Constipation Remedies for Pets
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While perhaps not the most desirable of all subject matter, constipation can at times be a fact of life for our pets. Constipation can occur in pets for any number of various reasons and might result from pets that have ingested clumps of grass, as a result of swallowing bones, or could be due to a hairball blockage.
Constipation can be a very serious issue regardless of whether it occurs on just an occasional basis, or perhaps on a more regular one for those pets who may be more prone to the problem. Did you know that certain breeds of dogs could experience more difficulty when defecating than others will? It may sound strange but it's true. Dogs that have corkscrew like tails often have anatomical characteristics that interfere with the normal defecation process, which can mean chronic constipation problems. Remember that the longer the waste sits in the body without being passed, the more water that will be pulled out of it by the colon. This means that the stool will become more and more dry, making it yet even more difficult to pass.
One of the best ways to deal with constipation is to prevent it. A very healthy and easy way to do that is to incorporate pumpkin into your pet's food. Yes, that's right - I said PUMPKIN. The simple fact is that pumpkin is a great source of fiber and has a high water content. Both of which contribute to keeping your pet's bowl movements regular. You'll want to make sure that you use the pureed canned pumpkin, or you can puree your own using a fresh pumpkin. Either way however don't buy pumpkin pie filling by mistake; it's definitely not the same thing. The following scale will help you determine how much you should mix into every meal.
Pets who weigh less than 15 pounds = 1 - 2 teaspoons
Pets who weigh 15 - 35 pounds = 1 - 2 tablespoons
Pets who weigh 35 pounds and up = 2 - 5 tablespoons depending on size
(Monitor your pet's stool, if the consistency of the feces is pudding- like, then just cut back on the amount of pumpkin a bit.)
Here's a great trick so that none of that canned or fresh pumpkin goes to waste before you use it all. Use ice-cube trays to freeze individual portions of pumpkin. Once each portion is set, dump them out into a freezer bag so that each day you can remove and thaw out the amount that you require.
DISCLAIMER
* Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional veterinary prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your veterinarian before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your Veterinarian can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your pet's unique needs or diagnose your pet's particular medical history.
1 YEA
[YEA] 06/03/2009: Paulette from Sydney, Australia writes: "One cap full to four caps water of apple cider vinegar. When blocked do every 30 mins Put in wet foood-catfood tinned NO flour cereal in it.Human Tuna O.K. too if stuck. Our cat was blocked and it unblocked him 2 and a 1/2 hours later enough to sleep, I can lose sleep but not the cat as I dont have another $1200 straight away Two days out of the vet."
06/22/2009: lynn from los angeles, california replies: "how much water and vinegar do i use for a 4 lb dog (yorkie)?"
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17 YEA
1 WORKED TEMPORARILY
[YEA] 10/17/2009: Gisela from Huntsville, Alabama, Usa writes: "My 6 year old cat had constipation in March, after 3 days of not going to the bathroom I took her to the vet and got a $300 bill and a sick cat back in return. She came home so sick from the vet that I was up with her for 2 day straight. She had a problem with diarrhea and constipation in August but I looked online and decided to use Pumpkin, it worked great within an hour. I used 1/2 teaspoon once a day for 3 days, had to force feed it and that worked great. I also made sure to take her off of her daily 1/2 a can of a very cheap and well known wet cat food (known to cause cat tummy troubles) and switched her over to a human grade holistic brand (the same brand as her holistic dry cat food).
Here we are in October and the day after coming home from the vet (blood work to discover the cause of her anemia, vet thinking it could be a mosquito caused blood parasite) and again sick for 2 days from the sedatives at the vet and not able to use the bathroom. I also saw what looked like to be pink either urine or diarrhea in the litter box. I called the emergency vet hospital which wanted a lot of money up front, which I just don't have as I've spent $390 at the vet this past month already and I am unemployed. Unsure of what to do and really worried for her I gave her 1/2 teaspoon of 100% pure pumpkin puree thinking it might be constipation since she's only had small amounts of black stool. Within an hour she has already gone to the litter box twice and her feces looks healthy, not black and hard as it had been (from the anemia) and no signs of blood. I mentioned the pumpkin to her vet about using it earlier in the year, who then told me that the fiber in the pumpkin works great for cats with constipation and with diarrhea (he couldn't have told me that before the $300 bill and the undo procedures and stress on the cat???).
