How to treat a constipated dog

When your dog is dealing with constipation, it’s not fun for either of you. Like humans, many dogs struggle with constipation on occasion. However, if they’re experiencing constipation regularly, treatment can help them feel better. We’ve rounded up 12 of the most effective home remedies for dog constipation that can help your furry friend feel better. 

• Specially formulated with both dog probiotics and prebiotics.
• Avoid diarrhea, loss of appetite, constipation, and many other problems.
• Helps promote the production of natural antibodies, fight free radicals, and support a healthy immune system in your dog.

Causes and Symptoms of Canine Constipation

It’s important to know the symptoms of constipation in dogs so that you can tell when your pet needs some help. Pay attention when your dog goes to the bathroom – are they straining or struggling? You might notice a difference in their stool as well.

Dogs who are constipated often have pieces of stool that are smaller and harder than normal. They’ll also whine and want to go outside more often. Constipation can also make your dog appear bloated and uncomfortable, and they may have a hunched posture. If they’re experiencing constipation regularly, they may also lose their appetite. 

There are a number of different factors that can cause constipation in dogs. If they don’t have enough fiber in their diet or aren’t drinking enough water, they may struggle to process food. They may also feel constipated as a result of eating something they aren’t supposed to, like hair, grass, or feces.

Other foreign objects can also cause blockages that prevent your dog from passing food normally. In more serious situations, your dog could also be experiencing constipation as a result of a hernia, enlarged prostate glands, neurological condition, tumor, or other chronic health problem.

Certain dog breeds could also be struggling with hip dysplasia or another painful condition that limits their ability to squat. This is why it’s so important to consult your vet if your dog’s constipation goes on for an extended period of time. 

Remedies for Constipation

If you think your dog might be dealing with constipation, here are 12 home remedies you can try to help your companion feel more comfortable.

1. Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Dehydration is one of the most common causes of constipation. The first step to helping your dog feel better is to make sure they have access to plenty of water. This might mean putting multiple bowls of water throughout the house, as well as carrying a travel bowl when you’re on the go.

If your dog doesn’t like to drink water, make sure to offer them plenty of affection or even a treat when they do – this will help them think of drinking water as a positive experience.

Another way to motivate your dog to drink water is to add some chicken or bone broth to the water, as the flavor can make it more enticing for them. You can even put a teaspoon of ginger in there to calm your dog’s stomach even more. Finally, you might consider giving your dog ice cubes to chew on. Some dogs enjoy this and it’s an easy way to ensure they get more water in their diet. 

2. Stimulate Your Dog’s Digestive System

There are plenty of simple things you can do to stimulate your dog’s digestive system. If your dog only struggles with occasional constipation, a little bit of extra exercise could be what they need to get their digestive system moving again. Make sure you are going for walks on a regular schedule, and consider making their walk slightly longer. 

There are also many dietary changes that you can make that will help to stimulate your dog’s digestive system. Look for foods that can provide plenty of hydration or fiber to help speed up your dog’s natural digestive processes.

Finally, you can physically massage your dog’s stomach to help ease constipation in some cases. You’ll want to be very gentle, as your dog is likely already very uncomfortable. If this is a frequent problem, ask your vet how you can most effectively massage your dog to stimulate their digestive system. 

3. Olive Oil

Olive oil can lubricate your dog’s digestive system and works as a very effective stool softener. Add a small amount of olive oil to their food and you’ll likely see results very quickly. Olive oil can cause diarrhea in dogs if used often, so this should be a last resort for when your dog is particularly uncomfortable. If you don’t have olive oil on hand, vegetable oil can also do the trick. 

4. Pumpkin

Canned pumpkin can also work as a very effective solution for constipation in dogs. It’s full of fiber, which is a must-have for a healthy digestive system. A little bit of pumpkin can help with both constipation and diarrhea, settling your dog’s upset stomach and helping them feel more comfortable.

Mix about 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight into their food. Make sure you’re purchasing fresh pumpkin and not a mix or filling that could have additives. Added sugar and seasoning could further irritate your dog’s stomach, so read the ingredients thoroughly. 

