Puppy Constipation?

Question
I have a poodle/bichon mix puppy - 6 months old.
She just got spayed 4 days ago and now is constipated.  She has never had this problem before.  What can I do naturally to help her?
I have given her canned food, put some pieces of grapes in there as well as some steamed brocolli.

Answer
Hi Kalin!

A high-fiber diet isn't just good for humans.It can be just what a constipated cat or dog needs.Vets recommend buying pet food that contains 7 to 13 percent fiber.You'll find the fiber percentage on the label.Regularly eating a high-fiber diet,your pet may never be constipated again.

MOLBOLIZE WITH METAMULIC.This over-the-counter laxative contains psyllium seed husks which pull water into the stool and help move it along.Vets recommend giving about
1/2 teaspoon twice a day to small pets and about 2 teaspoons twice a day to large dogs.To make Metamucil more palatable,try mixing it with a small portion of canned food.Or if you're adding it to dry kibble,mix in some warm broth or water.Just be sure to give your pet plenty of water so the Metamucil doesn't congeal in her stomach.

A spinkle of oat bran every day can help keep constipation away.Depending on the size of your pet,vets advise adding from 1/2 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons of oat bran to her food daily.Adding warm broth to the food will help make the bran easier to get down.

A good source of dietary fiber is Grape-Nuts Flakes.Vets recommend doling out one to three teaspoons several times a day until the constipation clears.But if your pet happens to have a hankering for Grape-Nuts,she can eat them forever without a problem.

Canned pumpkin is an excellant source of fiber that can make your pet regular again.The bonus is that dogs and cats seem to enjoy it.Vets advise mixing a tablespoon or two with your pet's food for several days or until she's more regular again.

We're always advising people not to give much milk to their cats or dogs because it can casue diarrhea.But when you have a constipated pet,milk could be just what she needs.Vets recommend giving small pets 1/8 cup twice a day and large dogs about 1/2 cup.When your pet is regular again,wean her off the milk over a period of three to four days.

Water is essential to keeping your pet's digestive system healthy.Always have plenty available.If your pet would rather be lazy than walk around the house for a good swig or water,try placing water dishes in several rooms to make it easy.Adding water to dry food is yet another way to increase her fluid intake.

Taking your pet out for a 20 minute romp several times a day is an excellant to get things moving in the right direction.

Some pets get constipated simply becasue they haven't had the time or opportunity to go.The longer your pet keeps it in,the hardier amd drier the stool gets.That can lead to problems fairly quickly.It's important to give your pets many of potty time.Try to let your dog out several times a day.Or install a doggy door so he can come an go when he pleases.

Eating ribs or other crunchable bones can cause things to get blocked up inside,ONLY give your pet bones she can chew on,not eat.

For pets of the long-haired persuauion,tangled hair on the rear end will sometimes prevent them from haing a bowel movment.Vets call this mechanical constipation.They strain and strain and nothing comes out.It can lead to true constipation,becasue the longer the animal doesn't go,the  drier things get inside.The solution?Get out the blunt scissors and carefully give her a trim.If mechanical constipation is the problem,you'll know right away.

Before using any of this information,be sure to ask your vet if this is OK.You can print this or send it to his/her office.I really hope that this is helpful and please keep me updated!  Nicole.D.