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Effective Solutions for Constipation in Pets

| Modified on Aug 22, 2024
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Natural Remedies for Constipation in Pets

Constipation is an uncomfortable and sometimes serious issue that can affect our pets, much like it does humans. Whether it occurs occasionally or more frequently, it’s important to address constipation promptly to prevent further complications. Constipation in pets can arise for various reasons, including ingestion of foreign materials like grass or bones, or due to hairball blockages. Certain breeds, especially dogs with corkscrew-like tails, may also be more prone to constipation due to their anatomical characteristics.

Understanding Constipation in Pets

Constipation occurs when your pet is unable to pass stool regularly or completely. The longer the stool remains in the colon, the more water is absorbed from it, making the stool dry, hard, and even more difficult to pass. This can lead to discomfort, pain, and potentially more serious health issues if not addressed.

Natural Remedies to Relieve Constipation

Preventing constipation is often easier than treating it, and one of the best natural remedies for maintaining regular bowel movements is incorporating fiber-rich foods into your pet’s diet. Here are some effective natural remedies to help relieve constipation in pets:

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a fantastic remedy for constipation due to its high fiber and water content. It helps to bulk up the stool and makes it easier for your pet to pass it. Use pureed canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) or puree your own from fresh pumpkin. The following guidelines can help you determine the appropriate amount:

  • Pets under 15 pounds: 1-2 teaspoons per meal
  • Pets 15-35 pounds: 1-2 tablespoons per meal
  • Pets 35 pounds and up: 2-5 tablespoons per meal, depending on size

If your pet’s stool becomes too loose or pudding-like, reduce the amount of pumpkin. A great tip to avoid wasting pumpkin is to freeze it in ice cube trays and store the cubes in a freezer bag. This way, you can easily thaw the portion you need each day.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can help lubricate the digestive tract, making it easier for your pet to pass stool. Start by adding a small amount (about 1/4 teaspoon for small pets, 1 teaspoon for larger pets) to their food daily and adjust as needed. Coconut oil also has antimicrobial properties that can promote overall gut health.

Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera juice is another natural remedy that can help relieve constipation in pets. It acts as a mild laxative and soothes the digestive tract. Use only a small amount (1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon depending on the size of your pet) mixed with water or food, and monitor your pet’s response.

Psyllium Husk

Psyllium husk is a fiber supplement that can help bulk up your pet’s stool, making it easier to pass. Mix a small amount (1/4 teaspoon for small pets, 1 teaspoon for larger pets) into their food and ensure they drink plenty of water, as psyllium absorbs moisture.

Final Thoughts

Constipation in pets can be distressing for both you and your furry friend, but with the right natural remedies, you can help keep their digestive system regular and healthy. Remember to monitor your pet’s stool and adjust the remedies as needed to ensure they’re effective without causing loose stools. If constipation persists, consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

Have you tried these or other remedies for your pet’s constipation? Share your experiences and tips! Continue reading below for advice from Earth Clinic readers who have used natural treatments to keep their pets’ digestive systems healthy.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Aloe Vera

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Posted by Adrienne (Idaho) on 03/16/2022
 ★★★★★

Aloe Vera for Constipation in Pets

Since aloe vera is one of those remedies that can cause some confusion, here is a clear explanation that I find helpful:

"When you open an aloe vera leaf, you will see that it has a clear center which is the aloe gel. The plant also has a white or yellow colored substance located around the edges, beneath the aloe leaf's surface. This portion of the plant is the aloe latex, and the latex contains a natural chemical named aloin. Aloin can be toxic to animals. It has a laxative effect, so it can cause diarrhea and irritate the intestines, leading to electrolyte loss. Also, if an animal has a latex allergy, aloin can cause skin irritation. When this occurs, the skin will turn red after coming into contact with the aloin.

To reap the benefits and avoid any possible toxic effects, pet owners just need to make sure the latex part of the aloe vera plant has been removed during processing. To ensure a product is free of aloin, the label should state that it contains only the gel of the aloe vera plant I.e. the inner fillet. Avoid labels stating “whole leaf” since products would then include the latex substance that contains the aloin. Fortunately, most products on the market have removed the latex part of the plant."

