Natural Laxatives for Dogs With Kidney Disease

Kidney disease can impact nearly all aspects of a dog's life, including treating minor ailments like constipation. Talk with your veterinarian to ensure that any natural laxatives you pursue are safe with your pet's medications or diet.

  1. Causes

    • Constipation is often caused by diet and dehydration. Other causes include lack of exercise, ingesting foreign objects (such as hair), or a side effect of medication.

    Pumpkin

    • Canned pumpkin, being high in both fiber and water, is a safe food to add to a dog's meal as a natural laxative. Use the following dosages: Less than 15 lbs., 1 to 2 tsp.; 15 to 35 lbs., 1 to 2 tbsp.; 35 lbs. and up, 2 to 5 tbsp.

    Bran

    • Oat and wheat bran are both high in fiber and can be added to a dog's food to assist with bowel movements. Speak to your veterinarian to determine the appropriate dosage for your dog.

    Vegetables

    • Vegetables, being high in water and fiber content, can also have a laxative effect. Dogs can eat broccoli, celery, spinach, carrots and other vegetables.

    Milk

    • A small amount of milk (less than one cup) can have a laxative effect on dogs, since most are unable to properly digest lactose. Milk can cause diarrhea in dogs with normal stools, and can be a laxative for constipated pets.