When your dog is straining, it is very possible that he is distressed and in pain. [6] X Research source Keep in mind that signs of constipation can be confused with other diseases, such as urinary infections. Your veterinarian will be able to determine if the signs are due to constipation or another medical problem. [7] X Research source If your dog has been constipated for several days, he may show signs such as loss of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy. You may even see blood around his anus. If he is this sick, take him to your veterinarian immediately for treatment. [8] X Research source [9] X Research source
If your dog has long hair, use a small pair of scissors to trim away the hair containing matted feces. Your dog may or may not like the feeling of the trimming process. If he doesn’t like it, you can soak the hair in warm water first to make the hair easier to trim. [11] X Research source Use warm & soapy water, along with a small towel, to clean the anal region. Because of the constant straining, this region will probably be very sensitive. Be very gentle when you are cleaning and talk to your dog in soothing tones to assure him that he will be okay. [12] X Research source Your dog can be standing or lying down when you do the trimming; let him be in whichever position is comfortable for him. Applying KY jelly to the region after it’s clean will help to soothe the irritation. You can find KY jelly in your local pharmacy. [13] X Research source
Give your dog a stool softener or laxative. Human stool softeners and laxatives are too strong for your dog, so you will need your veterinarian to write a prescription for dog-appropriate stool softeners and laxatives. [14] X Expert Source Ray Spragley, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 31 March 2021. [15] X Research source Mix mineral oil in with your dog’s food for up to one week. Mineral oil should never be given orally, since it could accidentally end up in your dog’s lungs and cause pneumonia. [16] X Research source Using a measuring spoon, add 0. 5 milliliters (mL) of mineral oil per 2 lbs of your dog’s body weight (1/8 teaspoon is about 0. 5 ml). For example, if your dog weighs 40 lbs, then you would add 10 milliliters (0. 34 fl oz) of mineral oil, which is a little less than 1 tablespoon. [17] X Research source Add a small amount of unsweetened, canned pumpkin to your dog’s dry food. Depending on your dog’s weight, add 1 tablespoon (< 25 lbs), 2 tablespoons (25-50 lbs), or 3 tablespoons (> 50 lbs) to the food. [18] X Research source Switch to canned food for a few days if your dog eats dry food. Canned food has more moisture in it, making it easier to pass through your dog’s digestive system. [19] X Research source Canned food can cause diarrhea, so just a few days of canned food should be sufficient. Sprinkle a powder fiber supplement containing psyllium on your dog’s food every 12-24 hours (1/4 teaspoon for dogs <25 lbs, 1/2 teaspoon for dogs 25 to 50 lbs, and 1 teaspoon for dogs > 50 lbs). The additional fiber will help food material pass through your dog’s GI tract more easily. You can purchase this as an over-the-counter product at your local pharmacy. [20] X Research source Provide your dog with plenty of fresh water as you increase the fiber content in his diet. [21] X Research source If these home remedies have still not relieved your dog’s constipation after about a week, and he seems to be getting sicker, take him to your veterinarian for further workup and treatment. [22] X Research source
Make sure that you provide your dog with plenty of water when you increase his fiber intake. With more fiber, your dog’s GI tract will produce more feces. If he does not drink enough water, the feces will not be able to pass through the anus, which could cause another bout of constipation.
Dogs may also swallow their hair if they groom themselves, which could cause constipation. Regular grooming by you or a grooming service can decrease the chances that your dog will swallow his hair. [30] X Research source
Enlarged prostates are just one example of medical problems, such as perineal hernias or anal sac disease, that can cause constipation. If your dog regularly has problems, always see your veterinarian so that any underlying health problems can be treated and corrected.
