Constipation can occur in a dog for a variety of reasons, many of which are related to his diet. Sometimes, this can mean that your dog simply is not getting enough soluble fibers. It might also mean that more physical exercise should be introduced into his day. Dehydration can also be a cause, and it can lead to more serious problems if it isn't addressed. Other factors that might contribute to your dog's constipation include stress and the ingestion of inedible objects, such as play toys.
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Supplements
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For a mildly constipated dog, there are several steps you can take at home. The first step to curing constipation is to ensure that your dog always has access to fresh, clean water. It might simply be that your dog is dehydrated and getting some fluids into him could possibly clear up the problem without issue.
If this doesn't help, or your dog still remains mildly constipated once he has had water to drink, feed him some high-quality moist food. Depending on your dog's breed, the best brand can differ, so you can check with your vet for the recommended type of moist food to feed him. The vet might offer you a fiber-enhanced food and, if so, then try it first. Otherwise, add a 1/2 teaspoon of bran to your dog's moist food twice daily until his constipation clears up. Alternatively, you can also use olive oil if you can't get access to bran. Use the same amount, but monitor your dog carefully, as too much olive oil will result in diarrhea.
The third supplement which you can try is psyllium, or Metamucil. You can mix a half teaspoon of the powder into his wet food twice a day. Keep an eye on him until his bowel movements return to normal.
Foods
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The most popular food to feed a constipated dog at home is pumpkin. You can feed him canned pumpkin, but make sure it is pure pumpkin and not the filling version, which can include flavoring, spices and even chemicals that might affect him adversely.
You should also check out the type of food you're feeding him, whether it's moist or dry. Sometimes, cheap or poor-quality dog foods contain chemicals that might be agitating your dog's stomach, leading to constipation. For many people, simply switching to a higher-quality dog food eliminates their dogs' chronic constipation.
Some vets advise against feeding your dog table scraps. Though economical, certain foods are more difficult for dogs to digest. You shouldn't feed your dog anything that might have been cooked in beer or wine, as this can be toxic to dogs. You should also avoid mushrooms, onions, garlic, raw fish, fatty meat or excessive amounts of potatoes and tomatoes. For more information, click on the link in the "Resources" section of this article.
Caution
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Monitor your dog carefully if you notice he is constipated. Severe or chronic constipation should be addressed by a veterinarian. In some cases, a prescription medication or even surgery might be necessary.
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