Dog Laxatives - An Easy Way to Deal With Constipation
23.03.2021.
Just like us, dogs can suffer from constipation. There are different reasons why that can happen, and one of the possible solutions is to give them dog laxatives. Dog laxatives will help the dog’s digestion tract “speed” things up, and hopefully, take care of the constipation problem. This is not something most of us were thinking about when we were looking into our future of dog ownership. However, dealing with dog constipation and dog laxatives might be a part of a dog owner’s everyday life.
What causes constipation?
Constipation in dogs can be caused by different things. Things like human food, inedible objects, or even grass can cause digestive obstructions that prevent normal stool passing. Some of the common reasons are;
- Dehydration
- Not enough fiber
- Too much fiber
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Hair ingestion
- Tumors
- Hernia
- Medication
- Foreign objects
Dog constipation can become a real issue, so make sure you keep a close eye on your dog. It is not the prettiest job in the world, but keeping an eye on their stool can help you spot health problems early. If you want to know more about constipation in dogs, check out this article - Dog constipation.
Dog laxatives
When it comes to human constipation, we can simply take laxatives, and the problem should be gone in a few hours. The question is - Are there safe laxatives dogs could use to ease their blocked digestion? Luckily, vets often prescribe a medication called Dulcolax. The active ingredient is bisacodyl, and before you give it freely to your dog, there are some things you should know.
Are laxatives safe for dogs to use?
Dulcolax is a human medication, and as a general rule, you should never give your dog human medication. Only with your veterinarian’s approval can you give your dog this drug. Dulcolax and other laxatives are known as stimulant drugs. They stimulate the movement within the bowels to help with constipation. If your vet advises you to give your dog laxatives, make sure you follow their dosage instructions carefully.
Dog laxatives side effects
Like any other drug, dog laxatives can have some potential side effects. Before giving this drug to your dog, make sure you talk to your vet and let them know about any drugs your dog might be taking. They will be interested in that information since there are some possible drug interactions.
Laxatives are generally safe to use. As long as you stick to the recommended dosage, there should be no severe issues your dog should experience. Some of the known side effects of dog laxatives are;
After you give your dog this drug, make sure to keep a close eye on them. There is a possibility your dog is allergic to some ingredients in this drug, and they can have an allergic reaction. If you notice signs of allergic reactions, stop giving them the medication immediately and call your vet. Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction are heaving, panting, redness, swelling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Are there any alternatives?
Giving human medications to your dog is not always the best idea. It should only be done after all other resources are tried, and they had no effect. Luckily, the dog owner community is full of ideas and suggestions. All of these suggestions are tried, and they come highly recommended by experienced dog owners. Here are some of the natural “dog laxatives” you can give to your dog instead of the human medication;
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a natural miracle for dogs. Vets are not entirely sure why, but pumpkin is excellent for constipated dogs and dogs suffering from diarrhea. All we know is that it is packed with dietary fiber that is beneficial for the dog’s digestion. You can read more about it here - Pumpkin for dogs.
Natural supplements
There are many natural supplements available that can help your dog deal with constipation. These might not be actual dog laxatives, but they can be just as effective. These supplements contain things like folic acid, vegetable enzymes, and acidophilus.
Enema
This might not be an option you can do yourself at home, but your vet might suggest an enema. It is an effective way to get rid of anything obstructing your dog’s digestion and help your dog get rid of that nasty constipation.
Exercise
This might sound unusual, but the increased movement is like a natural dog laxative. The moving muscles will “massage” the dog’s internal organs and help move things along. Just a game of fetch can be a solution to your dog’s problems.
Milk of Magnesia
This is something most dog owners are not familiar with, but the milk of Magnesia can help with your dog’s troubled defecating. It is a natural dog laxative that will “butter up” the stool and help it get passed.
Aloe Ferox
This is not a well-known remedy for a dog’s digestion, but it is an effective one. It has a beneficial effect on the dog’s digestion. It will help restore the delicate balance that is blocking your dog from passing stool.
Before you decide to do anything about your dog’s digestive issues, you should talk to your vet. Tell them what you are worried about, and let them know your dog has digestive tract issues and is constipated. Don’t give your dog laxatives without consulting your vet.
World Dog Finder team
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