Source: https://healthyfoodforpets.com/aloe-vera-toxic-to-cats-and-dogs.html

Aloe Vera
Posted by Jeb1 (New York City) on 12/04/2016
 ★★★★★

Recently gave aloe vera from the inner filet to my 16 yr. old female cat who is now having Kidney issues and after the first dose, she had a BM. Very impressed because it had been 3 days since she had a BM. Now if I could find something to reverse her Kidney issues, life would be perfect :)

Replied by Anon
(Anon)
09/22/2017

Has anyone tried probiotics for their cat's constipation?

Replied by Mary Lou
(So Cal)
11/08/2017

Yes, I have used probiotics on my cats. I rescued a kitten 13 yrs ago and he had the worst poop. Black, tarry and way stinkier than a normal cat and he was so tiny ... I don't know what this poor little guy had been eating but it took about 2 weeks of good food and probiotics to get him back to normal. He grew to be a big, beautiful cat and very healthy too :)

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
11/11/2017

Just an FYI: black, tarry stool is indicative of bleeding farther up in the GI tract. It may be related to parasites and worms or a very upset tummy/distemper. Super stinky stools can indicate poorly digested food and/or bacterial or viral infection. Kudos for nursing your kitten to good health!

Replied by Mike
(N.b.)
01/30/2018

I've taken aloe every day for years ..it is gods medicine and repairs alot of problems in the body...I cant see why it wont work on a pet as well as it has treated my hepatitis...After 40 years with hep "c" my liver enzymes are still normal..

Aloe Vera
Posted by Patricia (Miami, Florida) on 09/10/2013
 ★★★★★

I once saved a cat's life by giving it aloe vera (the inside of the leaf). The cat was refusing to eat or drink so a friend told me to try aloe vera. I blended it with a little water and forced it with the help of my friend down the sick cat's throat. Miraculously, the cat recovered after 2 days of treatment 2X a day. I have also tried using it to treat other ill cats and it was unsuccessful. Do not continue treatment if you do not see improvement within 2 days.

Aloe Vera
Posted by Debi (Pace, Florida) on 07/11/2012
 ★★★★★

I have tried the pumpkin for my older cat for constipation... It worked but only the first couple of times. My girl had no bm for 2 days, purchased some George's 100% aloe vera, no preservatives, no additives! On the first day after using the aloe... Results... Small but results! Second day of using the aloe, small amount. Third day, good bm this morning after her breakfast. There is no taste, so I added to her wet food.... Perfect! Be careful to not use too much as it could cause them to throw up.

Replied by Mvk
(New York, Ny)
10/08/2012
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

I had to leave a feedback on the Aloe Vera Treatment. I went to see what it also says on the web in regards to using Aloe Vera on a cat. Please see attached link. It says it's poisonous for cats. So anyone who is thinking of trying it do some research before you give that to a cat. http://www.felineconstipation.org/acutetreatment.html

Replied by Katylucyb
(Wichita, Kansas, Usa)
01/14/2013

To Debi from Pace, Florida: ,Cats should not be given Aloe vera in any form! It is lethal for cats. Please do NOT give your cat Aloe vera. Go back to that link and you will see that the article is for DOGS! The reason cats will throw up if you give them too much is because it is poisonous to cats, in any dosage.

Pam E.
(SouthWestern California)
08/16/2023
148 posts

It is only the *latex* that is found in small amounts in between the skin of the leaf & the clear gel that is toxic ... *not* the clear gel! This latex (yellow or white) is thoroughly *removed* from the gel-only products made for consumption. The clear 100% gel with NO preservatives & NO additives is *safe* for humans & pets.

Conventional medicine at one time used straight aloe latex to treat constipation, which was far too strong & extremely painful ... thus giving Aloe a much undeserved bad reputation for using any part of the Aloe for that purpose. However, the clear gel is a far cry from the latex, and very soothing & helpful. In some cases it works like a dream, while in others it may not work, but won't cause distress, either.

I stronly urge those afraid of using Aloe gel to consider this article:

"Is Aloe Vera Toxic to Pet Cats, Dogs, Other Animals?"

https://www.happyhousegarden.com/for-pets/is-aloe-vera-toxic-to-pet-cats-dogs-or-other-animals/

Replied by Bw
(Bellevue, Wa)
01/22/2013
★★★★★

I have given my cats aloe juice daily for weeks without any problems. It is the outer leaf of the plant which apparently is toxic, not the inner "fillet" (as they call it). My vet prescribed a product, which is distilled from the plant, to give to one of my cats (for a skin allergy problem). Very expensive, though, so I bought the juice which does not have any of the outer leaf.

