If you are one of those people who own a pet dog, you must have realized that constipation is a very common dog health problem. Dogs can suffer from constipation due to many causes. Most common causes being lack of fiber, lack of exercise or dehydration.

If you pet dog has a habit of eating foreign objects such as gravel, rocks and fabric, then this can also be the cause of constipation. In this case you will notice that your dog is straining hard to defecate and may not have bowel movement for about two days.

At times, constipation can be caused due to a rather serious problem like enlarged prostrate. If your dog is under medication or has undergone a surgery recently, that can also be the cause of constipation.

Dogs can also suffer from constipation due to diet changes. If you identify these constipation symptoms in your dog, it is important to opt for a treatment. At the same time, there home remedies that you can use to cure your beloved pet dog.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is highly rich in fiber and water. If you feed your dog with pumpkin, it will help to get rid of constipation problem. You can feed your pet with fresh or canned pumpkin, they are both very effective. Good advice is to mix the pumpkin with your pet’s favorite food so that he doesn’t refuse to eat it.

Water

Since dehydration is one of the common causes of constipation in dogs, it is important to make sure your dog is well hydrated. Ensure that he drinks a lot of water on daily basis. Keep a bowl of fresh, clean water in his kennel. Do not give your pet a tap water, instead boiled water is the best. It is also a good idea to add a few drops of water in your dog’s food to keep them moist.

Fiber supplements

One of the best ways to relief your dog from constipation is by adding fiber supplements to his meals. There are a lot of fiber products available out there such as avena sativa,aloe ferox and psyllium husk. It is well known that fibers helps to in bowel movement thus, helps your dog to defecate with ease.

Exercise

If you notice your dog constipating more often. It is an indication that you do not exercise you dog well enough. Exercising your dog on daily basis and giving him a healthy diet can help to cure your dog’s constipation problem. You should also take your dog for a walk for about thirty minutes after meals. This will help your pet to have regular bowel movement.

Grooming

Make sure to groom your pet dog more frequently. Tangled or matted hair along your pet’s anus can prevent the passage of feces which can eventually lead to constipation. So, if your dog has long hair, keep it well trimmed on the rear end. Also, brushing his hair regularly and cleaning his shelter will ensure that he don’t swallow the hair. You should also remember to remove all non eatable items from his shelter.

Mineral oil

If you are certain that your dog is suffering from constipation, add mineral oil or olive oil in his regular meals. This will help to lubricate your dog’s colon and ease the digestion process. Note that excess consumption of mineral oil or olive oil can lead to diarrhea.

Diet

To cure you dog’s constipation problem, it is important to feed him with a healthy diet. You can add dry beans to your pet’s diet because they are good source of fiber. You can also add other fiber diets such as wheat bran and oatmeal. Boiled or raw vegetables are also very good in curing constipation. You should also avoid lacteous and other high fat products. This is because they will not help your pet when it has constipation problem.

There you have it, if you notice that your pet has constipation symptoms, use the above remedies to help him get a relief. But if the constipation becomes more regular, it is advisable to get your dog examined by a veterinarian.

A veterinarian will give your pet dog proper medication, recommend dietary changes and give him a stool softener for constipation treatment. If the symptoms persist, urinalysis and blood analysis will be conducted to verify whether there are other underling health conditions causing the constipation.