Dog Constipation: Causes, Home Remedies & When It's an Emergency

Constipation is common in dogs and usually resolves with simple home care. But it can signal serious problems like obstruction or prostate disease in males.

Causes: dehydration (most common), dietary (too much bone, too little fiber), lack of exercise, medications (opioids, antihistamines), neurological issues, pelvic trauma, prostate enlargement (intact male dogs), perineal hernia, and megacolon.

Home Remedies for Mild Cases: Canned pumpkin (1-4 tbsp depending on size, with meals). Increase water intake (add water to food, bone broth). Exercise (walking stimulates bowel movements). Psyllium husk fiber supplement (check with vet first).

NEVER give human laxatives, enemas (Fleet is fatal), or mineral oil (aspiration risk).

When to See a Vet: no bowel movement for 48+ hours, straining with nothing or only mucus, vomiting, lethargy, distended abdomen, or blood in stool. Male dogs straining could have prostate issues or urinary obstruction.

Prevention: adequate water, fiber-appropriate diet, regular exercise, don't let your dog hold it all day, and address mobility issues in senior dogs.