In this research you will know the answer to the query “Should I Use Milk for Dog Constipation?“.
When your dog is constipated he will be as miserable as you are when things get backed up.
What can you do about your dogs constipation? Everyone has their surefire remedy for constipation.
Can I use milk to treat constipation in dogs?
Is it a good idea to take over-the-counter laxatives?
Dog constipation is an unpleasant situation but there are some remedies you can try to help your pooch relieve himself as quickly as possible.
Here are some ideas that work and those that do not.
What are the causes of dog constipation?
The first step to helping your four-legged friend is to find out whats wrong.
Constipation is an unpleasant condition everyone knows about. Dogs who are unable to pass stools for two days or more are constipated.
In addition to trying to find the right position your dog may whimper and strain and all that gets out is a small firm piece of poop that looks nothing like your dogs regular feces. We’ll take a look at what might be causing the problem.
Intestinal occlusion
This condition occurs after a foreign object has been ingested which can be anything – dirt stones coins bones pieces of broken toys or anything else he may have found on the ground.
While intestinal occlusion does not happen often its something you should keep in mind as it can be deadly if left untreated. Some of the other symptoms of intestinal obstruction include:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Abdominal bloating
- Weakness
It might be a good idea to take your dog to the vet if your dog exhibits any of these symptoms in addition to being constipated.
Enlarged prostate gland
Most often this problem affects elderly male dogs. You should discuss this with your veterinarian. Brief constipation that resolves in a few days does not cause for alarm but if your senior pet has chronic constipation it could be the prostate and a vet can help you with that.
Lack of fiber
Carnivorous dogs need some fiber in their diet but they are primarily omnivores. Maybe you would not convince your dog to eat a bowl of AllBran but you should make sure that he gets some fiber either from natural sources (pumpkin ground flaxseed carrots apples lettuce green beans etc) or from supplements.
Lack of exercise
Many pets live sedentary lives and lack of exercise can also affect their bowels.
Medication
You should check the side effects of your dogs medications if it is taking any. Antibiotics for example can cause constipation. You should discuss probiotics with your veterinarian to help restore his intestinal flora. The solution is not to stop giving your dog the treatment it requires.
Dehydration
Constipation can result if your dog does not get enough water. This can also happen if the dog is unwell for some reason and is vomiting quite a bit. If your puppy is dehydrated see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not treat this as a simple case of constipation.
Is milk good for dog constipation?
Whether or not a dog can drink milk has been the subject of much debate. As a treat a few tablespoons of cow or goat milk should be fine if your dog isnot lactose intolerant.
However there are others who maintain that milk is a good remedy for constipation precisely because many dogs are lactose-intolerant and it will loosen their stools.
What do you do if your dog has never had cow milk before? You might not even know if he has a problem with lactose so what do you do?
To be on the safe side try giving your dog a small amount of milk and see if that helps. Afterward you can give him more milk if the dog seems okay. In most cases a small bowl of milk will do the trick within a few hours.
Best case scenario – the milk gets things moving and your pooch passes a decent stool.
It is possible that your dog is lactose intolerant and that even a little milk will cause diarrhea. If the dog is experiencing diarrhea put him on a bland diet and talk to a vet if it does not clear up by the next day.
Regardless of your dogs lactose intolerance milk will not be a problem even if he is lactose intolerant.
What are other home remedies for dog constipation?
Following are a few tips that can help your dog if he is backed up.
Pumpkin puree
You should know that pumpkin puree does wonders for a dogs digestion if you’re looking for the safest natural remedy for constipation. Pumpkin is not only a valuable source of micronutrients but it is also high in fiber. It can treat both diarrhea and constipation since pumpkin puree contains fiber that improves digestion by bulking up the stools.
Avoid using pumpkin pie filling because it contains additives and flavorings your dog does not need especially if he has stomach problems. Use plain pumpkin and serve it straight from the can.
Psyllium seed supplements:
Be sure to use a dog-friendly psyllium (Metamucil) formula and always check the label to ensure the product does not contain artificial sweeteners. The fiber in psyllium will make your stool bulkier since it contains a lot of fiber. Please follow your dogs dosage instructions exactly and make sure to give him enough water. You might create an obstruction if you do not causing the situation to worsen.
Olive oil
Natural laxatives like olive oil are safe for dogs. Do not overdose your dog with olive oil as this could result in diarrhea. You should add one teaspoon of olive oil to your dogs regular chow and wait for it to work. If nothing happens you should give him another dose the next day.
Can I use laxatives?
Laxatives for human consumption should never be given to your dog as they may be too strong. Consult your veterinarian or go to your local pet shop to find a laxative made specifically for dogs. You can also use a stool softener which is also known as an emollient laxative. Smoothens things out and helps the dog produce a bowel movement.
In addition laxatives can be dangerous because the dog may become addicted to them. Use them only as a last resort and look for other ways to improve your dogs digestion.
Can I give my dog an enema?
Never under any circumstances. Do not attempt this at home because an incorrect enema can cause serious problems like a ruptured intestine. If your dog suffers from extreme constipation take him to the vet and have an enema performed on him.
How can you prevent constipation in dogs?
You must take proactive measures to prevent constipation in your dog.
Switch to canned foods
There is a possibility that the kibble you usually give your dog is too dry causing constipation. You might want to consider feeding your dog canned moist food instead. Alternatively you can add a bit of water or chicken broth to the dogs kibble.
Give access to plenty of freshwater
In dogs that are well hydrated constipation should not be a problem. Keep the bowl full of water and clean it regularly. Its possible for the water in his bowl to become stale and unappetizing if you are away for most of the day. You may want to consider getting him a water fountain. The equipment keeps the water fresh and clean and your dog might even find it quite amusing to use so he’ll drink more.
Increase physical exercise
A good walk is the best way to get the bowels moving. You should walk together more often and for longer periods of time. It might also be a good idea to increase the pace like going for a jog with your dog. When long walks are not an option such as during the winter months try to play with your dog vigorously. If you can find a room or a hall where you can throw a ball or construct an obstacle course safely.
Conclusion
It is possible for your dog to be constipated for many reasons. It may be a temporary condition such as a side-effect of certain medications but it may also be a sign of an underlying health issue. It may be a good idea to see a vet if you are worried about your dogs lack of bowel movements if only to rule out problems like an intestinal blockage or enlarged prostate. Milk may be used to treat your pets constipation but only a small amount should be used. Lactose intolerance makes milk a laxative for dogs but too much milk can cause diarrhea.
It is safest to use pumpkin puree when treating constipation in dogs but you can also use olive oil or add water to their food.
If you want to read more about dog health tips read here: Dog Health Tips and Tricks.
