Effective Solutions for Constipation in Pets

Pumpkin

28 User Reviews
5 star (25) 
  89%
3 star (2) 
  7%
1 star (1) 
  4%

Posted by Estelle (Taylors, SC) on 02/25/2008
★★★★★

Canned pumpkin for dog's constipation. Tried the canned pumpkin and it worked like a charm on my little Chihuahua. Thanks for the information.


Pumpkin
Posted by Kris (Benton City, Washington) on 01/09/2008
★★★★★

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.


Pumpkin
Posted by Mary (Costa Mesa, CA) on 07/28/2007
★★★★★

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.


Pumpkin
Posted by Cassie (North Vancouver, BC) on 05/14/2007
★★★★★

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.


Pumpkin
Posted by Lisa (Wichita Falls, Texas) on 04/25/2007
★★★★★

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!!


Pumpkin
Posted by Ginny (Ashland, OR) on 04/19/2007
★★★★★

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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Replied by Happy
(Somerset, Nj)
02/23/2012
★★★★★

I never reply to these, but wanted to say thanks! This worked great for my dog.


Pumpkin or Slippery Elm

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Sandra (Seattle, Wa) on 05/22/2017
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

My elderly cat suffered from extreme constipation. She would strain and nothing would pass. I found two things that worked well. Canned pumpkin - 1/2 teaspoon each day. It takes a couple of days to work through the system, but it did the trick. Also, my holistic vet recommended slippery elm. I opened a capsule and put about 1/4 capsule in some liquid, dissolved it, then gave it in a syringe. This also worked very well.


Pumpkin, Coconut Oil

Posted by Jackie (Nm) on 06/05/2018

Feline Constipation

I just found this site today and have read, read, read the posts until I'm 'post crazy'! I have a 9 year old rescue cat who is obese and is having big problems with constipation. The vet has her on Lactulose and Cisapride but it is not working. Since I am a natural healer with my own body I decided to look into natural healing for my cats.

Has anyone had a cat who is obese (need to lose a cat still) and has had problems with the intestinal system? The meds worked for about 9 months but are no longer working. I am thinking about trying the pumpkin and the coconut oil. Whatever I do, I have to put it in her food but she is a picky eater and I don't know if she'll like the taste of pumpkin. She will not take it from a 'tube'! I tried that and it was like fighting a lion or a cougar!

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Replied by Wendy
(Columbus, Oh)
06/12/2018

Others may have suggestions, too, but in the meantime add a 1/4 teaspoon organic UNrefined virgin coconut oil to her food. Do not microwave coconut oil! To easily melt it, put the entire glass jar into a saucepan filled with hot tap water. In about 5-10 mins enough of the oil will melt so that you can spoon out a 1/4 teaspoon. Then, just mix it into your cat's food.

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Jackie
(Nm)
06/13/2018

Thank you for your reply Wendy. I have tried the pumpkin and the coconut oil and cannot get her to eat them in her food. As I said, she is a picky eater. I have been able to get her to eat her food with olive oil in it but the olive oil is not giving her any relief. I'll go back to the coconut oil and try it again. She 'sneeks up' on her food now like she's saying "OK, what is Mom putting in my food today! " Thanks again Wendy.

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Replied by Bw
(Bellevue, Wa)
06/13/2018

As someone else posted, add melted coconut oil to about 2 - 3 teaspoons of pumpkin and also add some ground-up flax seeds (about 1/4 tsp). The flax seed is to add fiber, which will help to clean out the intestines.

Warm up a Tablespoon of water to the mix in as well; the pumpkin is more appealing when it has been warmed. You can also add about 1/4 teaspoon of ground Slippery Elm instead of, or along with, the flax seed. It supplies mucilage which is soothing to the intestines and will help push things along. If she still won't eat the mix, try pouring 1 tsp or so of tuna fish liquid over the top of it.

Give the oil/pumpkin/flax/Slipper Elm mix to your cat 3 - 4 times a day until she poops. If she is an indoor/outdoor cat, keep her inside so you can see when she has pooped.

My cat was having constipation and would only eat only tiny amounts for 4 days. It took that long of me giving her this same mixture to her before she finally let out a long, dry turd.

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Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
06/14/2018

Hey Jackie,

Re: getting your cat to take coconut oil, you might try slathering it on her front leg - she will have no choice but to lick it off and consume it while grooming.

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Jackie
(Nm)
06/14/2018

Great Idea... Thanks Theresa!


Special Food

Posted by Purrrfection (Tampa, Fl) on 10/02/2010

Sounds like a great idea except PLEASE don't give your kitty any "people" Tuna. This even in small doses is bad for your cat. Thanks.

