Dog Constipation: Natural Ways to Support Healthy Digestion
Constipation can leave your dog feeling uncomfortable, restless and not quite themselves. You may notice them straining when trying to poo, passing small, hard or dry stools, or going less frequently than usual.
Occasional constipation can happen for a number of reasons, including not drinking enough water, changes in diet, reduced exercise or a lack of fibre. Fortunately, there are some simple ways you can support healthy digestion at home.
Can Bone Broth Help a Constipated Dog?
One of the simplest things you can do for a constipated dog is encourage them to consume more fluids.
This is where bone broth for dogs can be particularly useful. Adding prepared bone broth to your dog's meals can increase their fluid intake while making their food more appetising.
Bone broth also naturally contains collagen, gelatin, protein and amino acids, making it a nutritious addition to your dog's normal diet.
You can serve bone broth in a bowl, pour it over your dog's food or use it to soften dry food.
Always make sure the bone broth you choose is suitable for dogs and does not contain ingredients such as onion, garlic or excessive salt.
1. Increase Your Dog's Hydration
If your dog's stools are hard and dry, hydration is one of the first things to consider.
Make sure fresh drinking water is always available. If your dog isn't a particularly enthusiastic drinker, adding water or prepared bone broth to their meals is an easy way to increase their overall fluid intake.
This can be especially helpful for dogs eating predominantly dry food.
2. Try Pumpkin or Sweet Potato
A little extra fibre can help support normal bowel movements.
Plain cooked or purΓ©ed pumpkin is a popular choice for dogs because it contains soluble fibre. Cooked sweet potato can also be added to meals in small quantities.
Introduce fibre gradually rather than suddenly adding large amounts to your dog's diet, as too much can sometimes make digestive problems worse.
3. Support Your Dog's Gut
A healthy digestive system depends on a diverse and balanced gut microbiome.
Dog-friendly fermented foods and probiotic products can be used to support the gut microbiome as part of a balanced diet.
If you're using yoghurt or kefir, choose a plain product without artificial sweeteners or added sugar, and remember that some dogs don't tolerate dairy particularly well. A dairy-free fermented option may therefore be more suitable for some dogs.
4. Keep Your Dog Moving
Exercise doesn't just keep your dog's muscles and joints healthy β movement can also help support normal digestive function.
If your dog has been less active than usual, try introducing an extra gentle walk or some additional playtime.
Sometimes a little more movement is all that's needed to get things moving again.
5. Consider Psyllium Husk
Psyllium is a source of soluble fibre that absorbs water and can help support normal stool consistency.
However, fibre isn't suitable for every cause of constipation, and psyllium needs to be given with adequate fluids. Speak to your vet before using it, particularly if your dog has ongoing digestive problems or takes medication.
6. Look at Your Dog's Overall Diet
If constipation keeps returning, it's worth considering your dog's diet as a whole.
Are they getting enough moisture? Has their food recently changed? Are they eating bones, chews or other foods that could be contributing to hard stools?
Rather than simply adding more and more fibre, look at the balance of hydration, appropriate fibre, movement and overall nutrition.
What Can I Give My Dog for Constipation?
For mild, occasional constipation, simple dietary and lifestyle changes may help. These can include:
- Plenty of fresh water and additional moisture in meals
- Dog-friendly bone broth
- A small amount of plain pumpkin or cooked sweet potato
- Appropriate dietary fibre
- Regular exercise
- Gut-friendly foods as part of a balanced diet
Avoid giving your dog human laxatives or constipation medication unless specifically instructed to do so by your vet.
When Should You Contact Your Vet?
Constipation isn't always simply a dietary problem. In some cases, there may be an underlying medical issue or an obstruction that requires veterinary attention.
Contact your vet if your dog repeatedly strains without producing a stool, appears to be in pain, has a swollen or uncomfortable abdomen, is vomiting, loses their appetite, becomes lethargic, has blood in their stool, or has persistent constipation.
You should also seek advice sooner for puppies, elderly dogs or dogs with existing medical conditions.
Supporting Healthy Digestion Every Day
Keeping your dog's digestive system healthy doesn't need to be complicated.
Good hydration, regular exercise, appropriate fibre and a balanced diet can all contribute to healthy bowel movements. Adding bone broth for dogs is also a simple way to introduce additional moisture while providing naturally occurring collagen, protein and amino acids.
Supporting the gut every day is often far easier than waiting until digestive problems appear β and a happy gut can make for a much happier dog.
