Constipation Remedies for Pets
While perhaps not the most desirable of all subject matter, constipation can at times be a fact of life for our pets. Constipation can occur in pets for any number of various reasons and might result from pets that have ingested clumps of grass, as a result of swallowing bones, or could be due to a hairball blockage.
Constipation can be a very serious issue regardless of whether it occurs on just an occasional basis, or perhaps on a more regular one for those pets who may be more prone to the problem. Did you know that certain breeds of dogs could experience more difficulty when defecating than others will? It may sound strange but it's true. Dogs that have corkscrew like tails often have anatomical characteristics that interfere with the normal defecation process, which can mean chronic constipation problems. Remember that the longer the waste sits in the body without being passed, the more water that will be pulled out of it by the colon. This means that the stool will become more and more dry, making it yet even more difficult to pass.
One of the best ways to deal with constipation is to prevent it. A very healthy and easy way to do that is to incorporate pumpkin into your pet's food. Yes, that's right - I said PUMPKIN. The simple fact is that pumpkin is a great source of fiber and has a high water content. Both of which contribute to keeping your pet's bowl movements regular. You'll want to make sure that you use the pureed canned pumpkin, or you can puree your own using a fresh pumpkin. Either way however don't buy pumpkin pie filling by mistake; it's definitely not the same thing. The following scale will help you determine how much you should mix into every meal.
Pets who weigh less than 15 pounds = 1 - 2 teaspoons
Pets who weigh 15 - 35 pounds = 1 - 2 tablespoons
Pets who weigh 35 pounds and up = 2 - 5 tablespoons depending on size
(Monitor your pet's stool, if the consistency of the feces is pudding- like, then just cut back on the amount of pumpkin a bit.)
Here's a great trick so that none of that canned or fresh pumpkin goes to waste before you use it all. Use ice-cube trays to freeze individual portions of pumpkin. Once each portion is set, dump them out into a freezer bag so that each day you can remove and thaw out the amount that you require.
8 YEA
[YEA] 09/03/2008: Silvia from Toronto, On, Canada writes: "My kitten was constipated but what worried me most was the gas. My kitten eats raw but I have no clue how to give her pumpkin so this is what I did: I shred the pumpkin and then I put it in the blender with melted butter and obtained a paste. She loves it, I just give her 1 teaspoon a day and after 2 days the pup is too soft so I have to stop it. Anyway, great remedy. Thanks"
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[YEA] 07/05/2008: Shaun M. from Cottage Grove, MN writes: "Wow!! My dog was constipated due to recently being spayed. Gave her a tablespoon of pumpkin when we went to bed, woke up to lots of "treats"! Thanks"
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[YEA] 02/25/2008: Estelle from Taylors, SC writes: "Canned pumpkin for dog's constipation. Tried the canned pumpkin and it worked like a charm on my little Chihuahua. Thanks for the information."
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[YEA] 01/09/2008: Kris from Benton City, Washington writes: "I have used Pumpkin for constipation for my dog who suffers from chronic problems daily. Contrary to others beliefs. I give him a tablespoon every day. It works great! I also have another dog that has problems with diarrhea I also give him the same amount as it has fiber and works for both problems. This is a marvelous cure all. I am thirlled that I found this information on this site."
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[YEA] 07/28/2007: Mary from Costa Mesa, CA writes: "My dog needed to see a Vet for constipation a few years back. He had to stay there for an enema, and it wasn't cheap. Today I recognized the signs and symptoms, Googled it, and found your Pumpkin remedy. He ate it willingly and it did the trick! I'm amazed and thankful."
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[YEA] 05/14/2007: Cassie from North Vancouver, BC writes: "The most bland pumpkin filling really works to cure both constipation AND diarrhea in a dog any age. If I known that my 10 month old Berner puppy has gotten into something, I will actually give him a heaping tablespoon to push out the junk him faster and the end result being less "mess".
BEWARE, if you feed it to a dog too often it stops being effective."
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[YEA] 04/25/2007: Lisa from Wichita Falls, Texas writes: "I have used the pumpkin for constipation in my dog.It really works!I just put the pumpkin in my dogs mouth and keep it closed until he swallows.Because he is not going to eat it if I put it in some other food.But it does work great!! I relly love the Earth Clinic site by the way!!"
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[YEA] 04/19/2007: Ginny from Ashland, OR writes: "Pumpkin puree really works to cure constitpation. Thanks! Some antibiotics seem to create constipation and I used a couple teaspoons of pumpkin puree with piecies of cooked chicken to flavor it with each meal during the period of time they were on anitbiotics and my two mini dachsunds ate it with no problem and in a day were back to normal. I have shared this with others and appreciate you and your contributions greatly."
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