Constipation Treatments for Cats and Dogs

Constipation in dogs and cats is sometimes the result of dehydration, dietary indiscretion, or possibly an obstruction. Lack of exercise or a diet low in fiber may also contribute to this condition. In most cases, constipation in dogs and cats can be treated with a change in diet, adequate exercise and sufficient opportunities for the animal to relieve itself.

If faster relief from constipation is desired, Natural Moves constipation remedy by PetAlive or Medibulk from Thorne Research can help speed the elimination process in your dog or cat.

Click here to go directly to product information or read on for more information about natural remedies for pet constipation.

Diagnosis

In acute cases of constipation, your dog or cat may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Strains to defecate.
• Infrequent bowel movements
• Hard, impacted stools
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating and abdominal discomfort

If the treatment options outlined below fail to relieve the constipation, an examination may be necessary to rule out an obstruction, painful lesions, or other underlying disorders such as hypothyroidism.

Constipation Treatments for Cats and Dogs:

Medibulk

For additional support of the digestive system, see our page on Probiotics.

Natural Treatment

The first step to relieving constipation is by gradually switching your pet's food to a natural diet containing whole grains (barley, oats, or whole wheat), meats and vegetables or a high-quality canned food. Try adding a tablespoon of bran or canned pumpkin to help the animal's stool hold moisture.

Fiber keeps things moving

Adding fiber to the diet will help accelerate the elimination process by increasing weight and water content to the stool. Additionally, fiber helps to optimize the animals "good" intestinal bacterial.

Suggested products for cats and dogs with constipation:

Natural Moves by PetAlive

Natural Moves for pets contains a blend of herbal remedies, dietary fiber and homeopathic ingredients to treat chronic and acute constipation in pets and to help maintain healthy bowel and digestive functioning in dogs and cats. Psyllium husk is an excellent source of dietary fiber and helps to promote regular bowel movements. Aloe Ferox is a medicinal herb that is used as a natural remedy for constipation in dogs and cats.

To purchase or read more about Natural Moves...

Medibulk by Thorne Research

Medibulk is an excellent source of soluble fiber, which has a bulking action on the stool and promotes normal bowel health.

To purchase or learn more about Medibulk...

Fasting, detoxification and diet are some of the first steps to take for many digestive disorders. For more information about treating specific conditions, see these webpages: Diarrhea, and Food Allergies, Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

If your pet has a digestive disorder you'd like to learn more about, send us an email and will try to include it in future updates to this website. See our Contact Us page.