Any dog can get a little constipated if they eat commercial kibble. We have some tips for spotting the early signs, and natural easy fixes. Hopefully this will get things moving again within a day.
Signs of constipation:
- scooting (dragging bottom along the floor)
- circling, trying and failing
- less interest in food
- not pooping every day
- straining to poop
- hard, dry poops
- small amounts of runny poop (breakthrough diarrhoea).
Natural easy fixes :
- encourage more water. Constipation is often dehydration.
- Offer seedless watermelon (remove the rind!) Watermelon flesh is largely water with added fibre. Perfect!
- go for a walk. Exercise stimulates the bowel.
- tinned sardines work a treat (check for no added salt)
- mash some cooked pumpkin into meals
To help stop constipation recurring, add a little extra fibre long-term, such as raw grated carrot. Cooked pumpkin adds fibre and moisture.
This advice assumes a healthy dog with mild constipation and no underlying causes. It’s not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your dog isn’t pooping normally in a day, has medical conditions or doesn’t seem in good health, speak to your vet.