Replied by Stopit
(Florida)
04/17/2014

Please for the love of God, don't play Doctor on these helpless animals and FORCE things down their throats without the PROFESSIONAL ADVICE OF A LICENSED VETERINARIAN! What is wrong with people!! Would you eat something that could potentially hurt you on the 'advice of a friend" without speaking to a DOCTOR??!!

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
04/17/2014

Hey Stopit!

Do you see the YEAS next to posts where the remedies have proven helpful and successful?

In an ideal world, we all would be able to use a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment, but the real world is not so ideal. In those cases where folks cannot afford a vet, or are unable to travel to a vet, Earth Clinic does a good job of offering first hand accounts of proven remedies.

Replied by Linda
(Ontario, Canada)
08/23/2014
★★★★★

My Bengal cat chose to eat my large aloe vera plant daily. She never threw up or had loose stools. She's very healthy. The proof is in the pudding, as they say.

Replied by Quantumnerd
(Arizona, US)
09/11/2014

Your pet may not have immediate symptoms from Aloe Vera, but it is poisonous to cats, and it will cause kidney failure.

Toxicity, Symptoms and Treatment

The toxic compound in aloe is saponins, which is a naturally occurring detergent found in various desert plants such as Yucca schidigera and Aloe vera. Unfortunately, saponins are toxic to cats as well as dogs, birds and lizards. Symptoms of aloe poisoning include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, tremors and a change in urine color. According to the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, the first symptoms typically appear six to 12 hours after the cat ingested the plant. If you suspect your cat has ingested aloe, stay calm and immediately take the pet to your veterinarian along with any remaining parts of the aloe plant. Even if your cat doesn't show signs of poisoning, you should seek medical assistance since symptoms may not appear for several hours or possibly days later.

Here is the link: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/cats-aloe-plants-49084.html

Replied by Roz
(Westfield, Nj)
05/12/2015

The main part of the aloe vera plant may be toxic to a cat, but the inner fillet is not. I have given some to my cats on occasion with no ill effects, but first I researched it very carefully. Let's not have hysterics here, as we all try to help each other. I can appreciate concerns with our pets as they have different systems than ours, especially cats. But as I said the inner fillet is deemed safe for use. Obviously a little bit goes a long way. I take it myself every day and its a really good treatment for many gastro problems.

Replied by Tabby
(Usa)
05/10/2016

The part of the aloe vera plant that is toxic to cats is in the fibers of the plant. If it is juice fit for human consumption it should be fiber free and ok for pets. Or so I was told. Always good to double check any information from a stranger!

Replied by Dianne
(Fl)
11/24/2016

I can tell you the inner part of Aloe contains a latex and we use it in Chinese medicine to aid in constipation. It works fast but I would not recommend it long term and while degreed in Chinese medicine I am not a Vet. That said, if it is safe for pets, as some have tried, just be careful as long term can lead to electrolyte imbalances and irritation of the GI at least in humans.

Replied by Selina Bishop
(Canada)
01/04/2017
Replied by Cheekygrrl
(Burbank, Ca)
04/27/2017

ABOVE ALL...find yourself a good holistic vet. You don't want to manage kitty's symptoms with toxic drugs in the cut, poison, burn method. You want to get to the root of the problem and help the kitty regain good health.

Replied by Cheekygrrl
(Tucson, Az)
05/06/2017

Doctors prescribe toxic things all the time. That is why there are so many lawsuits against the companies who make the poisons.

Replied by Anne
(Tucson)
04/16/2018

We do every day....the food we eat is poisoned now due to the approval of the FDA...monsonto is the king of culprits and even the Organic in grocery stores has been labeled safe, yet all they did was lower the regulations to put the label "Organic " on foods....lets not EVEN get into the chemical sprays Roundup....on food

Aloe Vera
Posted by Dorrie (Austin, Texas) on 03/19/2012
 ★★★★★

My very old cat started getting constipated about three years ago. Firstly, you do have to switch to all wet food. Then I added canned pumpkin which worked until she started rejecting the food because she didn't like the taste. Then I switched to psyllium based human laxative which worked very well- but beware- this is not recommended for long term usage. It draws too much water away from the rest of their system. Then I read about aloe vera juice. Big bottle is around $8 at a health food store- buy the one that starts with G. Not too much- a teaspoon in the morning and one at night is plenty. Too much and they will throw up. But it really works and they have no idea it's there. Also love ACV- after two days they really poo but you have to give it orally and my cat hates it. Aloe has proven to be the best solution by far, and I also add a little bit to the water bowl.

