Natural Laxatives for Canines

Like humans, dogs get constipated. Most times it's nothing to worry about, and it will easily correct itself with a little at-home care. Prolonged periods of constipation---those that last a few days to a week---will warrant a trip to the veterinarian to make sure there is no physical obstruction or other illness causing the problem.

  1. Recognizing the Problem

    • Learning to read your dog's body language is important.

      Constipation isn't always easily recognizable, but becoming familiar with your dog's everyday habits will help you to know when there's something out of the ordinary. Dogs that are suffering from acute constipation will benefit from natural laxatives. If the dog needs to strain in order to defecate or if the stools that he finally passes seem dry and hard, he may be able to benefit from some natural laxatives added to his diet. Before giving this type of remedy, be sure there is no blood in the stools that he passes; this can be a sign of a much more serious problem, and you should consult a veterinarian.

    Types of Laxatives

    • One of the easiest natural cures for constipation is water. Dehydration can cause constipation in dogs, so make sure the dog is drinking plenty of water. Milk can also help in the process of loosening stools, but too much milk can cause diarrhea. For a case of constipation that isn't chronic, you can add mineral oil to the dog's food to help oil the digestive tract; only do this occasionally, however, as it isn't good for the dog if given every day. Canned pumpkin can also act to loosen the stools, but make sure that it's plain, unseasoned pumpkin, not pie filling.

    Giving the Dog Medicine

    • Most dogs aren't going to pass up a snack---even if it contains medicine.

      You can add natural laxatives like milk and canned pumpkin to the dog's normal diet, mixed in with his regular food. You can also make pumpkin into a treat, combining it with plain yogurt and freezing it into a cube. Most dogs don't have a problem with eating between regular meals, so giving a small amount of pumpkin, milk or mineral oil mixed into a small snack between meals can be effective.

    Preventative Maintenance

    • Some dogs can be more susceptible to constipation than others. As long as the condition is not chronic and there are periods where the dog's digestive system is normal, it can help to add some natural laxatives on a daily basis to keep the problem from happening. You can give pumpkin daily without adverse side effects, and a high-fiber diet can also help control episodes of constipation. There are high-fiber foods available, but adding some plain wheat bran to the dog's diet can have the same effect. If constipation is a regular problem, avoid giving table scraps and foods that can interfere with the dog's digestion.