If your dog is constipated, here are effective steps and remedies you can try to help relieve their discomfort:

Immediate Actions to Take

• Ensure Hydration: Make sure your dog has constant access to fresh, clean water. Dehydration often causes constipation because the body reabsorbs water from the stool, making it hard and difficult to pass. You can encourage drinking by offering water fountains, multiple water bowls, or adding water or broth to their food

• Exercise: Regular physical activity stimulates bowel movements. Taking your dog for extra walks or play sessions can promote healthy digestion and relieve constipation

Dietary Adjustments

• Add Fiber: Fiber helps regulate digestion and soften stool. A common home remedy is adding plain canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) to your dog’s meals-about 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight. Other fiber sources include psyllium supplements, high-fiber dog food, or fiber-rich treats, but consult your vet before making changes

• Switch to Wet Food: Canned dog food contains more moisture than dry kibble and can help ease constipation by increasing hydration through diet

• Healthy Oils: Small amounts of olive oil or coconut oil can act as natural stool softeners by lubricating the digestive tract. Use sparingly to avoid diarrhea

Additional Remedies

• Probiotics: Over-the-counter probiotics formulated for dogs can help restore gut bacteria balance, improving digestion and relieving constipation over time

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adding a small amount (about ¼ teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight) to food or water once or twice a week may improve digestive health and relieve constipation

When to Seek Veterinary Care

• If constipation persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, or pain, consult your veterinarian.
• For chronic constipation, vets may recommend enemas, stool softeners, low-residue diets, or other medical interventions like manual removal of impacted stool or medication

• Never give your dog laxatives or stool softeners without veterinary approval, as some treatments can be unsafe or cause complications

By ensuring hydration, increasing exercise, adjusting diet with fiber and moisture, and using safe home remedies like pumpkin and probiotics, you can often relieve mild constipation in dogs. Persistent or severe cases require veterinary evaluation and treatment.