Effective Pet Constipation Remedies: Tips for Constipated Older Dogs and Cats

Tips to Help Your Older Pet with Difficulty Defecating

As a veterinarian, I often see older pets struggling with defecation issues, and it can be tough to watch them suffer. If you’re dealing with this problem, here are a few tips that can help your pet feel more comfortable:

1. Increase Fluid Intake

One of the simplest and most effective solutions is to ensure your pet is getting more fluids. You can incorporate wet food into their diet to increase hydration, which can help soften the stool and make it easier for them to pass.

2. Boost Fiber Intake

Adding fiber to your pet’s diet can greatly improve bowel movements. Ground flaxseed or pumpkin are great natural options. Both are rich in fiber, which helps bulk up the stool and stimulates the digestive system.

3. Supplement for Joint Health

As pets age, arthritis can be a significant factor contributing to difficulty with defecation. Joint pain may make it hard for them to position themselves properly to go to the bathroom. By adding a supplement to support your older cat or dog’s arthritis, you can ease their discomfort and help them defecate more easily.

Our Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Canine Health Formulas and Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline Health Formula contain optimal levels of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, which have already been proven to help thousands of dogs and cats with arthritis.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be helping your older pet live a more comfortable and healthy life.

Constipated Dog or Cat?

As a veterinarian, I understand how concerning it can be when your pet is having trouble with bowel movements. Constipation in dogs and cats is defined as difficulty and infrequent defecation. Healthy pets typically have 1-2 stools per day. If your pet is straining or crying when trying to pass stool, or if the stool is hard and dry, they may be constipated. In some cases, your pet may not have had a bowel movement in 48 hours, which can cause noticeable discomfort. These symptoms are similar to what we experience when we are constipated.

Causes of Constipation

There are many reasons why pets may become constipated. One common cause is a feast on bones, especially for dogs. Older pets, particularly cats, may experience constipation due to decreased activity levels and lower fluid intake. Certain breeds, like the Manx cat, are more prone to constipation, as are male dogs that may develop an enlarged prostate, which can obstruct the colon.

Excessive grooming in cats can lead to constipation due to hairballs, while dogs that eat unusual things like dirt or sand may also experience digestive issues. In these cases, constipation may result in straining to defecate, with dry, painful stools.

Is It Really Constipation?

It’s important to confirm that your pet is truly constipated. Dogs sometimes strain with diarrhea, which can be mistaken for constipation. Cats may strain due to urinary tract infections or obstructions. Always check your cat’s litter box to ensure they are urinating. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian.

Obstipation: A Serious Form of Constipation

If your pet experiences continuous constipation, it may develop into obstipation, which is a severe form of constipation. This is more common in cats, where the colon becomes dilated and filled with dry, firm feces. Pets suffering from obstipation are often very uncomfortable, showing signs like a distended abdomen, straining, and loss of appetite. This condition requires veterinary treatment, including enemas and medication to help the colon contract properly.

At-Home Remedies for Constipation

There are several effective at-home remedies that can help relieve your pet’s constipation:

1. Dietary Fiber
   Adding more fiber to your pet’s diet is key to promoting healthy bowel movements. For dogs, ground flaxseed is a great source of fiber. I recommend giving 1 teaspoon per cup of food. Metamucil is another effective option, with a dose of 1/2 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight daily. You can mix it with canned food to make it more palatable.
   For cats, canned pumpkin is my go-to remedy. I typically give 1 tablespoon twice a day, and most cats will eat it willingly.

2. Increase Fluid Intake
   Proper hydration is crucial for preventing constipation. For dogs on dry food, you may need to add water to their meals. If your cat isn’t drinking enough water, try adding milk or tuna juice to encourage hydration. It’s also helpful to feed canned food to cats prone to constipation, as it increases fluid intake and often results in normal stools.

3. Regular Exercise
   Just like people, pets benefit from regular physical activity to keep their bowels moving. If you’ve fallen off your routine, try to get back on track. Regular walks for dogs and playtime for cats (especially using toys like a catnip mouse) can help stimulate bowel movements.

4. Safe Laxatives

   • Vaseline: This is a very safe laxative, commonly used in compounds to prevent hairballs in cats. I recommend giving 1 teaspoon twice a day for every 10 lbs of body weight for 3-5 days.
   • Vitamin C: At higher doses, Vitamin C can act as a laxative. Start with 500 mg twice daily.
   • Cascara Sagrada: Available as a dried herb, tea, or tincture, cascara is effective as a laxative. A typical dosage is 10 mg per 10 lbs of body weight once daily. It usually takes 6-8 hours to work. Be sure not to use it for more than 5 days.
   • Castor Oil: Castor oil is a well-known natural laxative that works by stimulating the muscles of the intestines. Use 1/2 teaspoon per 20 lbs of body weight twice daily. Be cautious, as large doses can cause discomfort like cramping, nausea, or diarrhea. It’s also useful for treating hairballs in cats.
   • Miralax: This is a newer treatment that’s been effective for cats with chronic constipation or obstipation. It’s safe for both dogs and cats. The typical dose is 1/4 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight, given once or twice daily. I’ve personally used this with great success.

Conclusion

Constipation in pets is often a sign of another underlying health issue, so it’s essential to monitor your pet’s condition closely. If you notice your pet struggling with constipation frequently, it’s important to address the problem with both at-home remedies and proper veterinary care.

If you’re looking for additional ways to support your pet’s overall health, I recommend my Ultimate Feline Health Formula and Ultimate Canine Health Formula. These supplements can help treat and prevent various health issues, including those that may lead to constipation.

P.S. Remember, constipation can often be a symptom of a bigger health concern. Be proactive in managing your pet’s digestive health to ensure their long-term well-being!