5. Adjust Your Dog’s Diet

Adjusting your dog’s diet could potentially get rid of their constipation. Check the fiber content in your dog’s food – the problem may simply be that they are not getting enough water in their diet.

Another easy change is to switch to a combination of wet and dry dog food, instead of only using kibble. Wet dog food can help increase your dog’s daily water intake, which makes it much easier for them to process it. If you aren’t sure which dog foods are going to be most effective for your pet, talk to your veterinarian and see what they recommend. 

6. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can also serve as a stool softener and help ease your dog’s constipation. It’s very easy to mix in with wet food to lubricate your dog’s digestive system and ease the constipation. A very small amount is all you should need to reduce constipation and discomfort. As with olive oil, excessive coconut oil could cause diarrhea. 

7. Increase Your Dog’s Fiber Intake

Making sure your dog gets enough fiber is key to preventing constipation. It’s one of the most important nutrients for your dog to have – without it, your dog could end up with chronic constipation or even blocked anal sacs. Assess your dog’s diet and see if there are any ways to add more fiber on a regular basis. This could mean switching to a new type of food that is higher in fiber.

However, there are also supplements that you can add to your dog’s diet that will improve their digestion. For example, topping your dog’s meals with a bit of unsweetened wheat bran is an easy way to add a bit of fiber to their diet. Additionally, you can consider adding chopped leafy greens to some of their meals, which are very high in fiber and are safe for dogs to eat. 

If your dog struggles with constipation regularly, probiotics can be a very effective way to improve their gut health. There are many probiotic supplements on the market that are designed specifically for dogs.

These supplements promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your dog’s gut, enabling them to digest food more easily. If your dog won’t take a probiotic supplement straight, try crushing it up and mixing it in with their food. Never give your dog human probiotic supplements, as they may not be safe for their more sensitive systems and could have side effects. 

• Specially formulated with both dog probiotics and prebiotics.
• Avoid diarrhea, loss of appetite, constipation, and many other problems.
• Helps promote the production of natural antibodies, fight free radicals, and support a healthy immune system in your dog.

9. Psyllium Seeds

Psyllium seeds are an easy natural supplement that you can give your dog to encourage regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. These seeds are very high in fiber, which is excellent for your dog’s digestive system. These supplements should always be taken with plenty of water to help your dog process them.

Psyllium seed supplements are available in many different forms, including tablets and powders, so you can select one that is most palatable for your dog. As with any supplement, you’ll need to make sure that you choose a formula without any sweeteners or other added ingredients that could irritate your dog’s stomach further. 

10. Aloe Vera

You might be surprised to learn that aloe vera can also be very helpful for soothing your dog’s stomach. Aloe vera juice can act as a natural laxative to help your dog process their food more efficiently. Unlike artificial laxatives, it’s much more gentle on your dog’s stomach and shouldn’t cause any diarrhea or other irritation. Aloe vera is also anti-inflammatory, so it can soothe your dog’s stomach and ease any ongoing discomfort. 

11. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular home remedies for many different health problems, and dog constipation is no exception. Add a very small amount to your dog’s water dish to ease their stomach troubles.

Apple cider vinegar should only be consumed in small doses, otherwise it could actually end up irritating your dog’s stomach more. However, when used occasionally in small quantities, its prebiotic properties can balance the good bacteria in your dog’s stomach. It is also known to be anti-microbial, which means that it can control bad bacteria. 

12. Laxatives

In more serious situations, a laxative can clean out your dog’s bowels quickly. There are some dog stool softeners that are available over the counter, or you can talk to your vet about stronger prescription laxatives if the problem is very serious.

One of the most common stool softeners that is available over the counter is docusate sodium. This supplement helps your dog’s intestine absorb more water and therefore pass food much more easily. Keep in mind that it may take some time for your dog’s bowel movements to return to a regular pattern after taking laxatives. 

When To Consult Your Vet

Although a little bit of constipation can be normal for some dogs, it can also be an indication of more serious health problems. It’s important to keep a close eye on your pet in case their symptoms need professional treatment.

