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

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 11th, 2018

  I am sorry to hear about Millie. We do not normally use dulcolax commonly in dogs. In cases of mild constipation we may try adding canned pumpkin to the food to increase fiber, or metamucil powder (a few teaspoons added to the food), or using laxatone which is actually a hairball laxative made for cats but which can be given to dogs and is available at your vet or at pet stores (it may be under a different trade name but is a petroleum based laxative). In more severe cases we may prescribe lactulose which is a laxative that will not cause dehydration or cramping, and in some cases an enema is needed by your vet. You can read more about constipation at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951509

  

  2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Debi Matlack

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on October 9th, 2015

  For severe constipation, your pet should be seen by a vet. Hard stool building up in the colon stretches it out of shape, and it also causes stretching of the muscles around the anus, causing perianal hernias that trap the collected feces, effectively making a plug. Your pet may need more than one enema and even manual extraction of the feces in order to relieve this episode.
  
  To help avoid this in the future, you can add Miralax to the 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.

  

  10Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

  Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

  Published on November 6th, 2017

  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You can consider giving about 2 teaspoons of canned pumpkin with his meals. This usually helps with constipation. If no improvement, it would be good to have Tip evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 29th, 2017

  Typically carprofen and rimadyl cause diarrhea, not constipation so there could be another reason why Benji isn't willing to pass feces. He could be constipated. Constipation can be caused by anal sac impaction, enlarged prostate gland, intestinal parasites, a foreign body, too little fiber in the diet, lack of exercise, or even tumors in the GI tract. I recommend giving him a tablespoon of canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) mixed in with his food to see if that helps. If he is still constipated in 24-48 hours, he will need to see a vet as he will likely need a laxative or an enema. Your vet can diagnose the cause of the constipation as well.

  

  5Pet Parents found this answer helpful