FYI: Anemia can cause hard black stools in cats and should be considered as a cause if you notice other symptoms such as pale ears, tongue and paw pads, rapid breathing and lethargy. It's a serious problem which is caused by other diseases, see a vet for a proper diagnosis.
My long term plan for constipation & preventing it long term:
At the first sign, 1/2 teaspoon of 100% Pure Pumpkin Puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling, check that the ingredients list only pumpkin), you can use up to one teaspoon a day though I've always had results with just 1/2 a teaspoon. Use for 2-3 days to make sure your cat gets everything that is backed up, out. After the initial treatment, 1/4 teaspoon daily to keep the stool soft enough to pass.
** She is also getting 1/4 teaspoon organic apple cider vinegar mixed in with her wet food daily to aid with some respiratory problems (allergies and weather changes plus running the heater have left both her and I with dry noses) and for just in case she has a urinary problem since I did see blood in the litter box. I also dip a cotton ball in a solution of 1 part organic apple cider vinegar to 1 part water and apply this to the back of her neck to help her breathe as well as saline nasal spray for babies, one drop in each nostril to induce a good sneeze to help her clear out her nostrils when she has dry breathing sounds."
[WORKED TEMPORARILY] 10/23/2009: Gisela from Huntsville, Al, Usa replies: "** Update **
The pumpkin worked twice since posting the above however it isn't working now, I'm up to giving her 1 tsp daily for the last two days and it has not worked. She is an 11 lbs cat so I will try another 1/2 teaspoon or more and go from there. She did have to have her bowels unblocked in March and I'm hoping to avoid another $300 vet visit and more stress on an already anemic cat.
The ACV has completely taken care of her urinary problem and her respiratory infection, took a 5 day treatment and loads of ACV but she's better from those problems."
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[YEA] 08/05/2009: Spookie from New York, Ny writes: "Cat Constipation: My male cat was constipated for 4 day and after feeding him some canned pumpkin pie filling i was amazed to find within a 12 hrs he was a very happy cat. He wasnt thrilled with me mixing it with his wet food but after a little coaxing he seemed to like it. Thank you so much for this great idea and I will surely suggest it to anyone with similar problems."
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[YEA] 07/22/2009: Lauri from Surprise, AZ writes: "I have a pet sitting business and was looking after a Maine Coon Cat that hadn't had a bowel movement for 3 days. He wasn't eating very much and so didn't go to the bathroom. I gave him 1 teaspoon of pure pumpkin and the very next day he went to the bathroom. I have continued to give it to him and he loves it."
11/13/2009: Clara from Mississauga, Ontario replies: "Laurie, how old was the Maincoon? Mine is 17.5 years old. How long before the Maincoon did #2? My cat is having big problems. I've tried pumpkin twice yesterday, once, 1 teaspoon and again .5 teaspoon. Today I gave him another 3/4 teaspoon, always mixed in with his wet food. I've also given him water to keep him hydrated, but so far nothing has happened. Today, I believe is the 4th day that he will not have done #2. Please help! Recommend something. Thanks in advance. C from Mississauga"
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[YEA] 02/15/2009: Jay from Oklahoma City, OK writes: "Canned Pumpkin For Constipated a Dog: Phoebe, my 22 pound 3 year old dachshund basset mix had surgery for a herniated disc and was defecating fine until about a week after her operation. Last night I gave her a tablespoon of pumpkin and one more this morning with her food, and she took care of business about an hour after breakfast. Thanks for your website!"
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[YEA] 02/01/2009: Jodie from Eau Claire, WI writes: "The pumpkin really works! Wow. Thanks so much for your suggestions on using pure pumpkin for clearing up pet constipation issues. My dog was spayed a few days ago, and hasn't been able to go to the bathroom since I brought her home. I fed her 1 tsp. of pumpkin with her dinner, and a few hours later, she was finally able to start going to the bathroom again. Thanks!"
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[YEA] 01/26/2009: Sara from Albertville, Alabama writes: "Cat Constipation: Hi, I found this wonderful site searching for natural cure/treatment for Sjogrens disease. In cruising the site I found this section on pet treatments. I would like to tell everyone who has cats and feeds them dry food to give them a tablespoon of canned pumpkin 3/4 times a week to prevent feline constipation.NOT pumpkin pie filling-just plain old pumpkin. I lost a cat to this after surgery to remove the blockage. One cannot also feed them milk as this is not digestable."
