my aunts puppy

Question
today my aunt puppy jasper was outside all day trying to poop and we were wondering what he was doing but we realize that he was trying to poop and he cant walk.We saw the poop but it couldn't come out.So what do we do?

Answer

Hi Andrea,

It sounds like your aunt's dog is constipated.

Have your aunt increase her dog's fiber consumption, it can help in fighting constipation. Adding some oat bran on top of his dog food. Anywhere from half a teaspoon to 2 tablespoons is good enough depending on the size and weight of your dog. She can also give him 1-2 teaspoons of canned pumpkin every day OR a tablespoon of olive oil to help make his bowel movements more regular. Green beans are a good source of fiber and many dogs like them. A fresh supply of water can also solve dog constipation.

Another dog constipation treatment which can help soften his dog poop is by adding Metamucil (psyllium) to the dog's diet. The recommended for dogs is 1/4th teaspoonful of Metamucil per 20 lbs. of body weight twice a day. Mix with wet food, if the dog eats dry food, moisten it with a little water, and mix in the Metamucil.  Make sure the dog has free access to clean water all the time.

Choose the lower suggested amounts of canned pumpkin, oil or bran to start off with. You don't want to over do adding fiber, it can cause diarrhea.

If you don't see improvement in about two days after using any of the method's I've listed, the dog needs to be examined by a veterinarian.

Best of luck,

Patti