1. Home
  2. Dogs

How to make a dog poop quickly when dealing with constipation – at-home remedies

Safe and effective ways to help a dog beat constipation

By
A person in a black T-shirt and jeans walks a small white and brown dog on a path lined with tall plants with yellow flowers
Delphine Beausoleil / Unsplash

Ah, the glamours of pet parenthood. Poop bags and potty training — it all becomes a normal part of life, but what happens when your fur baby is battling a bout of constipation? More often than not, it resolves itself after a few days, but if it persists, you may want to step in to help your four-legged friend get things moving again.

It may be TMI, but it’s sometimes necessary. There are plenty of foods that will have the desired effect, or you can opt for a gentle supplement, medication, or even lifestyle changes.

Recommended Videos

Here’s how to make a dog poop quickly — you know, under desperate circumstances. Good luck, and don’t forget the air freshener.

Jacquie Klose / Shutterstock

These are the ways to make a dog poop quickly — safely and from home

While some remedies are safe to try from home, others should be done only by a veterinary professional — don’t worry, we’ll specify which is which.

Powdered fiber supplements

One over-the-counter solution for canine constipation is a fiber supplement, just like Native Pet’s Organic Pumpkin Fiber Powder. Pumpkin, the main ingredient in this supplement, has a unique combination of fiber and moisture that can relieve both constipation and diarrhea. This is certainly a useful investment if you have a pup with tummy troubles.

If you’re up for a visit to the vet, they can also recommend supplements and medications to make bowel movements more regular — even prescription-strength ones!

Enema

The American Kennel Club (AKC) notes that this is a constipation-relief method you should never attempt from home. Canine enemas should always be done under the care of a licensed veterinary professional, as they are quite invasive and sometimes uncomfortable. Even so, they are effective and safe when performed correctly, and may be the most effective option in more severe cases of constipation.

sanjagrujic / Shutterstock

What home remedies can I give my dog for constipation if they don’t need to see the vet?

There are a few things you can do right from home if your dog seems mildly stopped up — no vet appointment required. Here are some to try:

Canned dog food

Surprisingly, the extra moisture in canned dog food can help some pooches re-regulate over time. This probably won’t work overnight, but it can be a convenient and delicious strategy for getting rid of chronic constipation.

Hydration

As mentioned above, moisture and water (whether in food or on its own) are great for the digestive system. Encourage your dog to drink more water if you can, but you can always add a bit of chicken broth to it to entice them. The AKC lists electrolyte supplements as another helpful tool for maintaining hydration. Many pet pharmacies and stores carry supplements so your pup won’t have to wait to feel better. Your vet may be able to recommend a brand over the phone.

Lifestyle changes

Whether constipation was a one-time issue or a recurring problem, ensuring that your furry friend has a regular exercise routine will help prevent this from happening again. Even a daily walk and some playtime will keep everything moving smoothly, if you know what we mean.

Pezibear/Pixabay

What foods make dogs poop quickly when they’re constipated?

Since a lack of fiber is a common reason for constipation in canines, foods that contain fiber can help your dog achieve and maintain regular bowel movements.

Prescription dog food

For chronic constipation, your veterinarian may recommend switching your pup to a high-fiber prescription dog food. Always consult your vet before making a choice like this to make sure that you’re switching to the right food for your dog’s needs.

Pumpkin for dogs

Believe it or not, pumpkin has some magical gastrointestinal properties. The gourd itself is high in fiber, but canned pumpkin for dogs contains high amounts of water, too. It can help pups with both diarrhea and constipation — and it’s delicious!

Herbal constipation relief for dogs

If medication isn’t up your alley, there are a few oils, seeds, and herbs that may do the trick. The AKC lists powdered psyllium seeds, fig paste, wheat bran, and olive oil as a few ingredients that can have laxative properties.

Just because a certain ingredient helps people regulate themselves, though, doesn’t mean it will do the same for do —  at least safely. Always check with your veterinarian before adding any new human food to your pooch’s diet, especially if dealing with constipation.

Whatever you decide to try out first, don’t feel discouraged if your dog isn’t all better right away. Even the most effective techniques can take some time. Don’t forget, your vet is always there if you need a hand — no worries.

