Natural Canine Constipation Remedies

Canine constipation remedies include the use of herbs and natural supplements to facilitate bowel movements. Whether your dog has mild constipation or chronic constipation, try using natural remedies first as they are milder and safer for dogs. This page looks at some useful and effective natural remedies for constipated puppies and dogs.

As mentioned in our page on Dog Constipation, there are numerous possible causes of canine constipation, some are serious and require prompt veterinary attention. If your dog is constipated and cannot go to the bathroom for over a day or two, therefore, you need to take the dog to the veterinarian for a check-up to rule out any underlying health problem.

The good news is, dog constipation can be relieved by the use of natural remedies such as herbs and natural supplements. This page introduces some such natural canine constipation remedies, including effective natural products available at some pet health stores.

Natural Canine Constipation Remedies for Mild Constipation

For the occasional mild cases of dog constipation, you may want to first try some simple natural home remedies, such as:

Canned Pumpkin: Pumpkin is one of nature's great superfoods. It contains lots of dietary fiber and is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E. If your dog is having problem relieving himself, feed him a tablespoon or two of canned pumpkin for a few days until he can have regular bowel movements again.
Bran: Bran also gives your dog extra dietary fiber. Add half a teaspoon to one teaspoon of bran to your dog's food.
Flaxseed: Flaxseed or psyllium husk can lubricate the intestines and facilitate bowel movements. You can add 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of ground flaxseed or psyllium husk to your dog's food.
Probiotics: Probiotics, which contains "friendly bacteria", are essential in re-establishing the normal GI flora in your dog's digestive system. An imbalanced GI flora can sometimes lead to digestive problems such as constipation, gas, or diarrhea.

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Herbal Canine Constipation Remedies

If your dog has chronic constipation, try using herbal remedies.

Herbs are found to be very effective in relieving chronic constipation in dogs.

Some useful herbs for treating dog constipation are:

Slippery Elm: Slippery elm is the best herb for treating constipation or diarrhea. It is a soothing nutritive herb that coats and soothes the digestive tract and intestinal walls. This herb also provides mucilage that can reduce irritation of intestinal tissues, and help maintain regular elimination patterns.
Marshmallow root: This herb has properties similar to those of slippery elm and is useful for soothing, coating and lubricating the intestinal mucous membrances.
Licorice root: Licorice has anti-inflammatory properties and is also an adaptogen, which means it can bring the entire body into balance and promote well-being.
Dandelion root: Dandelion is a general stimulant for the liver and urinary system. It helps to detoxify the body and is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and B complex, as well as useful chemicals such as potassium, calcium and iron. Use this herb as a dietary supplement to boost your dog's liver condition and sluggish digestive system.
Milk thistle: Like dandelion, milk thistle also detoxifies the body and strengthens the liver.

It is advisable to feed the herbal supplement on an "on-off" basis: for example, feed it to your dog for 2 to 3 weeks, stop for one week, and repeat as necessary.

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Canine Constipation Remedies - Natural Products

Only Natural Pet Laxa-Herb Herbal Formula

This herbal tincture can be used as a mild laxative for overnight relief of constipation. It contains herbs such as licorice, ginger root, oregon grape, and turkey rhubarb root - all effective herbs for treating constipation by stimulating the muscles in the digestive tract without causing discomfort.

Only Natural Pet GI Support

Chronic constipation indicates a weak digestive system. Use this natural remedy to support the GI system of your dog. It contains probiotics, vitamins, herbs (e.g. slippery elm, licorice, alfalfa), micronutrients and enzymes, and is very effective for dogs suffering from chronic or recurrent poor digestion, food allergies, or irritable bowel issues.

PetAlive Natural Moves

This is an herbal and homeopathic combo and contains ingredients such as psyllium husk, green oats, and red aloe and is effective in maintaining bowel and digestive health in dogs.

Only Natural Pet GasBGone Herbal Formula

Very often, dogs with poor digestion and constipation will have a lot of gas. This herbal formula minimizes gas by improving digestion, relieving inflammation of the digestive system, and improving intestinal movements.

Pet Essences Digestion / Assimilation Flower Essences

Flower essences are also effective in easing digestive problems such as constipation, especially if the problem is caused by stress, anxiety, etc. This remedy can improve food digestion and assimilation of nutrients. It is useful for picky eaters, or dogs suffering from constipation.

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