Best Natural Laxative to Help Your Dog

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Dealing with a constipated dog can be challenging. Luckily, there are many natural laxatives for dogs that can come to your struggling dog’s aid. Seeing your dog struggling with potty issues is not that pleasant, so you will be glad to hear there are home remedies that can help your dog. The good news is - most of these things you probably already have at home.

Word of caution

Before you decide to try any of these things, you should call your vet. Make sure you can safely give these natural laxatives to your dog. You don’t want to accidentally give your dog something they are allergic to. Whenever you want to give something new to your dog, you should call your vet and ask for advice.

If you want to learn more about your dog’s potty issues, check out this article - Help! My dog is constipated.

Signs of constipation

Before you give your dog any one of these natural laxatives, you need to be sure they are actually constipated. Dogs will not have to go Nr. 2 every time they go for a walk, and it is not unusual for your dog to skip it entirely sometimes. However, you should know how to spot the most common signs of constipation so you don’t give your dog natural laxatives for no reason. The most common constipation symptoms are;

Lack of pooping

Dogs should ideally defecate at least once a day. However, they can skip a day if something is bugging them. If you notice your dog hasn’t pooped in more than 48 hours, you can try speeding things up with natural dog laxatives.

Trying

Just because nothing is coming out doesn’t mean there is nothing inside your dog. A constipated dog will strain and try to poop, but it will result in little or no result.

Discomfort

Constipation is as discomforting for dogs as it is for humans. If your dog is showing signs of discomfort, like refusing belly rubs, acting weird when you touch their abdomen, they can be constipated. You should call your vet, just in case.

Whining

If a dog is constipated and in need of natural laxatives, they will be uneasy. That means your dog will most likely be fairly vocal. They might whine or excessively pant. If you notice unusual behavior, make sure you call your vet and let them know what’s going on.

Loss of appetite

Dogs that are not feeling that well will most likely refuse to eat or eat significantly less. However, as soon as this issue is resolved, they will get back to eating normally.

Best natural laxative for dogs

If you want to help your dog in the most natural way possible, there are a few things you can try. However, these solutions are only OK if your dog has mild constipation. Severe constipation cases will require your vet’s involvement. In worst cases, surgery might be needed. Here are some of the best natural laxatives for dogs;

Exercise

The first thing you can try if you have a constipated dog is some exercise. Have your dog run around a bit, and there is a good chance their bowels will start moving.

Olive oil

Olive oil is an excellent natural laxative for humans and dogs. Oil is fantastic for “lubing” things that are stuck on their way out, and it might help your dog deal with their constipation. Keep in mind not to give your dog too much olive oil, or you might end up with a completely opposite problem - doggy diarrhea.

High-fiber dog food

If you know your dog has occasional constipation, you might want to consider changing their diet. Look for high-fiber dog foods that will keep your dog’s digestion running smooth. This type of dog food is usually for senior pooches, but if you have an adult dog with occasional constipation, talk to your vet about switching food as a long-term solution.

Canned pumpkin

All dog owners should be aware of the effect pumpkin has on their dogs. It is something all dog owners should have at home for cases like this. If your pup is suffering from diarrhea or constipation, canned pumpkin might be the solution. It is absolutely packed with fiber, and fiber is amazing for dog digestion.

Psyllium seed

One of the things humans use to deal with constipation is psyllium seed supplements. This is another thing that is absolutely packed with fiber, so you can be sure your dog will benefit from it. However, make sure you check the label and avoid things that might be dangerous for your dog.

Canned dog food

Canned dog food will add moisture to your dog’s diet. If your dog isn’t drinking enough water, chances are they might get constipated. Canned food will make sure your dog gets plenty of water, and their digestion runs smoothly.

If you don’t want to stick to natural solutions and you want to help your dog, no matter what, you can check out this article for more helpful advice - Dog laxatives.

World Dog Finder team