If you’ve ever seen your dog pause and struggle to “do their business,” you’re not alone. As someone who has spent over 30 years caring for dogs, both in the clinic and at home, I have learned that even the happiest puppies (and people;-) can sometimes feel a bit “stuck.”
Constipation may seem like a slight inconvenience, but it is often a sign that deeper body’s natural balance requires attention.
In this blog, I will explain what I do if my dog gets constipated. Together we explore the root causes, from diet and hydration to spinal health and stress. Share practical and holistic solutions that you can try at home. My hope is that by understanding your dog’s body a little better, you feel empowered to support their happiness.
What causes constipation in dogs?
Constipation occurs when a dog has difficulty passing through the stool or when there is a rare defecation. There are many potential causes, including
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- Inappropriate diet of seeds The fibers are low, high fillers and chemicals, and may contain excess processed foods, which slows down the movement of the hard, dry stool and intestines.
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- Inadequate intestinal microbiome health: Beneficial intestinal bacteria imbalances can destroy digestion and slow defecation.
- Too many raw bones: Raw bones can provide calcium, but excessive consumption of them often results in stiff stools due to their high calcium content. To say this, if your dog has a normal, normal sized stool, crumbly and dry stool is normal.
- dehydration: Chronic dehydration allows the colon to absorb more water from the feces, leading to dry stools that are difficult to pass through. Your dog has lots of fresh water and don’t go on a dog walk without a water bottle and a foldable bowl.
- Spine misalignment: Problems in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine can impair energy flow and intestinal motility.
- Stress and anxiety: Behavioral changes, travel, or routine confusion can affect digestion and bowel movements.
- Age-related factors: Elderly dogs often have slower digestion and lower activity levels, making them more likely to develop constipation.
What can you do if your dog gets constipated?
1. Ensure proper hydration
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of constipation. If you think your dog is constipated, you can encourage your dog to drink it.
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- Add tasteless chicken or bone soup to the water to add flavor. Make sure that no onions are used in the soup and do not sit at room temperature for a long time to prevent germ overgrowth.
- Wash daily using a ceramic or glass metal bowl.
- Provides unchlorinated water that has been filtered through the dog. Chlorine has a negative effect on the microbiota that can contribute to constipation.
- Incorporate water-rich foods into your diet.
Hydration is key to softening your stool and supporting healthy digestion.
2. Addresses spinal health
Spinal inconsistencies can destroy nerve and energy flow and affect intestinal motility. If your dog is constipated, I would suggest the following modalities:
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- Chiropractic or physical therapy: Helps to correct spinal inconsistencies that may affect digestion.
- acupuncture: Improves energy flow and relieves tension in the spine and gastrointestinal tract.
- Laser therapy: Non-invasive treatment that promotes healing and energy flow. This can also be done at home when Dr. Laurie Macquarie, a board-certified expert, takes the course.
3. Adjust your diet to increase the amount and make it easier to defecate
Dietary adjustments are essential to soften the stool and improve digestion. This is what I recommend:
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- addition Pumpkin or squash: Incorporate about 20% squash into your diet and naturally soften the stool.
- include Soaked flaxseed: Add 1 teaspoon, which has been flooded for lubrication properties, to 1 teaspoon. This makes it easier to pass through the stool.
- For additional bulk, try other fiber sources like that Plantain shell Or canned green beans (moderately).
4. Adjust the amount of raw bones
Frequently eating raw bones can contribute to constipation, which may help reduce the amount.
but, A solid stool is not comparable to constipation– When dogs eat raw bones, their stools are naturally stiff, which is normal. The most important thing in dogs is the frequency of bowel movements.
5. Supports gut health with probiotics
A healthy gut microbiota is important for optimal digestion and normal defecation. I recommend using something like dog-specific probiotics GutsenseMade with organic non-dairy ingredients specifically tailored for the dog’s microbiota.
6.Providing plant-based calcium and minerals
If your dog does not get raw bones, ensure proper calcium intake from other sources. Green Min is a plant-based mineral supplement made from sustainable harvesting ingredients such as the certified organic algae calcarea and all-natural spirulina.
Greenmin provides a full spectrum of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, amino acids, and phytonutrients.
Additional tips to prevent constipation
- Regular grooming is essential for long-haired breeds and dogs who have poor grooming habits. Fur around the anus can be impeded by the movement of the intestines if placed around the excretion.
- Make sure your dog exercises every day. Physical activities stimulate digestion and promote regular bowel movements.
- Monitor the consistency of your stool regularly. Changes in color, texture, or frequency can indicate a fundamental problem.
When is constipation an emergency?
Sometimes constipation may not be the cause of an alarm, but there are situations where immediate veterinary care is required.
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- Your dog has not had intestinal movements for more than two days.
- They are overly nervous without producing stools.
- Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, bloating, and loss of appetite.
- You will notice signs of pain during bowel movements (for example, screaming or screaming).
Severe cases of constipation can lead to conditions such as spawning (fecal affected feces) and megacolons (dilated colons), both of which require emergency medical attention.
Final Thoughts
Most dogs’ constipation (but for people) can easily be coordinated and managed with diet, hydration, spinal care, and gut health support.
Details of intestinal health supplements mentioned in this article