Replied by Cat Lady
(Charlottesville, Va)
07/08/2012

I thought aloe vera was toxic to cats.

Replied by Denise
(Massachusetts)
04/24/2017
25 posts

Yes. Doctors are so ready to stuff pharmaceuticals into you. I would rather listen to people's actual experiences like here on earthclinic than go to any vet or doctor who has a vested interest in getting you onto their drugs.

Replied by Lorri Kindor
(Az)
06/09/2017

Agree, need to find something to feed a cat with kidney failure and my vet said to use miralax for constipation?

Replied by Pam
(Fl)
10/26/2017

Double Helix - friend said it saved her dog with kidney failure 3 1/2 yrs ago. She uses it as well - Got it from: Pure Earth Products (FL) 352-459-4178

Apple Cider Vinegar

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Posted by Angeleyes (Birmingham, Alabama) on 12/17/2014
 ★★★★★

1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar added to the pets water or food daily can help your pets with constipation.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Paulette (Sydney, Australia) on 06/03/2009
 ★★★★★

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.

Replied by lynn
(los angeles, california)
06/22/2009

how much water and vinegar do i use for a 4 lb dog (yorkie)?

Apple Cider Vinegar and Coconut Oil

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Posted by Dan (Seattle, Wa, USA) on 07/06/2013
 ★★★★★

After reading many of the cat constipation posts here, I tried 1/4 teaspoon of virgin coconut oil and 1/4 teaspoon apple cider vinegar mixed in her wet food. She had no trouble with it and ate it up. Within a half hour she was pooping good. This was after four days of having trouble. I have used it a few more times when she needs it but she has been pretty regular since. Next time I will try either one or the other and check the results. She is a 19 year old Main Coon.

Cat Grass

Posted by D.A. Daly (Jacksonville Beach, FL) on 04/18/2022

I grow organic cat grass in a pot outside for my cat and bring it inside and she loves it. Begs for it. But need to know does it help with constipation or make worse? She was just diagnosed with constipation for the first time and Nosey is 4 yrs old. Currently giving Miralax but looking for something more natural.

Coconut Oil

4 User Reviews
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Posted by Chriss (Ny) on 02/12/2016
 ★★★★★

The is is my very first time posting on a site like this but I had to share what I use now. I have 3 cats one kitten. 16 yr, 6yr, 5yr & 3 month year old and the most issues I have had so far has been with my eldest cat. She is just as spry as all my other ones believe it or not but when she began to get constipated I didn't know what to do. It was so bad she had surgery. 8 years later and I swear by this.

I use coconut oil. A little bit on a syringe. All will be fine. Give it a day or two in the beginning they will still strain a bit but when they finally pass the feces they will be fine. Just give it to them every other day. They don't mind the taste. If you can't physically put in your cats mouth put it on the paw and or in the food. It doesn't take much to do the trick. (The olive oil works too. Coconut oil (cosco or bjs) $10 also has positive effects on their body just like ours.

Replied by Lindsey
(Ontario)
11/26/2016

Hi there do u still give it to her when she is not constipated n doing fine pooping? My cat won't eat wet food at all... I started putting it on my finger n he licks it off... How much do u out in a syringe? Tx

Coconut Oil
Posted by Karina (Keyes Ca) on 05/15/2014

Hello I was wondering if it's ok to give my 3 week old kitten coconut oil and how much? He hasn't popped in 2 days but when he last pooped it was diarrhea. Thank you.

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
05/15/2014

Hey Karina!

My first thought at reading your post is to advise you to bring your kitten to the vet. A blast of diarrhea followed up with two days of no stool = bigger problem than not pooping - JMHO. A vet visit ASAP might be cheaper than waiting it out and then having to bring your kitten to the far more expensive emergency vet.

That said - in the post on 11/08/2011, Beth from Brighton, Mi, Usa offered this advice that may be useful to you: "Pedialyte (1/4 teaspoon in water bowl) to return electrolyte balance. Cold pressed virgin coconut oil - about 1/8 of a teaspoon, heated in microwave for 10 seconds, then add wet food on the plate you used in the microwave."

Replied by Jan
(Nc)
08/22/2017

A 3 week old kitten should still be nursing. That would fix any constipation.

