If your dog is constipated it could be a symptom of serious internal issues, so please consult your vet if the condition persists for more than a day or two.

In general, your dog should have a minimum of one to two BMs per day. Constipation occurs when there is difficulty or inability to empty the bowels, but it can also be evident if the stool is extremely firm. You can tell that your dog is constipated when she is straining to poop and remains in the pooping position for quite some time before producing a bowel movement.

Some of the less serious reasons that your dog is constipated could be a lack of moisture or fiber in the diet.  You can add a few tablespoons of plain canned pumpkin to your dog’s food in order to add fiber and bulk while increasing colon motility.

If you think dehydration is causing the problem that you can increase your dog’s water intake by adding some stew type canned food to his meals (you can even mix in a little more water for an optimal effect).  A moderate increase in exercise can also increase bowel movement, so take your furry friend for a walk.

Other natural solutions include:

• Organic apple cider vinegar, it can help improve digestion and relieve constipation (approx ¼ teaspopon per 10 pounds of body weight added to your dog’s food 1-2 times per day
• Digestive enzymes & probiotics, these can help digestion by breaking down the food that your dog eats
• Dandelion leaf, these are a mild liver and digestive stimulant which supports optimal digestion and waste elimination

These recommendations are intended for dogs that are experiencing a minor, transient bout of constipation. Please consult your vet for more serious cases.