Mineral Oil Natural Remedies for a Constipated Dog

A dog can become constipated for a variety of reasons. If the dog is itchy, it may groom itself excessively, which results in hair in the stool. The dog also may eat stones, dirt, gravel, bones or plants. Stopping constipation may be as easy as a diet change or, depending on the cause, as complicated as surgery. Mineral oil is just one natural remedy for constipation in dogs.

  1. Mineral Oil

    • In his book "Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats," Richard H. Pitcairn warns that mineral oil is appropriate for short-term use only because it removes vitamin A from the dog's body. Furthermore, it can become dependent on it. Put 1 tsp. of mineral oil for every 5 pounds on the dog's food twice a day for less than a week.

    Dissent

    • On its website, the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center cautions against using mineral oil because the body is unable to remove it and "the immune system will forever attempt to wall it off with inflammatory granulomas."

      According to Encyclopædia Britannica Online, inflammatory granulomas are "small collections of modified macrophages." Macrophages are specialized cells that remove blood and tissue debris from inflamed tissue. Other cells ingest bacteria and other foreign material, and form new or scar tissue. In other words, the body constantly attempts to destroy and remove the mineral oil.

    Fiber

    • Another natural method used to restore regular bowel movements is adding fiber to the dog's diet. Fiber passes through the intestinal tract unabsorbed and moves into the colon. It results in more bulky stool. Add a teaspoon or two of canned pumpkin or two or three spoonfuls of bran cereal to the dog's diet. You can also purchase a prescription high-fiber dog food.

      According to the Mar Vista website, some vets believe the colon performs better with smaller stool and will suggest a low-residue dog food. With these foods, the intestinal tract absorbs most of the nutrients.