Natural Pet Relief: Safe Human Laxatives For Dogs

Constipation is a common health problem in dogs, and it can be uncomfortable and painful for your furry friend. It's important to monitor your dog's bowel movements and take action if you notice any signs of constipation, such as small, hard stools or straining during bowel movements. While there are laxatives labelled specifically for dogs, you should never give your dog human laxatives without consulting your vet first. In this article, we will explore the causes of constipation in dogs and provide some safe and effective remedies to help get your dog's digestion moving again.

Natural laxatives like aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, and marshmallow root

Natural laxatives can be a good option to relieve your dog's constipation, but it's important to consult your vet before administering any new treatments. Natural laxatives like aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, and marshmallow root can be effective in treating constipation in dogs. Here's how:

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant with well-known skin-soothing properties, but it can also aid in digestion and relieve constipation. The gel from the aloe vera plant contains enzymes that help heal itchy skin and reduce inflammation. It is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial components. To use aloe vera as a laxative for your dog, scoop out the clear gel from the plant, being careful to avoid the yellow latex layer, as this can be toxic to dogs. Blend the gel with water or bone broth and add it to your dog's food. You can give your dog up to 1/4 teaspoon of gel per 10 pounds of weight daily.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is known to improve digestive health and relieve constipation in dogs. It is generally safe to add apple cider vinegar to your dog's food or water. As a guideline, add 1/4 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar per 10 pounds of your dog's body weight, once or twice a week. However, if you are concerned or your dog's condition does not improve, consult your veterinarian.

Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root is a herbal medicine that has been used for thousands of years to treat various health issues. It has anti-inflammatory properties, soothes irritated tissue, and can help heal digestive issues. Marshmallow root can be used to treat constipation by soothing and lubricating the digestive tract and relaxing the muscles. To administer, mix equal parts marshmallow root and licorice root with twice as much slippery elm or plantain. Give this mixture to your dog twice a day as a tea, tincture, or dried herbs. For a dog of any size, 1 tablespoon of dried herbs or 1 milliliter of a low-alcohol tincture combination, or 2 tablespoons of a strong tea, is a suitable dose.

In addition to these natural laxatives, there are other home remedies you can try to relieve your dog's constipation. These include increasing your dog's water intake, adding fiber to their diet, and providing them with more exercise. Remember, it is always best to consult your veterinarian before starting any new treatments to ensure they are safe and suitable for your dog's specific needs.

Canned dog food or pumpkin puree

Constipation is a common health problem in dogs, meaning they can't pass a normal stool regularly. This can be due to various reasons, such as poor diet, blockages from eating non-food items, or a lack of exercise. Symptoms of constipation include a lack of defecation for a few days, hard and dry stools, and straining to defecate.

Canned dog food has a higher moisture content than dry food, which can help regulate your dog's digestive system and create softer stools. It is important to mix canned food with their normal food to avoid upsetting their stomach.

Pumpkin puree is high in fibre and moisture, which helps regulate the digestive tract. It is also rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which are essential for a dog's health. The high water content in pumpkin can help with hydration, and the fibre content can add bulk to stools, making them softer and easier to pass.

It is recommended to start with a small amount of pumpkin puree, such as one tablespoon per meal for every 20 pounds of your dog's body weight. You can then slowly increase the amount by 0.5 to 1 tablespoon at a time until your dog's stools return to normal.

Precautions

It is important to only feed your dog plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the added ingredients can be toxic. Additionally, too much pumpkin can cause diarrhoea, so it is important to monitor your dog's reaction and adjust the amount accordingly. If your dog's constipation persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult your veterinarian for further advice.

Water and electrolytes

Electrolytes play a crucial role in maintaining water balance, proper muscle function, heart health, blood pressure, and bone health in dogs. Sodium, for example, helps maintain fluid balance and ensures that cells function optimally. Potassium is necessary for muscle contractions and proper heart function, while chloride aids in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Magnesium, along with potassium, contributes to strong bones, particularly in senior dogs.

It's important to note that dogs primarily lose water, not salts, when they pant. Therefore, water is usually the best way to rehydrate your dog. However, in certain situations, such as when your dog is experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting, they may benefit from additional electrolytes.

You can add an electrolyte solution to your dog's water to help replenish electrolytes lost through diarrhoea. It is recommended to use commercial or homemade electrolyte water tailored for a dog's chemistry. Human sports drinks are not suitable for dogs due to their high sugar and salt content.

There are various options for providing your dog with electrolytes. These include:

• Homemade electrolyte solutions: You can make your own electrolyte solution at home by mixing ingredients such as salt and sugar into boiled and cooled water.
• Commercial electrolyte solutions: There are several commercial electrolyte solutions available specifically for dogs, such as Vet Classics Pet-A-Lyte Oral Electrolyte Solution and Resurgence Dog Electrolytes.
• Bone broth: Chicken bone broth is a natural source of hydration and electrolytes for dogs. It is high in potassium, calcium, and other nutrients.
• Electrolyte supplements: Some dogs may benefit from electrolyte supplements, especially in extreme weather conditions or during recovery from illness or surgery. However, it is important to consult your veterinarian before administering any supplements.

Exercise

The amount of exercise your dog needs will depend on their breed, age, and energy levels, but most dogs need around 30 to 90 minutes of exercise a day. Sporting and herding breeds may need more. If your dog needs more exercise than you can provide, consider hiring a dog walker or putting your pup in doggy daycare a few times a week.

Taking your dog for long walks can help get their bowels moving and stimulate healthy movement. Exercises like running, fetch, and chase are great ways to promote a healthy digestive tract. Short, frequent walks can also help stimulate the movement of feces. The exercise combined with the smells of other dogs that have defecated in the area may help relieve your dog's constipation.

If your dog is suffering from constipation, try adding more exercise to their daily routine. However, if your dog is showing severe symptoms of constipation, it is important to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Veterinary-prescribed laxatives

Laxatives for dogs do exist and can provide relief for constipation. However, it is important to consult a veterinarian before administering any medication to your dog, as laxatives can have serious side effects and may not always be necessary.

Veterinary recommendations

Veterinarians will recommend laxatives based on a specific diagnosis and treatment plan that takes into account the dog's overall health. They may suggest suppositories, pills, or liquid laxatives, as well as a prescription diet high in fiber. In cases of severe constipation, an enema may be recommended.

Prescription laxatives

Prescription-strength laxatives for dogs include:

• Lactulose (brand names: Cephulac®, Kristalose®, Generlac®, Constulose®, Enulose®)
• Bisacodyl, commonly known as Dulcolax®

Side effects

Laxatives may cause side effects such as loose stool and dehydration, so it is important to work with a veterinarian to monitor the dog's condition.

Natural options

Veterinarians may also suggest natural options to assist with constipation, such as:

• Pumpkin puree or fresh pumpkin
• Mineral oil applied around the rectum
• Psyllium (e.g. unprocessed wheat bran or Metamucil®)
• Probiotics

Frequently asked questions