How To Treat Constipated Puppies

Simple at-home treatment may help your puppy's constipation.

A constipated puppy is uncomfortable and possibly ill. Home remedies may help to get things moving again, making for a happier puppy. If, after two days, your puppy is still constipated consult a veterinarian. Constipation may be caused by eating something that the puppy shouldn't have, especially edible bones. Not having regular enough access to the outdoors, stress and anxiety are other culprits. Look for a rounded belly as a sign of constipation.

Things You'll Need

• Canned pumpkin
• Psyllium
• Lemon juice
• Syringe
• Vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Add 1 tablespoon of canned pumpkin to your dog's food. The extra fiber will help alleviate constipation, and most dogs enjoy the taste. Use canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix.

2. Add 1/2 teaspoon of psyllium to your puppy's food twice a day. The puppy needs to drink lots of water with this remedy.

3. Mix warm water with a few drops of lemon juice. Lubricate the end of a syringe with vegetable oil and then fill the syringe with the water solution. Gently insert the lubricated syringe tip into the puppy's rectum and depress the plunger. This gentle enema will help with constipation, and also hydrate your dog quickly. You may repeat this treatment up to twice a day for up to two days, or until the problem is resolved.

References

• Organic Pet Digest: Dog Constipation Symptoms and Treatments and Links to Diarrhea
• Small Dog Paradise: How to Help Dogs with Constipation