Wallace Silva / Pexels

How long can a dog go without pooping?

An otherwise healthy pup without underlying health conditions can go up to 48 hours without pooping. Otherwise, it’s likely a sign of constipation. How regular a dog is varies based on lifestyle and diet. Puppies and dogs with higher metabolisms often poop more than older pets or ones with lower metabolic rates. The size of your animal may also affect frequency and stool appearance.

The key is to figure out your dog’s version of “normal” when it comes to potty habits. Deviations from the norm are bound to happen from time to time, but keep an eye on your pup in these situations. If your dog seems to be in pain or passes a bloody stool, call the vet.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Contributor
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Can dogs eat strawberries? Everything you need to know
Yes, you can feed strawberries to Fido. Here's how

Sharing food with our dogs is one of the most fun parts of pet ownership. But animals can't always eat the same stuff as humans (and we certainly don't want to chew on their chow, either). It's important to keep a restriction list in mind when you go to get your buddy a snack from the kitchen. Pups shouldn't eat everything in our pantry, but can dogs eat strawberries? The answer is: Yes, they can and will enjoy them. We'll walk you through how to feed strawberries to dogs and what other fruits they can gnaw on.
Are strawberries toxic for dogs?
No, not at all, and in fact, many dogs love strawberries. Like so many other fruits, strawberries have a lot of nutrients and tons of water, making them a good and reasonably low-calorie snack. However, the drawback is that they're very sweet. That's probably half the reason that Fido likes them!

Because of their high sugar content, though, you should limit how many strawberries — or any berries — you give your pooch per day. The exact number you give depends on the size of your pup pup, with the littlest breeds only needing one per day. A large beastie can have as many as four, and you should scale up or down for all sizes in between.
How should I prepare strawberries for my dog?
Before passing this treat to your animal, make sure to remove the green bits, though a tiny bit of leftover leaf won't hurt. The biggest issue with this fruit is the size — strawberries are a choking hazard. If you have a little guy that takes big bites, you'll want to chop these up small first before doling them out. Lastly, remember that we're talking about fresh strawberries, not canned or jammed or anything like that.
What fruits are not good for dogs?
You should certainly make your buddy avoid all the fruits you don't eat either like red berries he might find growing in the wild. However, the biggest fruits your dog can never eat are grapes and raisins. Science hasn't quite figured out why, but these delectables don't do well for our hounds, and even just one grape can turn deadly. Lastly, stay away from the following just to be safe: green tomatoes, cherries, limes, lemons, and avocado (technically a fruit and bad for dogs in large quantities).

Read more
Why do dogs have wet noses? They’re actually really important
All the reasons why your dog's nose is wet (and how wet is too wet)

The old cliche that a "dog's nose knows" is undoubtedly true. Indeed, a dog's nose tells a tale about a pet's overall health. Generally, a cold, wet nose is considered a good sign that your dog is feeling well (even if brushing your pet's snout may be a modestly uncomfortable way to wake up in the morning). Yet, did you ever wonder, "Why do dogs have wet noses?"

Having the answer can make for some fun water cooler discussion. Knowing the reasons behind a dog's wet nose can also help you understand why a dry nose can be a red flag that something is amiss. Additionally, is it possible for dogs to have a nose that is too wet? We sniffed around and dug up the answers for you.
Why do dogs have wet noses?

Read more
Can dogs eat pineapple? What you need to know
Read this before feeding your dog this tropical fruit

Whether you're indulging in a summertime treat or creating the ultimate tropical fruit salad, pineapple is never a bad idea. Its tangy, refreshing taste complements many other flavors, and you can prepare it in a number of different ways. But while you're chopping up your pineapple, there's a good chance your food-motivated dog isn't far away. After all, they may be hoping you're cooking them a chicken dinner!
Before you toss your pup a piece of delicious pineapple, it's only natural to wonder whether dogs can have this fruit to begin with. A few fruits are downright dangerous for dogs, including grapes, avocados, and pitted fruits, but can dogs have pineapple? Let's find out.

Can dogs have pineapple?

Read more