What to feed a dog with constipation

by Brooke Butler, DVM

Is your dog constipated? Do you suspect that he might be? Have you noticed him straining or not pooping quite as often as is normal for him? Constipation is a common issue in dogs, and most of the time, it’s something that your pet can recover from fairly quickly on his own. However, in some instances, it may be a good idea to find a treatment option that works for your furry friend to help him along.

Keep in mind, too, that constipation can sometimes be a sign of a more serious underlying problem. Although this is a lot less common than a simple bout of normal, everyday constipation, there’s always the possibility that there’s something else going on. If you think your dog may be sick or none of the usual treatments for constipation are helping him, take him to the vet right away.

Symptoms of Dog Constipation

Holding in Poop

Dogs can sometimes hold their poop for a while. If you don’t see your dog poop for 24 hours, don’t panic, but do keep an eye on him. If he goes over 48 hours without pooping, he may be constipated.

Strains While Pooping

If your dog strains a lot while pooping, or if he crouches to poop but then just keeps walking instead of pooping, then he’s very likely constipated.

Whines When Trying to Poop

If your dog tries to poop but whines or yelps from pain, then he may be constipated. He may also have a urinary tract infection or some other health problem, and you should take him to the vet if he’s in pain.

Poop is Hard and Compacted

Dogs may also be slightly constipated if they are able to poop, but the result is very hard and compacted. Keep an eye on your dog if this happens to see if the situation improves or begins to get worse.

Potential Causes of Constipation in Dogs

Eating Too Much Fiber

Dogs may become constipated if they eat too much fiber. This can sometimes happen from eating low-quality dog foods, but it’s a lot more likely to occur if your dog is being fed table scraps.

Not Eating Enough Fiber

On the other hand, having too little fiber can also cause a dog to become constipated. This is one of the many reasons why it’s important to choose a good-quality food that is intended for dogs and stick to that when feeding your pet.

Extremely Matted Fur

Dogs whose fur is extremely matted can become constipated if the fur mats around the anus. This problem can be prevented entirely by making sure your dog stays well-groomed and trimmed, especially in his more sensitive areas. If this is happening to your dog, you may need a professional groomer or a vet to help you get his fur back under control and resolve the problem.

Enlarged Anal Glands

Dogs with enlarged anal glands may have trouble going to the bathroom normally. Dogs’ anal glands should be regularly expressed by a vet or a groomer. Don’t try to do this yourself at home unless you’ve had a professional show you how, as it can hurt your dog and may be traumatic for the both of you.

Eating Foreign Objects

If your dog regularly eats rocks, sticks, or other items he shouldn’t eat, then he may develop an obstruction. This can also happen if your dog eats part of a chew toy. This is a very dangerous situation and must be treated, usually via surgery, by a vet immediately.

Tumors

Dogs with tumors in the rectum or on the anus may develop an obstruction because of the tumor. This must be treated by a vet and often involves surgery.

Treatments for Dog Constipation

Feed Your Dog Canned Pumpkin

One of the easiest and most common at-home treatments for constipation in dogs is to feed them some canned pumpkin. Pumpkin is a high-fiber food and is perfectly safe for a dog to ingest, as long as nothing else has been added to it. Buy a can of 100% pure pureed pumpkin in the baking aisle at your grocery store and mix some into your dog’s food. Many dogs will also eat it right off of a spoon.

Give Your Dog a Stool Softener

Your vet may tell you to give your dog a stool softener. Some dogs can take stool softeners meant for humans, but others should not. This is one of the many reasons why you should speak to your vet before medicating your dog, especially with medications that are not originally intended for dog use.

Give Your Dog More Exercise

Your vet may also suggest you simply exercise your dog more for a few days and see if that helps. Many times, dogs will improve their pooping habits if they are taken on longer walks or are engaged in outside play for longer periods of time than they’re used to. A lack of exercise can contribute significantly to constipation in dogs.

Feed Your Dog Prescription Dog Food

Your vet might instead suggest you start feeding your dog a prescription dog food that contains more fiber than regular dog food mixtures do. You will need to go to the vet to pick up this food the first time, but you may be able to order it from a service or store with your vet’s prescription after the fact.

Enemas

If your dog does not respond to any of these treatments, you may need to take him to the vet for an enema. This should never be done at home and should always be performed by a professional. Trying to do this at home may result in severe injury and could even be fatal to your dog.

Get Help For Your Dog’s Constipation

Dogs become constipated often, and most of the time, the problem can be taken care of with something as simple as a little canned pumpkin or extra water for a couple of days. However, if your dog is in pain or seems to be struggling at all, take him to the vet. This way, you can receive specific information and care that is catered to your dog’s needs, and you won’t have to keep wondering whether or not you’ll be able to treat his constipation before it gets too bad. Be sure to do this especially if your dog goes more than two days without being able to poop, as he can develop an obstruction quickly after this time.

