Present obvious difficulties in defecating is the key symptom that the doctor will observe to prescribe laxatives for our dog. Therefore, although these types of drugs can be found in any medicine cabinet, since they are purchased without a prescription, we will never give them to the dog unless the veterinarian prescribes them first.
Laxatives are useful for solving a specific problem, but the solution to constipation in dogs involves identifying its cause and implementing measures corresponding corrections. For this reason, on our site we will talk about laxatives for dogs, medications, doses and types.
Constipation in dogs
Dogs can suffer from constipation for many reasons, from food issues to genetic reasons, as we explain in this other article on Constipation in dogs - Causes, symptoms and treatment. For this reason, before administering anything to our dog, it is advisable to talk to the veterinarian so that he can make a more accurate diagnosis as to why our dog does not defecate.
Laxatives are used when the dog cannot defecate or does so with effort. It is usual to first try a change in diet, discard the bones, increase physical activity, reduce weight in case of obesity and increase water intake. But, to solve a situation of specific constipation that is causing discomfort to the dog or as a preventive in those dogs with a tendency to constipation, the veterinarian can prescribe some of the laxatives described. When laxatives don't work, you will have to surgery, under general anesthesia, to manually remove the stool that doesn't pass.
Chances are if your dog is constipated, he has also passed white stoolsat some point. This type of stool, which is very hard, is usually due to problems related to food or an intestinal parasite. For this reason, we recommend you read this other article on White feces in dogs - Causes.
Types of dog laxatives
Laxatives are drugs to treat constipation that is not resolved by a change in diet. There are several types that the veterinarian can choose from to solve the specific problem of our dog. And it is that, although we can access laxatives in any pharmacy, they are still medicines that we can only use with our dog if the veterinarian indicates it. The types of laxatives that we can highlight, according to their characteristics, are the following:
- Osmotic laxatives: What these laxatives do is concentrate water in the intestine. In this way, they hydrate the feces of our dog. They have a mild effect and are safe and effective. This is how lactulose and milk of magnesia or magnesium hydroxide work, but the latter should not be given to dogs with kidney disease.
- Stimulant laxatives: Work by increasing bowel movements. They are very effective but should not be used frequently because they would end up interfering with normal bowel function. Bisacodyl stands out.
- Laxatives that form the intestinal bolus: can be used daily to increase the amount of fiber in the dog's diet. They are added to food and their effect is aimed at softening the stool and stimulating its deposition, increasing the frequency. Metamucil is in this group of laxatives. They can be used indefinitely with no adverse side effects.
- Emollient laxatives: these are used when the stools are hard and dry, unless the dog is dehydrated, in which case they would be contraindicated. One such active ingredient is docusate sodium. There are several brands for sale. Its function is to get the stool to absorb more water, so that the stools soften. They can be used daily.
- Lubricating laxatives: The most common example in this group is mineral oil. They help stool pass through the anal canal. The problem is that this oil interferes with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Therefore it is not recommended for continuous use. Also, it should not be combined with emollient laxatives. It can be added once or twice a week to the dog's food.
In addition to making use of these laxatives for dogs, you can also take a look at this other article on our site about Home remedies for constipation in dogs.
Dog enemas
Enemas can be combined with dog laxatives to help resolve problems such as fecal impactions, which are hardened masses of stool that they stay in the rectum and colon. Enemas are given through the anus.
An enema can be made with water, which is administered by connecting a rubber tube to a syringe or bag. The enemas for sale come already in small plastic containers with a cannula for their application. This procedure must be done by a veterinarian or taught how we can do it at home, if necessary.
Some of these products contain ammonium phosphate, an active ingredient that is not recommended for smaller dogs or those with kidney disease, so before you get a dog enema, it is best to consult with your veterinarian.
Natural laxatives for dogs
Before we consider the use of laxatives, the veterinarian can indicate some laxative foods for dogs. Sometimes, only with them it is possible to solve constipation. They are as follows:
- Milk in considerable quantity: the quantity will be indicated by the veterinarian depending on the characteristics of our dog. Milk in dogs has a mild laxative effect when the digestive enzyme lactase fails to break down the lactose in milk. Lactose draws fluid into the intestine, thereby stimulating bowel movement.
- Whole Wheat Bran: This has a bolus-forming effect. It can be added to food at the rate of one to five tablespoons per day. May be offered daily to prevent constipation.
- Olive oil: Administering a spoonful directly or with food, it can help resolve mild constipation.
- Beet, carrot or psyllium pulp: these are foods that can be included in the dog's diet. Its benefits derive from its fiber content.
- Hot water: hot water can be used as an enema, repeating its administration, without problem, several times a day.
- Water to drink: Since proper hydration is essential for stool consistency and intestinal motility, it is important that the dog drink a lot of water. If our dog drinks little, we can opt for a wet diet or, if it consumes feed, at least offer it soaked.
- Lots of fiber: diets high in fiber are essential for good intestinal transit.
To provide the best diet for your dog, you can take a look at this other article on our site on Feeding dogs according to their age.
Laxatives for dogs - dose
The administration of laxatives depends a lot on the type that the veterinarian prescribes. For example:
- Bisacodil: Bisacodil is recommended in doses of 5 to 20 mg per day.
- Metamucil: Metamucil is offered in scoops, one to five each day.
- Emollient laxatives: Emollient laxatives are administered daily in about 50-240 mg, depending on the brand prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Mineral oil: Mineral oil is recommended as an addition to food once or twice a week in doses of 10 to 50 ml, depending on the dog's weight.
- Hot water enemas: On the other hand, hot water enemas can be administered at a rate of 5-10 ml per kg of body weight.
As always, only the veterinarian can prescribe the appropriate dosage, as well as the most appropriate treatment for the type of constipation in our dog.