Talking to your vet will always be helpful if your dog is struggling with constipation – they can help you determine the cause and recommend solutions based on your dog’s health. It’s particularly important if your dog deals with chronic constipation, as this could be indicative of an underlying health issue. There are certain situations in which consulting your vet is not only recommended – it’s essential. 

One sign that your dog should see the vet is if they are continually vomiting or panting. Dogs with serious constipation problems may also be acting lethargic or refuse to move, which should also be cause to schedule an appointment. Anal discharge is another serious issue that should also be addressed.

Finally, if your dog’s belly is consistently swollen and does not calm down with any of these home remedies, you should talk to a vet. Another situation where you should seek help immediately is when your dog consumes an object that isn’t food, as this could cause a dangerous bowel obstruction. 

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Dog Constipation: Our Final Thoughts

If your dog is having tummy issues, these home remedies can help them feel better in no time. Sometimes it’s just as simple as making sure your dog gets more water or fiber in their diet every day. In other cases, they may need a stool softener to help them pass a blockage.

Keeping a close eye on your dog’s symptoms can help you nip this constipation problem in the bud. Using natural supplements on a regular basis can also help with their overall health and wellness. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a natural laxative for dogs? 

There are a few different natural laxatives that you can use for dogs. One popular option is olive oil, which acts as a stool softener. Aloe vera juice is another mild laxative that can be very effective. 

Dogs may occasionally have bowel obstructions from eating foreign objects. Bowel obstructions can be extremely dangerous, and you shouldn’t wait to find out if they will clear on their own. Contact your vet immediately if you think your dog may have a bowel obstruction. 

Can milk help dogs with constipation? 

There is a popular myth that milk can help dogs with constipation. However, you should avoid giving your dog milk, as it can irritate their stomach and cause further problems. 

What fruits can I give my dog for constipation? 

Pumpkin is the best fruit or vegetable to give your dog if they are struggling with constipation. This is because it is very high in fiber. 

Will oatmeal help my dog poop?

Adding a small bit of oatmeal to your dog’s diet could help with constipation, as it contains fiber. However, if you are going to add oatmeal to your dog’s meals, make sure it is fully cooked and does not contain any additives. 

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Finding the perfect diet for your dog can be challenging. Often you have to search to find a quality, vet-approved dog food formula that will satisfy your dog’s nutritional needs and taste requirements. 

To make things easy for dog owners, we have reviewed premium-quality dog foods that meet high quality and safety standards, and one brand, 4health Dog Food, definitely stood out from the rest.  

4Health is a reputable and trustworthy brand that offers wet and dry, adult and puppy formula diets that are full of beneficial and nutritional ingredients that will keep your canine strong, healthy, and happy.

4Health Dog Food Review at a Glance

Veterinarians.org Rating: 4

4Health Dog Food Company Information

4Health dog food is a family-owned, private label brand manufactured for the Tractor Supply Company by Diamond Pet Foods, Inc. 

The Tractor Supply Company (in business since 1938) is the largest rural lifestyle store in the US, selling various home, pet, and farming products. On the other hand, founded in 1970, Diamond Pet Foods is a privately-held enterprise owned by Schell and Kampeter.  

TSC launched the 4Health premium line of dog food in 2010. With 20% lower prices than most national brands, the company markets this new pet food as budget-friendly and affordable yet supporting optimal health. 

Where is 4Health Dog Food Made?

The Tractor Supply Company has over 1000 locations across the USA, but it is based in Brentwood, Tennessee. However, the 4Health Dog Food is manufactured in the three Diamond Pet Food plants located in Meta, Missouri, Lathrop, California, and Gaston, South Carolina.   

Most importantly, Diamond’s plants are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)-certified, and you can find all of the different 4Health dog food and cat formulas across the country in Tractor Supply Company stores. 

Types of 4Health Dog Food

4Health offered dry and canned dog food as well as tasty dog treats and snacks. Here is a list of the different 4Health Dog Food formulas: 

Where to Buy 4Health Dog Food

4Health Dog Food Formulas

We will thoroughly review the 4Health Salmon & Potato Formula for Adult Dogs and then discuss three other 4Health Lines – the 4Health Original Dog Food, the 4Health Grain Free Dog Food, and the 4Health Special Care Dog Food.