Coconut Oil
Posted by Deb (Denver, Co) on 07/10/2012
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Our cat has been constipated for almost two years. He has had several enemas, has been on lactulose, powdered laxative, wet food, etc. The last time we brought him we thought we would have to say goodbye, it was so bad. I finally looked up constipated cat on line and headed to Vitamin Cottage and got him oat bran, organic pumpkin and organic coconut oil. I mix the coconut oil with all natural wet cat food (with flax & fiber) and organic pumpkin, he loves it! He has gained weight, his coat looks great, his eyes are brighter and he is himself again. We bought him a kitty fountain as well and put water with electrolytes & ice cubes when it's hot, anything to get him to drink and soak up the water. He was doing so well that just this week we slacked on giving him the lactulose and he is backed up again, so keep that up with the new diet. He loves coconut oil, he eats it like ice cream!

Replied by Mangomumma
(Here)
05/02/2016

What did you do with the oatbran? What measurements did you use for the pumpkin, coconut oil and oat bran to their wet food?

Coconut Oil
Posted by Kerie (Garrison, Nd) on 03/04/2012
 ★★★★★

Like someone else has suggested for cats with constipation, I would try cocount oil. I am an LMT and I use it home in my diet, on my hair on my skin, I give massages with it and I give it to my animals. Coconut oil is antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiviral. It doesn't alter when you cook it at low temps, and it is not a toxic fat to your body. It will really help your poor kitty's intenstines. My family makes fun of me because I am ALWAYS preaching the health benefits of the stuff. I also use it in place of deoderant, (what a hippie huh LOL) Because I think it is unsafe. It is THE ONLY deoderant replacement that works. It does also kill fleas and ticks, and helps cats pass hairballs. They like it, too! Hope you kitty is better!

Coconut Oil
Posted by Beth (Brighton, Mi, Usa) on 11/08/2011
 ★★★★★

Pedialyte (1/4 teaspoon in water bowl) to return electrolyte balance. Cold pressed virgin coconut oil - about 1/8 of a teaspoon, heated in microwave for 10 seconds, then add wet food on the plate you used in the microwave. My vet put my 16 year old cat on a stool softener, but there was still blood in her stool. After putting her on the coconut oil (2 weeks now-morning and night with her wet food), she's healed internally and only a trace amount of blood in her stool.

I now give all my geriatric cats the 1/8 teaspoon of coconut oil in each (wet) meal. This has been a godsend for their health and well being.

Replied by Wendy
(Ridgecrest)
08/17/2013

Why would you heat cold pressed coconut oil in microwave? It ruins anything by changing it at a molecular level. Throw your microwave out. They are crap!

Replied by Colleen
(Denver Colorado)
08/23/2013

To Wendy from Ridgecrest - I totally agree wendy - microwaves should be avoided - total crap - and they turn food into crap.

Enema

1 User Review
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Posted by Tanya (Michigantown, Indiana) on 08/03/2011
 ★★★★★

My cat has a bad pelvic fracture that I didn't know about until one day I took her in and out of surprise it was found, along with a bullet lodged a few inches from her spine. I had found her as a stray and took her in - She walked fine and acted fine. Her doctor informed me her injuries were done on purpose and we were all shocked that she recovered without any medical attention.

She has chronic constipation and the lactulose was not working, she's had several surgeries and it seemed to really effect her, she's an old lady and I seriously got tired of her going through this every month and having all these surgeries to remove it and started thinking it was finally time to let her go. Out of desperation I went to the store and tried one last thing before I took her in which, I was going to do the following day. I bought some Mineral Oil and gave her an enema - it was so huge, there was no way she'd pass it, and you could see it. I've tried to take it out myself, but it was too painful for her. It was horrible and she got to the point, where she would sleep with her rear in the air. I started the enema of mineral oil, the next day looked at her rear it it was gone. I looked in the litter box and there it was. She had passed it during the night. I was so exstatic I couldn't believe it and still to this day I still use the Mineral Oil and it does work. It lubricates them so they can go easily.

BUT, DON'T GIVE IT BY MOUTH, WHEN YOU SQUIRT IT INTO THE MOUTH, THE CAT CAN EASILY ASPIRATE IT AND IT COULD CAUSE LUNG PROBLEMS AND OTHER PROBLEMS. USING AS AN ENEMA DOES WORK.


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