9 of 16

Write now Article Tools

Treatment of (common) Constipation in dogs:

* Increase your dogs' water intake (monitor how much water he/she drinks)
* Take your dog out for exercise (a nice little romp should do)
* Add fiber to your dogs' diet, or change their food all together if needed
* Get your dog a nylon bone to aid with digestion
* Contact your veterinarian for advice on treatment

Herbal Remedies:

* Triphala - Mixture of three herbs (Amalaki, Bhibitaki, and Haritaki) in equal proportions, acts as a mild laxative, helps improve the digestive tract, helps keep the excretory tract clean.
* Gingu - Known as "hing" in India, helps improve digestion and is known to regularize the peristaltic movements.
* Ginger - Aids in digestion and is used in curbing constipation, also acts as an anti-inflammatory and suppresses pain.
* Isabgol - Commonly known as Psyllium Seed Husks in English. This is a natural vegetable product in purified form of nature's most soluble fiber; it is obtained from Plantago Ovata seeds. This herb is used for constipation and is also helpful in treating worms.

Causes of Constipation:
* Foreign body blockage (rock, bones, or garbage) (my dog liked to eat socks)
* Lack of Fluids
* Lack of physical exercise
* Hair in the anal canal blocking passage of stool
* Kidney related problems
* Hernia
* Anal sac infection
* Worms (these parasites can be taken care of without taking your dog to the vet)
* Underlying medical problems

Signs of Constipation:

* Straining to have a bowel movement
* Loss of appetite
* Rigid or impacted stool
* Waiting long periods between bowl movements
* Bloating
* Abdominal uneasiness

If you suspect that your dog's constipation is due to a medical problem or a foreign body blockage, please contact your veterinarian for help. Monitor your dog, note his/her water intake and bowl movements if any. Sometimes surgery may be necessary to remove foreign objects wedged in the lower intestinal track, and this can become life threatening if not treated in time. As a former veterinary assisntant I actually watched my boss remove large rocks from a poor little poodles bowels, he had to have a muzzel on everytime he went outside to prevent him from eating rocks, this surgery was preformed twice on that poor little guy. Do watch what your dogs chew on and eat.

Learn more about this author, Gretchen Parent.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Cures for constipation in dogs?
We want to hear your view. Write now!