Finding your dog circling the yard or straining without success is a stressful experience for any pet owner.
While we often worry about the "runs," constipation (the inability to pass normal stool or infrequent, difficult bowel movements), is equally uncomfortable and can lead to serious health complications if the waste becomes impacted.
When a dog is backed up, their energy levels drop, their appetite wanes, and they can become visibly distressed.
In this post, we will explore 5 ways to ease dog constipation, starting with its causes.
Let's dive in!
What Causes Constipation in Dogs?
Constipation occurs when waste stays in the colon for too long.
The colon’s job is to absorb water, so the longer the stool sits there, the drier and harder it becomes, making it nearly impossible for your dog to push out.
The most common triggers for this "traffic jam" include:
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Dietary Indiscretion: Dogs that eat indigestible items like hair, sticks, stones, or pieces of bone often find that these materials create a physical blockage or "bulk up" the stool to an unmanageable size.
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Dehydration: This is the leading cause. If a dog isn't drinking enough water, the body will pull moisture from the colon to compensate, leaving the waste dry and immobile.
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Lack of Fiber: Just like in humans, fiber is the "broom" of the digestive tract. Without enough soluble and insoluble fiber, there is nothing to stimulate the rhythmic contractions (peristalsis) needed to move waste along.
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Sedentary Lifestyle: Physical activity helps stimulate the intestines. Dogs that don't get enough exercise often suffer from a "lazy" or sluggish digestive system.
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Ignoring the Urge: If a dog is kept inside for too long or doesn't have a clean place to go, they may hold their stool. The longer it is held, the more water is absorbed, leading to constipation.
5 Ways to Support Dog Constipation
Supporting a constipated dog is about adding moisture, providing gentle bulk, and removing the toxins that accumulate when waste sits in the system for too long.
1. Dog Digestive Clay
While many associate clay with stopping diarrhea, a high-quality Dog Digestive Clay (specifically a hydrated calcium aluminosilicate of volcanic origin) is a powerful tool for constipation as well.
This pharmaceutical-grade mineral acts as a natural stool normalizer.
Its unique crystalline structure binds to toxins and heavy metals that can build up during a digestive backup, allowing the dog to flush them out safely.
We created our Digestive Clay Powder using specialized clinoptilolite zeolite to provide a natural, fast-acting solution for normalizing stool and stabilizing gut pH in both dogs and cats.
This volcanic mineral works as a molecular sieve, physically adsorbing acidic compounds and toxic heavy metals to flush them out of the system before they can reach the bloodstream.
By reducing harmful flora without disrupting beneficial bacteria, it helps maintain a healthy microbiome and reverses oxidative damage to ensure long-term digestive comfort and gas relief.
Simply follow the directions on the back, and you're good to go!
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2. Increase Hydration and Moisture
Since dry stool is the primary enemy, you must hydrate from the inside out.
If your dog eats dry kibble, begin adding warm water or low-sodium chicken broth to every meal.
This ensures they are taking in extra fluids with their food.
You can also encourage drinking by placing multiple water bowls around the house or using a pet fountain, as many dogs are more attracted to moving water.
The more hydrated the body, the softer the stool will be.
3. Add Canned Pumpkin (Plain)
100% pure canned pumpkin (not pie filling) is a fiber powerhouse that is perfect for constipated dogs.
Pumpkin contains a high amount of soluble fiber, which pulls water into the digestive tract and adds bulk to the stool.
This bulk puts gentle pressure on the colon walls, which signals the brain to trigger a bowel movement.
Most dogs love the taste, making it an easy addition to their morning and evening meals to help "grease the wheels."
4. Engage in Vigorous Exercise
Never underestimate the power of a long walk.
Physical movement of the body encourages the physical movement of the intestines.
A brisk 20-minute walk or a game of fetch can stimulate the peristaltic waves in the colon.
If your dog is feeling backed up, extra activity can be just the thing to help "jumpstart" their system and encourage them to find a spot to finally go.
5. Supplement with Probiotics
A healthy gut is a moving gut.
Constipation can often be a sign of dysbiosis, an imbalance of bacteria in the digestive tract.
By adding a high-quality canine probiotic, you introduce beneficial bacteria that help break down food and maintain the proper pH of the colon.
A balanced microbiome ensures that the digestive process is efficient from start to finish, preventing the sluggishness that leads to chronic constipation.
Ease Dog Constipation
Watching your dog struggle is never easy, but by using a volcanic digestive clay to detoxify the gut and incorporating moisture and fiber, you can help them find relief naturally.
If your dog hasn't had a bowel movement in over 48 hours, or if they are vomiting and lethargic, please consult your veterinarian immediately to ensure there isn't a total obstruction.
Thank you for reading, and here’s to a happy, regular pup!
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. This blog or the writer is not a licensed healthcare professional, and the content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or making any changes to your healthcare routine. If you suspect you have strep throat or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