4Health Salmon & Potato Formula for Adult Dogs

Summary: The Salmon & Potato Formula is the most popular 4Health pet food, and with salmon and ocean fish meal as main ingredients (25% crude protein) and 14.0% crude fat, there is a backed-up science behind the diet’s popularity. The salmon and egg products provide protein, and the ocean fish meal and canola oil are rich sources of fats and linoleic omega-6 and linolenic acid omega-3 fatty acids. 

The formula includes wholesome ingredients like potatoes, peas, and cracked pearled barley. The potatoes, cracked pearled barley, and millet add carbohydrates and the peas are rich in protein. The formula also includes blueberries, cranberries, spinach, dried kelp, apples, carrots which provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.  

For a better profile, the formula is enriched with folic acid, riboflavin, biotin, niacin, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D supplement, vitamin E supplement, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), selenium, calcium pantothenate, copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, zinc sulfate, copper proteinate, potassium iodide, manganous oxide, iron proteinate, and zinc proteinate. 

The 4Health Salmon & Potato Formula has added probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium), prebiotics (dried chicory root), and digestive enzymes (Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract) for healthy digestion. It also has chondroitin sulfate (100 mg/kg) and glucosamine hydrochloride (300 mg/kg) for joint health and mobility support. 

Finally, this dry dog food features Yucca Schidigera extract for better poop quality and less odor and L-carnitine, which speeds up the metabolism, thus supporting lean body and weight management. 

Pros

• Salmon as the first ingredient (ethoxyquin-free)
• Warious grains, fruits, and veggies 
• Natural flavors and added health-boosting ingredients 
• Supports digestion, the immune system, skin, and joint health  
• Free from corn, wheat, and soy 

Cons

• Relatively low overall fiber content (3%) 
• Flaxseed is linked with lower reproductive performances 
• Some dogs have trouble digesting peas 

Review: We like the diet’s suitability for dogs allergic to traditional protein sources like chicken and beef. We also like the inclusion of antioxidants, probiotics, and joint-friendly compounds. We dislike the use of tomato pomace and flaxseed as poor fiber sources. All in all, we rate the 4Health Salmon & Potato Formula as Best for Adult Dogs.

No Wheat, No Corn, No SoySalmon is the main ingredient Omega Fatty Acids for Skin and CoatHealthy Digestion Support 

Summary: For their Original Dog Food, 4Health has sourced high-quality meat to ensure your pet can enjoy nutritious protein that is not a poultry by-product nor contains harmful ingredients.

This dog food does not contain corn, soy or wheat, but does contain powerful antioxidants and omega fatty acid for a silky and shiny coat and a healthy immune system. Overall, 4Health Original Dog Food offers a wholesome and beneficial meal for your dog.

Pros

• No wheat, no corn, no soy
• Salmon is the main ingredient 
• Omega fatty acids for skin and coat
• Healthy digestion support 

Cons

Review: We like the salmon as the first ingredient and added health-boosting compounds. We dislike the use of flaxseed oil. All in all, we rate the 4Health Original Dog Food as the Best for Dogs of All Ages.

No Corn, No Wheat, No SoySpecies Specific Probiotics for Digestive SupportWhitefish is the #1 IngredientOmega Fatty Acids for Skin and Coat

Summary: When your pet has a food allergy, finding the right pet food products can be challenging. But, 4Health Pet Food caters to those with a food allergy by offering a grain-free meal option. 

With the 4Health Grain Free Dog Food, you can have peace of mind knowing that your dog will love its food and is getting the vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy. It also contains probiotics that aid digestion, avoid an upset stomach, and help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. 

Pros

• Grain-free formula 
• High-quality protein source 
• Species-specific probiotics for digestive support
• Rich in omega fatty acids

Cons

• Often out of stock due to high demand 

Review: We like the grain-free option, and the use of species-specific probiotics – two factors dogs with allergies can benefit from. We dislike the frequent unavailability. All in all, we rate the 4Health Grain Free Dog Food as the Best for Dogs with Allergies. 