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[YEA] 11/29/2008: Jesse from Los Angeles, CA writes: "My dog loves to eat. He suffered constipation the day after our Thanksgiving party. i suspect someone tossed him a bone or beef BBQ. Last night was really hard for him. After reading your web site, i went to the local store and bought a canned pumpkin. This did the trick for him. I gave him 5-7 spoons every 4 hours. The next morning he was jumping and relieved.
Thanks for the information. You help save my wonderful dog and help me a trip to the vet."
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[YEA] 10/16/2008: Pam from Smithsburg, MD, USA writes: "The pumpkin method also worked for my golden retriever, Lucy. I think at times she tends to overeat grass. The vet is the one who told me about the pumpkin so I felt it was a safe method. Now I have to really hide it in her food as she will not eat anything remotely related to fruits or vegetables concerning people food. Over her 2-1/2 years she has become a very picky eater for both dog and people food."
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[YEA] 09/30/2008: TERESA from CLINTON, MS writes: "MY DOG WAS CONSTIPATED AFTER BEING OUTSIDE FOR AN OUT OF TOWN STAY, WHEN HE IS USE TO STAYING INSIDE. I THINK HE OVERATE THE GRASS. THE PUMPKIN WORKED GREAT, I GAVE HIM A SMALL AMOUNT IN A BOWL AND HE ATE IT FREELY AND THEN WE WENT ON A WALK. DURING THE WALK THE PROBLEM WAS TAKEN CARE OF AFTER TWO DAYS OF NO GOING TO THE BATHROOM. THANKS FOR THE ADVICE..."
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[YEA] 09/03/2008: Silvia from Toronto, On, Canada writes: "My kitten was constipated but what worried me most was the gas. My kitten eats raw but I have no clue how to give her pumpkin so this is what I did: I shred the pumpkin and then I put it in the blender with melted butter and obtained a paste. She loves it, I just give her 1 teaspoon a day and after 2 days the pup is too soft so I have to stop it. Anyway, great remedy. Thanks"
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[YEA] 07/05/2008: Shaun M. from Cottage Grove, MN writes: "Wow!! My dog was constipated due to recently being spayed. Gave her a tablespoon of pumpkin when we went to bed, woke up to lots of "treats"! Thanks"
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[YEA] 02/25/2008: Estelle from Taylors, SC writes: "Canned pumpkin for dog's constipation. Tried the canned pumpkin and it worked like a charm on my little Chihuahua. Thanks for the information."
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[YEA] 01/09/2008: Kris from Benton City, Washington writes: "I have used Pumpkin for constipation for my dog who suffers from chronic problems daily. Contrary to others beliefs. I give him a tablespoon every day. It works great! I also have another dog that has problems with diarrhea I also give him the same amount as it has fiber and works for both problems. This is a marvelous cure all. I am thirlled that I found this information on this site."
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[YEA] 07/28/2007: Mary from Costa Mesa, CA writes: "My dog needed to see a Vet for constipation a few years back. He had to stay there for an enema, and it wasn't cheap. Today I recognized the signs and symptoms, Googled it, and found your Pumpkin remedy. He ate it willingly and it did the trick! I'm amazed and thankful."
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[YEA] 05/14/2007: Cassie from North Vancouver, BC writes: "The most bland pumpkin filling really works to cure both constipation AND diarrhea in a dog any age. If I known that my 10 month old Berner puppy has gotten into something, I will actually give him a heaping tablespoon to push out the junk him faster and the end result being less "mess".
BEWARE, if you feed it to a dog too often it stops being effective."
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[YEA] 04/25/2007: Lisa from Wichita Falls, Texas writes: "I have used the pumpkin for constipation in my dog.It really works!I just put the pumpkin in my dogs mouth and keep it closed until he swallows.Because he is not going to eat it if I put it in some other food.But it does work great!! I relly love the Earth Clinic site by the way!!"
