Dog health expert Dr Carol Bryant explains 9 safe and effective ways you can help a dog poop quickly, from pumpkin to a warm belly compress.
Dog health expert Dr Carol Bryant explains 9 safe and effective ways you can help a dog poop quickly, from pumpkin to a warm belly compress.
Quick takeaway: There are several ways to help a dog poop quickly. Home remedies you may wish to try include adding a small amount of pumpkin to their food for added nutritional fiber, giving a suitable amount of olive or coconut oil as digestive system lubrication, replacing their drinking water more often or flavoring it with a little bone broth to encourage better hydration, and gently placing a warm compress on the belly to help relax their bowels. If you are concerned about your dog struggling to poop, it’s important to contact your vet for advice.
These safe and effective home remedies for mild constipation may help your dog to poop more quickly. Remember, if you are concerned about your dog not pooping and they seem uncomfortable, it’s time to contact the vet.
“The safest home remedies to try include adding pumpkin to the food or a small amount of a fiber supplement” says Dr. Bernard. “Remember that most dogs are smaller than humans, so the human dose is too high.”
Pumpkin is known for its ability to regulate digestion due to its high fiber content. Be sure to use canned pumpkin without sugar (not pumpkin pie filling) in your dog’s food for mild constipation issues.
These oils act as a lubricant for your dog’s digestive system. A small amount added to daily meals may help relieve constipation in dogs. Too much can lead to diarrhea.
Water is the foundation of life. Without it, people and pets cannot survive. In our article about how much water a dog should drink, we provide water consumption guidelines for your dog’s size and weight.
Movement is good for the body because it stimulates the digestive system and helps keep bowel movements regular. Ask your veterinarian how much exercise is enough for your dog. At the very least, dogs should get one or two walks a day with plenty of time for sniff time so they are encouraged to poop.
High-fiber, dog-friendly foods like plain, cooked green beans or mashed sweet potatoes can serve as natural fiber boosters in dogs. Fiber for dogs also comes in other forms, such as over-the-counter products, which we will discuss.
Dairy and yogurt may serve as a mild laxative for some dogs. Never give a dog dairy products with sugar substitutes like Xylitol. Too much dairy can cause diarrhea or belly upset.
A warm water compress on the belly may encourage the bowels to move if your dog allows it. Don’t make the compress too hot. To help your dog accept the compress, try tiring them out first with a walk or play session. Rub their tummy and ease into placing the warm compress on their tummy.
Dr. Tancredi reports that psyllium husk powder, or Metamucil, can be added to food to increase fiber and relieve constipation. Your veterinarian can provide dosage information. Too much MiraLAX or Metamucil can cause diarrhea.
Most health food stores or natural sections of grocery stores sell aloe vera juice. Consult with your veterinarian about the right dose to serve your dog.
A dog can safely go about 48 to 72 hours without defecating, per Dr. Bernard. Dr. Betty Chow of VCA Animal Specialty and Emergency Center says it depends on the dog.
“If you are worried about your dog’s bathroom behaviors, please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian,” says Dr. Tancredi.
“If you are worried about your dog’s bathroom behaviors, please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian,” says Dr. Tancredi.
Reasons to contact your veterinarian about a dog not pooping include:
When visiting the vet, they may do x-rays or an ultrasound, perform a rectal examination, use an enema to help relieve constipation, prescribe medications, or surgical intervention if necessary.
https://vcahospitals.com/venture/team/elizabeth-tancredi
https://vcahospitals.com/animal-specialty-emergency/team/betty-chow