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Replied by Zackey
(St George, Ga Usa)
08/14/2011

why is tuna bad? I give my cat the juice a few times a month.


Special Food
Posted by Catherine (Philadelphia, Pa) on 09/28/2010

Hello Earth Clinic,
I'm not sure if this is where I post this, but after trying everything under the sun to help my cat, I know this information can help someone else. My 15-year old cat came down with mega colon about three years ago. He initially spent a week at the vet for many enemas and a big invoice. When I got him home I tried everything to keep him from getting backed up. From pumpkin to a raw chicken diet nothing was working except for the costly medication the vet game me. Even so, we still almost once a month had to go to the vet for an enema. I kept trying different cat foods hoping something or some brand would help. I know I'm not suppose to put brand names or commercial remedies on this site, but there is only one company that I have found that alleviates this problem completely! My cat no longer has to have enemas or take medication. My vet was so impressed she asked for the name of the cat food and is recommending it to all her patients even though they don't carry it in their hospital. I was lucky to find it in my health food store kind of by accident.

I do not work for this company nor do I know anyone who does. If earth clinic allows the name, it's Pet Guard and the flavor is Premium Feast Dinner. The other flavors do not work. Only this one. If you're able to find it be sure to mix it with water. My cat has lost most of his teeth, so the soupier the better. Plus the added water may help him "pass" things easier. I am happy to answer any questions by email if Earth Clinic doesn't post the food name. This is such an upsetting disease for cats and their owners. I want to help as many people as I can with this information. Be well and happy! Catherine

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Replied by Barbara
(Mt. Pleasant, Sc)
08/08/2013

Can you tell me where you get this food? I have a cat with megacolon and I am at my wits end. I just tried the pumpkin because tomorrow I am getting ready to take her to vet for another enema. Thanks

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Replied by Regina
(Sandusky, Ohio)
01/14/2014

Hi Barbara,

My cat Diesel has mega colon, she quit eating, lost 7 pounds, she was fur and bones, I had to force feed her for about 2 1/2 months, sub-que fluids every other day, and I told the vet that the food is going in but nothing is coming out, and that when they realized she had mega colon, I was taking her to the vet every week to have het colon cleaned out. I just couldn't afford $70 every week, so I search the web for answers. I came a crossed a web site call and read the reviews on Lax-eze so I decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I did. I received the product Monday 1/13/14 and she had a movement that night, and today 1/14/14 she had another one. This is the first time in 6 months that she had a moment two days in a row. With the meds the vet gave me, she would have a pebble about every week, her poor butt was protruding just for that pebble to come out. Again I'm so happy that I ordered it, an an answer to my prayers... Read the reviews your self, then decide. Good Luck and God Bless!!! Regina

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karla
(Minnesota)
02/01/2022

I am aware this is an old post, but hoping someone see it anyway. My 10 yr old cat is suffering from Megacolon and she is in the throws of a severe constipation issue. Your Diesel sounds just like my cat's story, exactly. I just ordered Lax Eze in hopes that this may save her.

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Replied by Roberta
(Merrimac, Ma)
07/04/2014

We have a cat that was diagnosed with mega colon. It is a neurological disease in which the nerve endings do not come in contact with the colon and cause the cat to become constipated. We tried almost every remedy I see on this site for constipation on this site and after two years of trying were a day away from making the decision to put our buddy down. Now I know for ALL cats they should have a low residue/no residue diet.

For constipation an 1/8 teaspoon of Miralax twice a day in the no residue food. And if it is mega colon 2.5 mg Cisapride (this medicine makes the colon contract which the cat can't do due to the disease). These three things saved our buddy. No more suffering for any of us and no more expensive vet bills.

P.S. Lactolose is a common drug prescribed, but it causes diabetes in cats.

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Dano
(Idaho)
02/01/2022

Look into giving your cat Triphala. It is an Ayurvedic combination of herbs that can be used long term safely for digestive, colon, and bowel issues. Dosage is between 100-250 milligrams twice a day for cats.

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Replied by Peggy
(California)
10/30/2022

Hi Catherine. Are you still getting the same food? I tried to buy for my kitty but some of the reviews were saying they changed the formula. Do you know if that's true? Thank you for your time


Sunflower Oil

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Shirley (Scotland) on 04/16/2011
★★★★★

Hi there

I noticed my boxer was straining and even after an extended walk nothing had moved. So I got a syringe (without a needle) and filled it with sunflower oil and squirted into his rectum. I left him for 5/10 minutes and then took him for a walk... And everything he had been holding onto came away!