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[YEA] 04/19/2007: Ginny from Ashland, OR writes: "Pumpkin puree really works to cure constitpation. Thanks! Some antibiotics seem to create constipation and I used a couple teaspoons of pumpkin puree with piecies of cooked chicken to flavor it with each meal during the period of time they were on anitbiotics and my two mini dachsunds ate it with no problem and in a day were back to normal. I have shared this with others and appreciate you and your contributions greatly."
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1 QUESTION
[QUESTION] 05/06/2009: Dee from San Francisco, Ca writes: "cat pelvis injury - constipation: I want to stop giving my injured cat a laxative & try "natural" remedies - his pelvic opening is "narrower" because he fell 4 stories frm a window & hit concrete ! His left hip was pushed - up due to the impact ! The lax-eze is charcoal granules & requires me to roll 30-40 pellets a day ,which I have to force feed him [2x a day] this process takes an hr. a day - would like to add natural suppluments to his food so I am not "hand-cuffed" to him !
The ingredients in the Lax-eze : beet pulp, kelp, psyllium seed ,flax seed, oven dried chicken liver, papaya leaf, apple fiber, bentonite clay, diatomaceous earth. It is expensive @ time-consuming because it is a powder - I have to add 2 tblesp in 30-40 pellets.
P.S. He WILL NOT DIGEST PUMPKIN FILLING -he throws it up - that's the 1st. thing I tried on him !!"
06/25/2009: Lisa from San Jose, CA replies: "Hi -- sorry to hear about your little guy! Too bad the pumpkin trick didn't work. Are you feeding food for senior cats? These contain less fat and more fiber than maintenance foods. Some canned foods have a higher fiber content than the dry. Some hairball remedies may help too. You can also try mixing wheat bran (one tablesspoon per day) or Metamucil (one to three teaspoons per day) mixed into wet or liquid foods. My vet said the bulk laxatives can be used indefinitely without side affects.
Since your guy has trouble with the pumpkin, you can also try sweet potato. If you use the baby food sweet potato, make sure to read the ingredients to ensure there is NO onion or garlic. (Onion is known to be bad, various sources have different opinions of garlic.) There is a "natural" baby food brand, but I cannot recall the name which is just sweet potato and water.
Be careful with the Kat-a-lax and Laxatone. Repeated use may interfere with colon function.
Good luck!
Yours in purring solidarity,
Lisa and the zoo"
09/27/2009: Leelannee from Sussex, Nj replies: "This post is old, so I hope you already found a remedy, but maybe this will help someone else. My cat seems to get hemorrhoids, so I put a teaspoon of soluble, non-thickening fiber in his water. He gets a small, steady dose all day rather than a big dose in his food. It's very gentle, economical, and has no taste or texture, so it's completely unnoticeable! I get a generic form of benefiber at WalMart; it's called ___ and the ingredients are maltodextrin and guar gum."
11/10/2009: Bethany from Caribou, Me, United States replies: "My cat also had an old pelvic injury before I got him. The vet diagnosed with an xray and said he could have been hit by a car at one time. Now he's on prednisolone 5 mg a day. He was also given laxanip and when I couldn't get him to eat that, he was given lactulose. That was just as bad to get into him with a syringe. They're both very sticky and messy too. Well, I bought a bottle of Stool Softener, Docusate Sodium 100 mg and I pill him once a day along with the pred. This has worked great so far. I would prefer to use natural remedies also and the vet said he may have to be on the pred. the rest of his life!"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 07/02/2009: NANLEA from SANTA CRUZ, CA writes: "I AM SO THANKFUL. I USED 2 TSP OF SWEET POTATO (BABY FOOD WITH NO ADDITIVES) FOR MY LITTLE 5 POUND CHIHUAHUA FOR CONSTIPATION. HE BROKE HIS LEG 2 DAYS AGO AND HASN'T HAD A BOWL MOVEMENT SINCE. AFTER THE SWEET POTATO I WAITED AND WAS NERVOUS IT WOULDN'T WORK. I GAVE HIM A LITTLE TASTE OF IT AFTER HIS USUAL DINNER AND TOOK HIM OUTSIDE. HE CAN'T PUT ANY WEIGHT ON HIS CASTED LEG. I USED A HARNESS ON HIM WITH THE AID OF HIS LEASH TO HELP HIM. PERFECT. A LITTLE RUNNY I MIGHT ADD."
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