Call your nearest VEG location if you have any questions or concerns about your pet. You will always speak with qualified veterinarians who are happy to help.

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The only thing better than a trip to the beach is a trip to the beach with your pup! If you’re planning an excursion with your four-legged family member, check out our 7 dog beach tips to increase their safety (without taking away the fun). While it might seem silly to expect any dangers at the beach of all places, there are a few things that could put your dog’s health at risk.

We’ll discuss those risks below, and provide some helpful dog beach tips to minimize those risks. Read on to make your dog’s day at the beach the best one ever!

Common Hazards for Dogs at the Beach

Before discussing the best dog beach tips to help keep them safe, it’s important that you’re made aware of some of the dangers that can be present at the beach. The following beach hazards can be easily taken for granted. Keep them in mind when you’re planning a beach trip with your canine!

Hot Sun

A hot, sunny day is the best kind of day for the beach, but it also puts your pet at risk for heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and sunburn. Dogs that are overweight and dogs with flat noses (like English Bulldogs, Pugs, and Frenchies) are especially prone to heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Hot Sand

Hot sand can severely burn your pet’s paw pads. Walking on hot sand can also raise your pet’s body temperature and put them at risk for heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Sharp Objects in the Sand

Depending on the beach you go to, the sand might be concealing some sharp objects, such as stones, shells, glass, and/or twigs.

Eating Sand

Some dogs just like to eat everything. If your pup often acts like a furry vacuum cleaner, they might try to eat the sand, which can become impacted in their intestines.  

Dehydration

Unless your pet has fresh water available to them while they’re at the beach, they could be at risk for dehydration. Hot sun, hot sand, and no water to drink can quickly lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion.

Strong Currents

Your dog might be a champion swimmer, but even they could be at risk for drowning if they encounter a strong current. Rip currents are especially dangerous, for animals and humans alike.

7 Dog Beach Tips to Protect Your Pup

You know the risks. Now, here’s what you can do to make your pet’s day at the beach as safe and enjoyable as possible! Review these dog beach tips and plan your excursion accordingly!

7 dog beach tips to keep in mind include:

1. Bring Along Plenty of Fresh Water

Think about how long you and your pet will be hanging out at the beach, and bring enough fresh water to sustain you both for the duration (and then some, if you decide to stay longer). Your dog needs to stay hydrated—and ocean or lake water is unsafe for their consumption.

2. Invest in Pet-Friendly Sunscreen

That’s right—dogs benefit from sunscreen, too, especially if they have light, fine fur and pinkish skin. Sunburn can affect your pup’s nose, ears, and other areas where hair is sparse.

3. Have a Source of Shade Available for Your Pup

Another dog beach tip to consider is to make sure that there are areas of shade for your dog to go into in order to help escape the sun.

Dogs can overheat quickly on a warm day, and at the beach, the sun’s heat is amplified. Help your pup stay cool by bringing along a large umbrella, or make sure to find a place under an awning or tree where your pet can get a break from the sun.

4. Keep Your Dog Leashed (If Required)

Does your beach have leash rules? Make sure to follow them. Unleashed pets can cause trouble, especially if there are lots of people and other dogs around. Plus, being leashed can prevent your dog from potentially being attacked by another dog or stealing sweets from someone’s picnic.

Also, keeping your pet leashed can prevent them from running into the water and possibly swimming out into strong currents.

5. Bring a Life Jacket for Your Pet

If the beach you’re visiting allows dogs in the water, one of the most important dog beach tips is to make sure your pet has a lifejacket (in their size). Even natural swimmers like Labradors can be at risk of drowning, so be sure to suit up your pup before they dive in, and stick with them to keep them safe.  

6. Know the Signs of Heatstroke

Heatstroke can affect dogs even under conditions milder than a typical summer’s day. Overexertion and insufficient water intake can quickly overwhelm your pet.

If you see any of these signs, your pup might be in danger of dog heatstroke and they should see a vet or emergency vet as soon as possible:

• Drooling (and saliva is thick and heavy)
• Panting heavily (a sign your pet is trying hard to cool off)
• Acting disoriented and confused
• Lethargic, weak
• Collapsing, unable to stand
• Vomiting
• Rapid heart rate

7. Protect Your Pet’s Feet with Booties

And now for our last (but no less important) dog beach tip! If your pup is likely to encounter hot sand or sharp objects at the beach, get dog booties in their size to protect their paws from cuts and burns. Consider trying them out before your beach excursion to make sure they fit, and to help your dog get comfortable with them.

Need More Dog Beach Tips? 

Veterinary Emergency Group is always happy to answer questions and help pet parents be amazing caregivers to their canines. We hope our dog beach tips come in handy when you start making your summer plans, but if you need more information, feel free to contact the VEG location nearest you! Our locations are open 24/7 for your convenience, and an emergency vet will always be there to answer your call and your questions.