Dog Constipation: How to Treat It at Home and When to Get Help

We all get constipated from time to time, so it’s no surprise that our dogs also struggle to poop sometimes. But if your dog has frequent bouts of constipation, you may need to make some changes to their routine, including their diet and exercise.

Constipation can sometimes be treated at home. Here are some strategies to try, as well as tips to help you determine whether you should enlist help from a veterinarian.

At-home constipation remedies

Constipation is frequently caused by dehydration, dietary deficiencies, or a sedentary lifestyle. The following strategies may help prevent constipation.

1. Increase water intake

Be sure that your dog has access to fresh water at all times. If you feed them kibble, try boosting the moisture content of their meal by mixing in canned food or switching to canned altogether.

2. Increase fiber intake

Several high-fiber fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs and can quickly relieve constipation (see suggestions below). You can also try giving your dog moderate amounts of bran cereal or a product such as Metamucil, Konsyl, or Siblin.

3. Take them out to exercise

Taking your dog for a walk or out for a quick game of fetch will improve their blood circulation and stimulate movement in their gastrointestinal tract.

4. Go for more frequent bathroom breaks

If your dog struggles with constipation, it may help to give them more bathroom breaks. Giving your dog more opportunities to poop may help keep things moving.

At-home constipation remedies to avoid

Contrary to popular advice on the internet, do not give your dog coconut oil or olive oil. These can be harmful to your dog. Apple cider vinegar and mineral oil are not typically recommended by veterinary experts.

It’s also best to avoid giving your dog yogurt. Yogurt contains probiotics, but it also contains lactose, which some dogs are sensitive to. In addition, yogurt (and other human foods) may be sweetened using xylitol, which is very toxic to dogs.

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Best high-fiber foods for dogs

Adding these safe high-fiber foods to your dog’s diet or offering them as treats may relieve their constipation:

• Canned pumpkin

• Bananas

• Blueberries

• Cantaloupe

• Strawberries

• Broccoli

• Carrots

• Green beans

• Plain oatmeal

When to try laxatives for your dog

When all else fails, it may be time to try a laxative. Dogs with mild constipation can take human laxatives such as polyethylene glycol 3350 (Miralax) or bisacodyl (Dulcolax). But it’s important to consult a vet for guidance and the correct dosage.

Using laxatives on a regular basis can also make your dog’s constipation worse.

When to see a vet about your dog’s constipation

Most dogs poop at least once per day. It’s a good idea to call a veterinarian if your dog is going less often and you observe any of the following symptoms:

• Scooting

• Decreased appetite

• Squatting frequently but only pushing out small amounts of watery stool

• Weight loss

• Crying or growling when touched on the abdomen or back

Your veterinarian can rule out serious medical conditions such as an intestinal obstruction, pelvic injury, or an enlarged colon (known as megacolon). They can also prescribe laxatives or give your dog an enema if needed.

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Written by:

Arlene Weintraub

Arlene Weintraub is a freelance writer with more than 25 years of experience as a journalist covering health, science, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. She was most recently an associate director and a health writer for APCO Worldwide, where she provided writing and communications consulting to hospitals, biopharmaceutical companies, scientific equipment makers, and health nonprofits.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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