I am not sure it is the right thing to do, but it certainly worked and saved me another visit to the vet. I had been giving him rabbit meat for breakfast and I suspect that might have done it.

I might try using water if it happens again. But I reckoned that a glycerine supposititory is oil... So maybe oil would work for him too!

We don't get tinned pumpkin here and we tend to only get pumpkins at Halloween. But maybe I will try the sweet potatoe someone mentioned.


Sweet Potato

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by NANLEA (SANTA CRUZ, CA) on 07/02/2009
★★★★★

I AM SO THANKFUL. I USED 2 TSP OF SWEET POTATO (BABY FOOD WITH NO ADDITIVES) FOR MY LITTLE 5 POUND CHIHUAHUA FOR CONSTIPATION. HE BROKE HIS LEG 2 DAYS AGO AND HASN'T HAD A BOWL MOVEMENT SINCE. AFTER THE SWEET POTATO I WAITED AND WAS NERVOUS IT WOULDN'T WORK. I GAVE HIM A LITTLE TASTE OF IT AFTER HIS USUAL DINNER AND TOOK HIM OUTSIDE. HE CAN'T PUT ANY WEIGHT ON HIS CASTED LEG. I USED A HARNESS ON HIM WITH THE AID OF HIS LEASH TO HELP HIM. PERFECT. A LITTLE RUNNY I MIGHT ADD.


Turmeric

Posted by Ron (Madera, Ca) on 01/05/2018

I've read many times Tumeric is good for peristalisis, and indeed it has helped me. Hence I was stopped short when I read on your site that it causes cats to be constipated. I was going to give it to my constipated cat. Just 10 days ago, I took her to the vet for being unable to have a bowel movement, and now she's constipated and suffering again. I give her cisapride, lactulose, and miralax, right now every day, and am afraid I'm going to hurt her, especially with too much cisapride. Are you sure Turmeric causes constipation rather than relieving it? Very important, as I seem to be running out of options for her. I hate that I might have to euthanize her because of this.

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Replied by Mama To Many
(Tn)
01/05/2018

Dear Ron,

Constipation is a potential side effect of turmeric in people and pets. It is a remedy for diarrhea in the same. When there is constipation in someone/pet in my house, I do tend to avoid turmeric for that reason. In general though we don't find it causes constipation when taken with adequate water.

How about milk of magnesia or pumpkin? Is kitty getting enough water? Cats who eat dry cat food rarely get enough water, which can cause bladder stones and constipation.

Is it possible your cat has a hairball? My cats and pet rabbits both had trouble with this. We used an OTC hairball gel for that.

Blackstrap molasses and slippery elm are also good for constipation.

What about massaging kitty's abdomen with castor oil? It absorbs through the skin and helps the bowels to move.

I hope kitty feels better soon - please keep us posted....

~Mama to Many~

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Replied by Ann
(P.S. Ca)
04/01/2018

Hi Ron, please do not use castor oil or molasses on/for your cat (or any animal). Cats are missing an important enzyme for detoxification, Glucuronosyltransferase (sp?) it is a major phenol detoxification enzyme. Most cats become lactose (dairy) intolerant when they have stopped nursing. Things given may seem fine at the time however down the road you end up with your cat in renal failure, a build up of toxins in their kidneys. Molasses has lots of sugar and that is bad for cats & dogs. Most of the OTC hairball treatments have petroleum jelly used in it, would you eat petroleum jelly? Milk of magnesia is not safe as you need be extremely careful with magnesium and cats, very low dose can be helpful but more could be toxic, how would you know how much to give.

Mama to Many, I like much of the advice you give, however I just had to step in (respectfully) this time. I do work with cats and I keep learning so much as time goes on. Please do much needed research before giving anything to your pets.

With that all said, coconut oil (1/4 - 1/2 tsp.) is safe and for most also effective, give it time, also pumpkin (for both constipation and diarrhea) work for most (1/4 -1 tsp.) and plain, no sugar added or anything else not needed in plain yogurt (organic) in small does (upto 1 tsp.) a few times a week to help gut flora. Yogurt when cultured has broken down the lactose and is fermented and full of good enzymes for the intestinal flora. Always start low dose. Hope this helps you Ron and anyone else in need. Keep up your good work Mama to Many.


Winter Squash

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Maggie (Idaho) on 06/13/2017 36 posts
★★★★★

I'd read that pumpkin is good for constipation in pets but I don't usually have pumpkin on hand. I do however always have frozen winter squash. I tried the winter squash and it works. I think pumpkin, sweet potato and the winter squashes are high in fiber which is what's needed for constipation.



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