Help, My Dog is Constipated! 4 Steps to Take

We’ve talked about gas, we’ve talked about poop… now we’re talking about constipation. (It’s all part of being a responsible pet owner!)

While these topics may not be our favorite to think about, they are crucial in being a responsible pet owner and helping your dog live a happy, healthy life. Today, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about constipation from the causes, steps to take when your dog is constipated, and home remedy options for a constipated dog.

What Causes Constipation in Dogs?

Let’s start by defining constipation. According to the Veterinary Centers of America, constipation is when a dog has a difficult time passing stool or has infrequent stool. Constipation is usually a temporary issue and may cause your dog significant discomfort while it occurs.

There are many causes of constipation in dogs. Some of the most common causes of constipation include:

Eating too much fiber: This can happen when your dog eats low-quality dog food or is being fed table scraps, which is why here at Pet Plate, we take every measure to balance our pet meals properly.

- Eating too little fiber: Fiber helps prevent dry and hard stool, which is why your dog must get enough fiber daily to prevent constipation.

Not enough exercise: It’s unknown exactly why, but being sedentary can slow down the transit of stool.

Matted hair around the anus: A dog with matted fur around the anus may become constipated and need a professional groomer or veterinarian to get their fur back under…