Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog is constipated. How much olive oil can I safely give him?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered

Constipated 14 lb dog. How much/when should I give him olive oil?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 1st, 2016

Use 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight daily. I would give him 1.5 teaspoons daily. So you can mix Wink's food with a 3/4 a teaspoon at each meal if he gets fed twice a day. You can also try canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) on his food to give him more fiber. Give him 1 teaspoon at each meal. I would give Wink either the canned pumpkin purée or the olive oil. If those don't work, and he's still constipated in 24-48 hours, he will need to see a vet, as he may need a laxative or an enema.

19Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on January 6th, 2020
Olive oil may help. Mix into his food 1 teaspoon per 20lbs body weight once every few days. You can also try feeding canned food (switch gradually if you feed dry), or adding in some plain canned pumpkin (NOT pie filling).
If she still has difficulty defecating, have her physically examined by your veterinarian to diagnose any underlying medical causes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on March 22nd, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I do not recommend using olive oil as that can result in stomach upset and pancreatitis given it is so high in fat. I recommend adding 1 teaspoon of canned pumpkin with each meal which usually works great for constipation in dogs. Good luck and have a great day!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Food & Nutrition

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

Administering enemas are best left to your veterinarian. You can add Miralax to his food. Miralax is a very gentle, easy to give treatment for constipation, available over the counter at any pharmacy. The dose of Miralax is 1 tsp per 50 lbs mixed in with food once a day. You can also add a tablespoon of vegetable or olive oil to his food once daily, or add a couple of teaspoons of canned pumpkin (not pie filling) to his food daily. If he is severely constipated right now, I recommend you get him in to see your vet to be debulked.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My dog is constipated. How much pumpkin should I give for relief?

[Pumpkin](https://www.petcoach.co/article/health-benefits-of-pumpkin-for-pets) is a "super food" of the canine world. [Pumpkin](https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/pumpkin) contains soluble fiber and beta-carotene and can do wonders for both constipation and diarrhea. However, if your dog is lethargic, not eating, vomiting has diarrhea or is straining and not passing any stool, you need to seek veterinary attention immediately. That being said, the recommended amount of [pumpkin to give a dog](https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/pumpkin/) is 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight of plain, canned pumpkin (NOT pie filling) or fresh, steamed pumpkin. Given once or twice daily, this can aid in defecation. Always have fresh water available. Mix in some warm water in the food to increase intake which can also help prevent constipation. If the constipation persists for more than 24 hours, you should see your veterinarian.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My dog is constipated. What can I give besides pumpkin for relief?

You can use any of those oils, and I would recommend adding a teaspoon of one of them to Einstein's food. If that doesn't work, then I would have him seen by a vet as he may need a laxative to help him poop.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog is constipated again. Is olive oil causing this problem?

I'm sorry Midnight has been having issues, but I may need a little more information to be helpful. If he is constipated some canned pumpkin may help move things along, but I would also check to make sure that he is not having diarrhea, as some dogs will strain to defecate when their stool is loose. And if it continues I would certainly take him to the vet just to be on the safe side.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat is constipated. Can I safely give her olive oil for it?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Olive oil can be used to help normalize bowel movements but too much can lead to diarrhea. I would recommend using 1 tablespoon of olive oil on the food with each meal. I would not recommend this for recurrent bouts of constipation as there may be an underlying condition that needs medical attention. Olive oil is safe for cats and if you notice that Tiger develops diarrhea, discontinue the olive oil. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

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

I would definitely not add salt as this can cause him to have salt poisoning and subsequent neurological problems. I would suggest adding 1-2 tsp of canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) to his food daily which will add fiber and hopefully allow him to go #2 a bit easier. If he is still having issues then I would have his prostate examined to check if it is enlarged and possible the underlying problem as to why he can't go easily. An enlarged prostate will push up on the colon, making the hole narrower so that poop can't easily pass through. The cure for this is to have him on a laxative through your vet and ultimately getting him neutered can resolve this issue for good. I hope everything works out for your pet Kitty. Take care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 5-year-old dog is constipated. What home remedies can I give?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Oreo. Give her a tablespoon of canned pumpkin pureee (not pumpkin pie filling) with each meal to see if that helps. Also feed her canned food and add water to it. If these things do not help, you will have to have her seen by a vet. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share