important Too
Exercise helps stimulate the digestive system and can help move things along, producing a normal stool if your pup is constipated. It’s a good idea to take your pup for a walk around the block or play with them in the yard for 15-20 minutes each day—this will help keep their bowels regular and prevent any future episodes of constipation. If walking isn’t an option, you can also try giving them puzzle toys filled with treats or peanut butter, as these require physical activity, which may provide similar benefits. You can also try massaging your puppy’s tummy in a clockwise motion which may help them pass stool easier and more quickly. This should only take a few minutes each day to produce normal bowel movements, but it can be very effective when done properly.
Add fiber
Adding fiber-rich foods such as pumpkin or oatmeal to your dog’s diet is a great way to get things moving again. If your dog is not getting much fiber in their dog food, this can be a health problem that causes loose stool from lack of fiber. You can also try giving them over-the-counter fiber supplements such as psyllium husk powder or Metamucil (always check with your vet first).
Make Dietary Changes
If your pup has been eating the same food every day, it might be time for dog owners to make a change. A good rule of thumb is to switch up their diet every few weeks by introducing new proteins or flavors, such as sweet potatoes or pumpkin puree, into their meal plan, which can help change things up and encourage healthy digestion. Additionally, adding probiotics into the mix in your dog’s food, along with the aforementioned high-fiber diet, may also help keep their digestive system on track while providing other health benefits too! Just make sure that whatever changes you make are done slowly and steadily over time, so you don’t shock your furry friend with drastic dietary alterations all at once.
Supplements & Medication
If dietary changes have not been successful and canine constipation continues, then you may need to consider supplements or medications prescribed by your veterinarian. There are many over-the-counter supplements available that contain natural laxatives, such as psyllium husk or slippery elm, that may help loosen stools and make them easier for puppies to pass. If these don’t work, then your vet may prescribe medication specifically for treating constipation in puppies.
Your veterinarian might also suggest some veterinary care to determine whether there are issues like an intestinal blockage, blood tests, rectal examination, and more. It might even be a medical emergency with an underlying cause. Watch your canine friend for signs of discomfort, and pay attention to dog poop. It can you a lot about the health of your animal.
Try laxatives
If all else fails, talk to your vet about using a mild laxative such as Miralax or metoclopramide (Reglan). These medications work by stimulating muscle contractions in the intestines and are often used for short-term relief of constipation symptoms. Always use these medications under the direction of a veterinarian! And be sure to have plenty of potty pads available in case the medication starts working.
Ish Happens
Constipation in puppies can be scary, but there are steps you can take to help relieve it quickly and safely. Keeping them hydrated, exercising regularly, and changing up their diet can all work together in tandem to ensure that your puppy stays regular and healthy moving forward. With these tips in mind, you should have no trouble getting your pup back on track in no time!