If you’ve ever watched your dog pause, struggling to “do their business,” you’re not alone. As someone who has spent over three decades caring for dogs, both in the clinic and at home, I’ve learned that even the happiest pups (and people ;-) can find themselves a bit “stuck” from time to time.
Constipation may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it’s often a sign that something deeper in their body’s natural balance needs attention.
In this blog, I'll walk you through what I would do if my own dog were constipated. Together, we'll explore the root causes, from diet and hydration to spinal health and stress, and I'll share practical, holistic solutions you can try at home. My hope is that by understanding your dog's body a little better, you'll feel empowered to support their well-being - so those walks can stay joyful and worry-free for years to come.
What Causes Constipation in Dogs?
Constipation occurs when a dog has difficulty passing stools or has infrequent bowel movements. There are many potential causes, including:
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Species inappropriate diet that is low in fiber, high in fillers and chemicals or contains excessive processed foods can lead to hard, dry stools and slower bowel movements.
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Species inappropriate diet that is low in fiber, high in fillers and chemicals or contains excessive processed foods can lead to hard, dry stools and slower bowel movements.
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Poor gut microbiome health: An imbalance in beneficial gut bacteria can disrupt digestion and slow bowel movements.
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Feeding too many raw bones: While raw bones can provide calcium, overfeeding them often results in hard stools due to their high calcium content. To say this, crumbly and dry stool is normal if your dog has regular, normal size bowel movements.
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Dehydration: Chronic dehydration causes the colon to absorb more water from feces, leading to dry stools that are difficult to pass. Ensure that your dog has plenty of fresh water and never leave for a dog walk without a water bottle and a foldable bowl.
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Spinal misalignments: Issues in the lumbar and sacral areas of the spine can impair energy flow and intestinal motility.
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Stress or anxiety: Behavioral changes, travel, or disruptions in routine can impact digestion and bowel movements.
- Age-related factors: Older dogs often experience slower digestion and reduced activity levels, making them more prone to constipation.
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Poor gut microbiome health: An imbalance in beneficial gut bacteria can disrupt digestion and slow bowel movements.
What Can You Do If Your Dog Is Constipated
1. Ensure Proper Hydration
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of constipation. If you suspect your dog is constipated, you can encourage your dog to drink by:
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- Add unsalted chicken broth or bone broth to their water for flavor. Ensure there are no onions used in the broth and do not let it sit out in room temperature for too long to prevent bacterial overgrowth.
- Use ceramic or glass metal bowls and wash them daily.
- Offer your dog filtered, non-chlorinated water. Chlorine has a negative effect on the microbiome which may contribute to constipation.
- Incorporate moisture-rich foods into their meals.
- Add unsalted chicken broth or bone broth to their water for flavor. Ensure there are no onions used in the broth and do not let it sit out in room temperature for too long to prevent bacterial overgrowth.
Hydration is key to softening stools and supporting healthy digestion.
2. Address Spinal Health
Spinal misalignments can disrupt nerve and energy flow and affect intestinal motility. If your dog is constipated, I suggest the following modalities:
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Chiropractic or Physiotherapy: Helps correct spinal misalignments that may be impacting digestion.
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Acupuncture: Improves energy flow and relieves tension in the spine and digestive tract.
- Laser therapy: A non-invasive treatment that promotes healing and energy flow; this can even be done at home when you take a course by a board-certified specialist, Dr. Laurie McCauley.
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Chiropractic or Physiotherapy: Helps correct spinal misalignments that may be impacting digestion.
3. Adjust Diet to Increase the Volume and Make Bowel Movement Easier
Dietary adjustments are essential for softening stools and improving digestion. Here's what I recommend:
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- Add pumpkin or squash: Incorporate about 20% squash into meals to naturally soften stools.
- Include steeped flaxseed: Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of steeped flaxseed for its lubricating properties, which make stools easier to pass.
- For additional bulk, try other fiber sources like psyllium husk or canned green beans (in moderation).
- Add pumpkin or squash: Incorporate about 20% squash into meals to naturally soften stools.
4. Adjust the Amount of Raw Bones
If your dog eats raw bones frequently, it may help to reduce the amount, as they can contribute to constipation.
However, firm stool doesn't equal constipation—when dogs eat raw bones, their stool is naturally hard, which is normal. It's the frequency of bowel movements that matters most in dogs.
5. Support Gut Health with Probiotics
A healthy gut microbiome is critical for optimal digestion and regular bowel movements. I recommend using a canine-specific probiotic like GutSense, which is made with organic, non-dairy ingredients tailored specifically for the canine microbiome.
6. Provide Plant-Based Calcium and Minerals
If your dog doesn't get raw bones, ensure adequate calcium intake from other sources. GreenMin is a plant-based mineral supplement made from sustainably harvested ingredients like certified organic Alga Calcarea and all-natural Spirulina.
GreenMin provides a full spectrum of essential minerals, including calcium, magnesium, amino acids, and phytonutrients.
Additional Tips for Preventing Constipation
- Regular grooming is essential for long-haired breeds or dogs with poor grooming habits—matted fur around the anus can obstruct bowel movements.
- Ensure your dog gets daily exercise—physical activity stimulates digestion and promotes regular bowel movements.
- Monitor stool consistency regularly—changes in color, texture, or frequency can indicate underlying issues.
When Is Constipation an Emergency?
While occasional constipation may not be cause for alarm, there are situations where immediate veterinary care is necessary:
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- Your dog hasn't had a bowel movement in more than two days.
- They are straining excessively without producing stool.
- Symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, bloating, or loss of appetite are present.
- You notice signs of pain during defecation (e.g., crying out or yelping).
- Your dog hasn't had a bowel movement in more than two days.
Severe cases of constipation can lead to conditions like obstipation (impacted feces) or megacolon (a dilated colon), both of which require urgent medical attention.
Final Thoughts
In most cases, constipation in dogs (but also in people) can often be managed with simple adjustments to diet, hydration, spinal care and gut health support.
Learn more about the gut health supplements mentioned in this article
