Constipated Yorkie

Question
My 4 month old Yorkie seems to be constipated. Is there something that I can give her or should I make an emergency room visit?

Answer
Hi Sandra,

There are several home remedies for treating constipation in dogs. You need only choose one.

A good source of dietary fiber is Grape-Nuts Flakes. For a dog the size of yours, try one teaspoon mixed into her food (twice or three times a day) until the constipation clears. If you don't see improvement in a day or two, you can try 2 teaspoons. Better going slow, than over-doing it and giving your dog diarrhea.

Canned pumpkin (pure pumpkin, the kind used in pies) is an excellent source of fiber that can make your dog regular again, plus most dogs seem to really enjoy it. Try mixing a a teaspoon or two into your pet's food, or just let her lick it off the spoon.

Another choice is powdered psyllium seed (1 teaspoon with meals), or mineral oil on a short-term basis for a large fecal buildup (1 tsp to 2 tsp added to food twice a day for no more than a week). Mineral oil should not be used longer than that because it removes vitamin A from the body and the dog may become dependent on it for elimination. Milk of magnesia (up to 2 tbsp a day) may also be used.

Another simple constipation cure is increased exercise, which will massage internal organs and increase blood flow in the colon. Taking your dog out for at least 20 minute to romp twice times a day is an excellent to get her system moving in the right direction.

Some dogs get constipated simply because they haven't had the time or opportunity to go. The longer your pet keeps it in, the hardier and drier the stool gets. That can lead to problems fairly quickly. It's important to give your pets many of potty time. Again, try to let your dog out several times a day.

You didn't say what you're feeding your puppy. 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.

If the constipation does not clear up within a two days of whichever treatment you try, or your dog shows signs of serious pain then you should take her to the vet or a thorough examination.

Best of luck,
Patti