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My dog is constipated. What can I give him? Is Metamucil safe?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Male | unneutered | 30 lbs

My dog seems to be constipated, what can I give him to help with that? Can I give him Metamucil?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 9th, 2017

Giving a teaspoon or so of Metamucil should be fine and may help your dog go. You may also want to try to increase his water consumption because even mild dehydration can cause constipation. If these remedies don't work and your dog hasn't defecated in over 2 days then I would recommend taking him in to the vet.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Anna M., DVM
Veterinarian
I am wondering what symptoms you're seeing that lead you to believe Jack is constipated. If you are seeing him straining and not producing any feces, the majority of the time those symptoms actually indicate diarrhea in a dog rather than constipation, as diarrhea gives the frequent sensation of needing to defecate, even if the colon is empty and there is nothing to pass. I recommend checking the yard and seeing what his stool consistency is.

If his stools really are hard, I recommend adding a tablespoon of canned pumpkin to his food twice daily; the added fiber can actually help with either diarrhea or constipation. Encourage him to drink as much water as possible; you may add water to his food, or mix a little canned food in to his water to encourage him to take in more fluids.

If he's having diarrhea, you can give him bland food to help settle his GI tract. Feed white rice mixed with lowfat cooked chicken in small amounts. Often this is enough to help resolve a mild case of diarrhea.

Finally, straining to defecate in an unneutered dog can indicate an enlarged prostate, which may put pressure on the colon and make it harder to pass stool. Your vet would be able to detect a prostate problem on physical exam. If any of these problems don't resolve within a day or two with the suggested remedies, I advise you to have Jack seen by a vet.

I hope this helps!
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on August 6th, 2018
Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

You can try a couple teaspoons or regular plain unflavored Metamucil in her food along with 1/4 cup of plain canned pumpkin in her food to help move things along. If home treatment does not seem to help, I would recommend Lady see her veterinarian. Prescription strength laxatives may need to be prescribed and a investigation of of any underlying conditions causes the constipation (such as kidney disease) may be recommended as well.

I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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How much Metamucil for a small dog with chronic constipation?

Hello, sorry to hear about Prince. The dose is 2 tablespoonfuls per day per dog which can be given in a single dose or divided into 2-3 fractions per day. However, metamucil will cause bulkier stools and should be given with an easily digestible diet such as Hill i/D or royal cannin GI low fat. I recommend consulting with your veterinarian prior to starting the metamucil to ensure Prince is a good candidate for it. Hope this helps and best of luck

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How much psyllium husk powder is safe for my constipated puppy?

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What can I give my constipated dog to help him go to the bathroom?

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My dog has anal gland problems. Can Metamucil be a solution?

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Can Metamucil help my dog with soft stools and anal gland issues?

Metamucil may help some but I would keep her dose very small like around 1 teaspoon twice a day. You could also try to just add a small amount of canned plain pumpkin instead of the Metamucil. I would also consider trying to add in a probiotic and a sensitive stomach diet. I like a few different types of probiotics - propectalin, vetriscience probiotic chews, purina pro plan fortiflora or proviable. If you decide to switch her food, I would transition her from the old food to the new food very slowly over a 2 weeks period. If you haven't had her examined by a vet I would strongly recommend to have her looked at. There are a lot of things that can also cause loose stools like parasites, food sensitivities, inflammatory bowel disease, bacterial infections, giardia, and much more. Your vet will start with checking a fecal sample. I hope this helps!

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My dog is constipated. What foods or home remedies can help him poop?

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My dog is constipated and hasn't pooped in 2 days. What should I do?

You can feed him cooked some sweet potatoes for the next couple days. That should help. If not, feel free to post again but we would need to know what medications you have available in your country for human constipation so we can tell you if you can give it and what the dose would be.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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