Constipation is a common problem that many dogs suffer from periodically. According to the Vet Info website, causes of canine constipation includes change in dog food, lack of water, anxiety and lack of exercise. Signs of constipation in dogs often include lack of bowel movements, hard or dry feces and excessive straining when the dog is trying to pass its bowels. There are several home remedies that can relieve your dog's constipation and prevent future occurrences.
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Fiber
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Add about 1 tsp. to 2 tsp. of plain canned pumpkin or oat bran to every serving of dog food for up to three days. According to the Vet Info website, canned pumpkin and bran both have high fiber content, which softens the canine's stool and encourages bowel movements. Only give dogs pure canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Milk
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Serve the dog about 1/2 cup of milk with its meals once a day for two days. Although milk causes diarrhea in many dogs, giving a dog milk while it's constipated will help the dog move its bowels without straining.
Natural Oils
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Mix ½ tsp. of olive oil or mineral oil inside the canine's food once a day until it moves its bowels. Avoid giving dogs mineral oil for longer than a week, as continued use depletes vitamin A from the dog's body, according to the Old Dog Treats and Rawhide website.
Fresh Food
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Feed the dog fresh vegetables, ground flax seeds or raw meat. Vegetables and ground flax seeds add bulk and fiber to your dog's diet, which helps it move its bowels and stay regular. Fresh raw meat acts as a natural laxative for dogs and relieves constipation. If the dog is not accustomed to eating raw meat, only feed it small amounts of meat mixed with regular dog food until the dog loosens its stool.
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