7 Best Home Remedies for Dog Constipation
This article shows you the 7 Best Home Remedies for Dog Constipation.
Is your dog straining or struggling to poop? Constipation can be uncomfortable for dogs, but natural remedies can help get things moving again.
Luckily, you probably have all of these things at home, so you can help your dog without running to the pharmacy! Remember, home foods and fiber are preferable to laxatives as they are well handled, more effective, and more physiologic than any medicine!
These remedies are gentle, easy to try at home, and can quickly make your dog feel better.
1 Cooked or Canned Pumpkin
Plain, unsweetened cooked pumpkin is the number one food to give to your dog when they’re struggling to poop. It’s recommended by the Merck Veterinary Manual. Since it has both insoluble and soluble fiber, it’s good for digestive issues in general.
However, the fact that it is rich in soluble fiber means that it absorbs water and adds bulk to the stool. But, at the same time, pumpkin is also very high in insoluble fiber that actually adds moisture to the poop. This makes it easier for dogs to go, making it one of the best home remedies for dog constipation.
Depending on the size of your dog, you should give them 1 to 4 teaspoons of cooked pumpkin with their meal (preferably wet dog food).
You can also use canned pumpkin puree, but only the unsweetened variety without any sugar or spices.
2 Coconut Oil or Olive Oil
Adding more healthy fats to your dog’s diet can help with bowel movements. You can try helping your dog with constipation by adding a small amount of coconut or olive oil!
These oils act as natural lubricants and make it easier for your dogs to go potty.
They are also an incredibly healthy source of fat!
Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are known to support gut health and improve digestion. Olive oil contains polyphenols and healthy fats that benefit heart health, regulate blood pressure, and reduce inflammation.
Since there’s an added boost to including these oils in your dog’s diet, I consider them one of the best home remedies for dog constipation.
For small dogs, start with 1/4 teaspoon per meal, and for larger dogs, you can give up to 1 teaspoon. Mix it well with their regular food to make sure they eat it.
Be careful not to overdo it, though! Too much coconut or olive oil can lead to horrible diarrhea, which will make your dog even more uncomfortable.
Start small and see how your dog responds before increasing the amount.
3 Oatmeal
Oatmeal is another great food for overall health, as it helps promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut! It’s a type of food that you can include in your regular dog diet regardless of digestive problems, but it’s also one of the better home remedies for dog constipation.
Here’s why. Oatmeal is full of fiber, which adds bulk to the stool and moves things along.
Oats are rich in beta-glucans, a type of soluble dietary fiber that feeds the good bacteria in the gut. That fiber actually ferments in the stomach and changes the pH levels in the gut. As it lowers the pH levels and supports the growth of good bacteria, oatmeal will help your dog with all sorts of digestive issues!
Cook plain oatmeal using water—never milk—as dairy can sometimes upset a dog’s stomach. If you know 100% that your dog tolerates milk, then you can cook oatmeal in milk.
Don’t add any sugar, salt, or any other toppings. A small serving mixed with your dog’s regular food can do the trick.
For small dogs, give about 1 tablespoon of cooked oatmeal, and for larger dogs, 2–3 tablespoons should be enough.
4 Boiled Sweet Potatoes
Boiled sweet potatoes are another great home remedy for dog constipation. They are rich in fiber, and compared to pumpkin, they contain more insoluble fiber.
Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool and stimulates the digestive tract, encouraging regular bowel movements. It helps push things along in the digestive system, making sweet potatoes a fantastic option for dogs with loose stools or trouble pooping.
Sweet potatoes also have other healthy nutrients, like beta carotene, which is important for healthy vision, skin, and coat. Plus, they are a natural source of potassium, which supports muscles and healthy blood pressure.
The best way to give sweet potatoes is to boil them without any salt. For small dogs, give about 1–2 tablespoons of boiled, plain sweet potatoes. Larger dogs can have up to 4 tablespoons.
5 Watermelon (Without Seeds or Rind)
Watermelon can be a perfect remedy for dog constipation as it’s hydrating, sweet, and full of fiber. This combination is bound to help your dog poop!
Since watermelon is over 90% water, it will keep your dog hydrated and help move things along.
Fiber adds bulk to the stool, and in combination with water and natural sugars, it can help relieve constipation. Try giving your dog a piece of watermelon, but remove the seeds first. If they like it and handle it well, you can gradually increase the amount.
Give small dogs a few bite-sized pieces and larger dogs a handful of pieces, depending on their size.
6 Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt might not be the best home remedy for dog constipation, but it’s still a good option because it’s full of probiotics! And probiotics, as we know, are beneficial bacteria that improve digestion.
Probiotics from Greek yogurt can help move things along. That’s why you can give your dog full-fat Greek yogurt for constipation. In addition to helping them poop, yogurt is also good for them as it’s a source of protein, healthy fats, and calcium—so there’s a bonus!
Make sure to choose plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt without any added sugar or artificial flavors.
For small dogs, give about 1–2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt, and for larger dogs, you can offer 4–5 tablespoons.
Be mindful not to overdo it! Too much yogurt can upset your dog’s stomach or lead to diarrhea, especially if they’re not used to dairy.
7 Bone Broth with Minced Ginger
Now, this might not be something you always have at home, but it’s easy to make for your dog!
Bone broth with a touch of minced ginger can be a soothing remedy for constipation. Bone broth is hydrating and full of nutrients like collagen, amino acids, and minerals, which support digestion and overall gut health.
Adding a small amount of minced ginger can calm an upset stomach, reduce bloating, and gently stimulate digestion to help your dog poop.
Make sure the bone broth is plain and free of any added salt, garlic, onions, or spices, as these can be harmful to dogs. You can use homemade bone broth or store-bought, as long as it’s dog-safe.
To prepare, warm up the bone broth and add a tiny pinch of freshly minced ginger (just a sprinkle for small dogs and up to 1/8 teaspoon for larger dogs). Serve it slightly warm but not hot.
Bonus: Psyllium Husk Powder (Metamucil)
Psyllium husk powder, known as Metamucil, is a fiber supplement that can work wonders for dogs dealing with constipation. It’s made from the seed husks of the Plantago ovata plant. It’s very rich in fiber. This fiber absorbs water and turns it into a gel-like substance. This will soften the stool and make it easier for your dog to poop.
Psyllium husk powder is a concentrated source of fiber, so it works quickly and is particularly helpful for dogs who need an extra push.
Always use the unflavored, unsweetened variety. For small dogs, start with 1/4 teaspoon mixed with wet food. For larger dogs, you can use up to 1 teaspoon. Always mix it well to avoid clumping, and give your dog lots of fresh water to drink. Psyllium absorbs water from their digestive tract, so they need to stay hydrated!
Be cautious not to overdo it! Too much psyllium can lead to bloating, gas, or diarrhea, making your dog feel worse instead of better. Start with a small amount and monitor how your dog responds before adjusting the dosage.
Constipation in dogs can often be relieved with simple, natural home remedies like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or yogurt. It’s also very important to make sure your dog drinks enough water and stays active! Physical activity, like brisk walks, is essential for regular bowel movements.
Start with one of these remedies today, and monitor your dog’s progress.
Have you tried any of these remedies for your dog? Let us know what worked best in the comments!
If you want to learn more about the benefits of each food check out the following links:
Which of these foods have you tried with your dog? Which one helped them the most? Let us know in the comments!
Don’t forget to pin this post so you’ll always have these home remedies handy!
Love, life, and fur forever!
This post showed you the 7 Best Home Remedies for Dog Constipation.
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