No Corn, Wheat or SoyLimited-Ingredient DietSpecies-Specific Probiotics for Digestive Support  (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Summary: The Special Care line of 4Health Pet Food is perfect for dogs with dietary needs and could do with some pet health support. The formulas focus on providing healthy and balanced nutrients while supporting optimal health and well-being. 

The line includes three different formulas: 4Health Special Care Sensitive Stomach Formula for Adult Dogs, 4Health Special Care Weight Management Formula for Adult Dogs, and 4Health Special Care Sensitive Skin Formula for Adult Dogs

Pros

• No corn, wheat, or soy
• Limited-ingredient diet
• Probiotics for digestive support 
• Condition-specific ingredients 

Cons

• Negative comments about the bag size 

Review: We like the limited selection of ingredients and added condition-specific components. We dislike that some customers complain about the bag size and price. All in all, we rate the 4Health Special Care Dog Food as the Best for Health Support. 

Additional 4Health Products

4Health Dog Food Ingredient Analysis

The 4Health Dog Food uses high-quality meat and fat sources (instead of the typical chicken meal and chicken fat), and most importantly, the fish meal is stated to be ethoxyquin-free. Plus, the formulas do not feature GMO ingredients, fillers, and allergens like soy, corn, and wheat. 

All preservatives and flavors are natural, and 4Health Dog Food regularly uses additional health-boosting ingredients like omega fatty acids, vitamins, chelated minerals, antioxidants, dietary fiber, probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and chondroprotectants. 

Last but not least, 4Health Dog Food is not made of organic ingredients, and the meat sources are not free-range grown or wild-caught from pristine waters. There are also questions regarding the use of ground race without stating whether it is brown rice or white rice. 

However, the brand offers high-quality and well-paired ingredients or, in simple words, proper nutrition with a reasonable price tag. 

4Health Dog Food Recalls: What You Need to Know

Diamond Pet Foods voluntarily recalled 4Health Dog food in May 2012. This was due to the discovery of salmonella contamination on their dog food brands with a best-by date from December 2012 to April 2013. 

After a thorough investigation, 4Health Dog Food was not found to have salmonella, but the action was taken as a precaution to protect pets across the country.

Is 4Health Food Right for Your Dog?

Since it is difficult to find a bad review about 4Health Dog Food it is safe to assume that the formula is suitable for your dog’s nutritional and individual needs. 

In fact, most dog owners are happy with the variety of 4Health Dog Food options and the premium quality they have experienced with the meat and fish meal options. There are customer reviews reporting that their dog is enjoying better skin and a healthier coat after eating 4Health dog food. 

The wholesome food recipes that subtract the artificial additives and leave in all the best bits also make this pet food stand out from the crowd for being premium but affordable.

Our Final Thoughts on 4Health Dog Food 

We believe that 4Health Dog Food offers balanced pet food for puppies and adult dogs of all breeds, shapes, and sizes, as well as catering to allergies and dietary needs.

The dog food brand’s overarching goal is to provide quality ingredients and fresh meat that brings a balance of macronutrients to your dog’s diet. This is important for everyday life and making sure your pup stays fit and healthy. 

Plus, 4Health Dog Food has a rich range of pet foods and treats, allowing you to choose the option that suits you and your dog best. No matter what formula you decide on, rest assured it is wheat, soy, and corn-free, yet full of healthy and wholesome ingredients.

Sources

(PDF) The role of dietary omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids in the nutrition of dogs and cats: A review (researchgate.net) 

Can Dogs Eat Peas? – American Kennel Club (akc.org) 

Ethoxyquin: An Antioxidant Used in Animal Feed (hindawi.com) 

Feeding your dog salmon can boost its brain power, study finds | London Evening Standard | Evening Standard 

Utilisation of supplemented l-carnitine for fuel efficiency, as an antioxidant, and for muscle recovery in Labrador retrievers (nih.gov)