If your dog is suffering from constipation, there are many natural remedies you can give your pooch. Some of these include increasing your dog’s fiber intake, giving your dog an enemas, and lubricating herbs. You can also give your dog a gentle laxative, like chickweed, in tincture form. Dilute it in an ounce of water and give it 20 drops per fifteen pounds of body weight.
Adding fiber to your dog’s diet
Adding fiber to your dog’s diet is an easy way to help him or her regulate bowel movements. Fiber helps absorb water and provides bulk for stools. This prevents blockages and promotes regularity. It also keeps the gut healthy and prevents bad bacteria from colonizing. It is found in vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains.
A good source of fiber is steamed green beans. These vegetables are very low in calories and contain 0.6 to 2 grams of fiber per cup. Make sure to cut the vegetables into small pieces. Avoid feeding your dog iceberg lettuce, which does not provide adequate fiber. Another good source of fiber is apple slices. Just remember not to feed your dog too many slices and make sure that you do not add seeds.
However, when purchasing commercial dog food, it can be difficult to discern which kind of fiber is present. Some foods contain only “crude” fiber, which is basically insoluble. Other sources of fiber include beet pulp, pectin, and cellulose.
Giving your dog enemas
An enema is a process that helps eliminate waste products. It is not painful for your dog, but it is an unpleasant experience. You should make sure that the water that you use is not too hot. It also should contain electrolytes to help restore fluid balance. The enema isn’t necessary for every case of constipation, but it can be a good option in some cases.
If you’d like to give your dog an enema for constipation, consult a veterinarian first. The enema itself is a liquid solution that is inserted into the rectum, and it stimulates the bowel movement. Performing the procedure yourself, however, may harm your dog or make the situation worse. Besides, you can also give your dog laxative treatments in addition to an enema, which may help them pass feces easier.
To administer an enema, you should first prepare a small amount of enema fluid. You can use a syringe with rubber tubing to administer the fluid. Once the fluid is in the rectum, it will start to soften the feces. Repeat the procedure one to two hours after the first application.
Giving your dog a tummy trouble tonic
There are a few natural ingredients that can help with your dog’s tummy troubles. For example, olive oil can be very beneficial for constipation. In moderation, you can add a spoonful to your dog’s food. Another natural remedy for constipation is pure canned pumpkin puree. However, do not confuse this with pumpkin pie filling, which has additional sugars and spices that may irritate your dog’s stomach.
Cabbage juice contains friendly lactobacteria that fight pathogens. It also contains lactic acid, which inhibits the growth of many bacteria. One teaspoon of cabbage juice can effectively kill a variety of pathogens. Another remedy is honey, which is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids. Its low pH can also inhibit the growth of bacteria. New Zealand’s Manuka honey may also be helpful against Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which causes stomach ulcers.
Dogs suffering from constipation can be prone to a number of serious health conditions. Lack of fiber in the diet, poor exercise, and aging are all causes of this condition. In addition, some dogs suffer from congenital conditions like megacolon. Luckily, most cases of constipation are temporary and will go away on their own in a few days. However, if you notice your dog’s stool is very hard, it’s a sign that it may be sick and you’ll need to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Giving your dog a lubricating herb
Many dogs suffer from constipation and you might try giving your dog a lubricating herb to help with the discomfort. However, many of these herbs may have side effects, including diarrhea and dependence. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from constipation, consult your veterinarian to determine whether an herbal lubricant is appropriate for your dog.
Constipation in dogs is a common condition, but it can also be caused by a number of factors. In severe cases, the dog might require medical intervention. The vet may have to manually remove hardened feces, perform surgery, or prescribe stronger medications to block the digestive enzymes. If you notice that your dog has not defecated in more than two days, it’s best to see your vet right away.
Traditionally, veterinarians have prescribed pharmaceutical laxatives to dogs with constipation, but you can try more natural solutions. Vets can also prescribe dietary changes or preventative measures that will help your dog’s discomfort.