This article was updated on February 26th, 2026
As veterinarians, we see constipated dogs on a regular basis, and it’s more common than many pet parents realize. In this article, we’ll share the safe, practical strategies we commonly recommend in practice to help relieve mild constipation at home. Watch this quick video below from Dr. Simon (one of our veterinarians), or check out our list of the 7 easiest home remedies below:
Our Veterinarians Share the 7 Best Home Remedies For Mild Cases
Mild cases of constipation can often be treated at home. If this is your first time dealing with it, be sure to contact your veterinarian and follow their recommendations. If your dog isn’t showing any other signs, such as fever, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or a decreased appetite, try these:
1. Take your dog for a walk for 15 minutes
Exercise stimulates intestinal movement to help get things out. You can even give them a bite to eat and take them out for 15-20 minutes to try to get things right again.
2. Increase your dog’s water intake.
Encourage your dog to drink more water with the following strategies:
- Offer clean and cool water at all times.
- Give your dog chicken or beef broth: it will help increase your dog’s water intake and help move more fluid into your dog’s colon thus making them poop quicker (learn more about broths for dogs, or check out the Amazon listing below).
- Some dogs also like ice cubes as a treat.
3. Add canned pumpkin to your dog’s meal (1-to-4 tablespoons of pumpkin)
Canned pumpkin is a great source of fiber and most dogs really like it. Offer them a couple of tablespoons or more depending on their size. This means plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. We simply recommend canned pumpkin, such as this one below:
You can also use pumpkin treats or bites, including the following products listed on Amazon:
How much pumpkin for your dog?
t’s important to give your dog the correct amount of pumpkin for constipation, as the right dose can help firm and regulate stools, while too much may lead to diarrhea, gas, or stomach upset instead of relief. Use this table as a guideline:
| Your dog’s weight | Tablespoons |
| 10 pounds | 1 tsp |
| 20 pounds | 2 tsp |
| 30-50 pounds | 3 tsp |
| 50-100 pounds | 3-4 tsp |
| 100+ pounds | 4-5 tsp |
The best source of up-to-date and accurate information is your family veterinarian. That’s because they know your dog’s medical history. Before making any major changes to a dog’s diet, consult with your vet.
Important: Always consult a vet before changing your dog’s diet, especially if they have an underlying illness, such as diabetes or kidney disease.
4. Switch to canned food
Canned dog food has more moisture than kibble. Feeding canned dog food will help promote more moisture in your dog’s stool, making it easier for them to poop.
5. Feed your dog fiber-rich food
Any way you can increase your dog’s fiber intake has the possibility of helping relieve constipation. Speak to your veterinarian before giving your dog any human fiber supplements to ensure that it is safe and you have the proper dose. Another great source of fiber is bran cereal although your dog might not be as willing to gobble it up. Check out these 2 popular products:
6. A small quantity of olive oil
We sometimes recommend trying a tiny amount of olive oil mixed into your dog’s meal to help soften stool and get things moving when mild constipation pops up – think of it as a gentle “lubricant” for the gut. Start low (for many dogs, about ¼ to ½ teaspoon), because olive oil can work a little too well and may cause loose stool or an upset stomach if you overdo it.
7. Use over-the-counter medications
Over-the-counter medications like Miralax can help stimulate your dog to poop more. These medications are designed to bring water into your dog’s colon and make it easier for them to poop. The dosage of Miralax is a 1 tsp for a small dog ½ Tbsp for a medium sized dog and 1Tbsp for a large dog twice a day – but be sure to check-in with your vet before you give your dog any new medication (even over-the-counter medications).
- UNBLOCK YOUR SYSTEM: An osmotic laxative, MiraLAX works naturally with the water in your body to hydrate, soften, and ease stool through your colon in 1-3 days, whereas stimulant laxatives stimulate the nerves to move stool through the colon immediately
“Constipation in dogs is not as common as many owners assume but it is something we see from time to time. I find overweight and senior dogs are most often affected. Thankfully, most dogs improve with increased fluid intake and laxatives.”
When is Your Dog’s Constipation a Cause for Concern?
How often a dog should poop is going to vary with every dog. Generally speaking, a dog will poop at least once a day but can be upwards of four or five if they are fed frequent meals. Knowing what is normal for your dog is the first step is being able to recognize when there is a problem. If your dog is normally a three times a day goer, only going once may be considered constipation.
Since most dogs poop at least once per day, some go even more, not pooping for 48 to 72 hours (2-3 days) is a cause for concern.
This is especially true if they have a normal appetite and are drinking water. If they haven’t passed any feces in 48 hours, they are considered constipated. Learn more with our article How Long Can a Dog Go Without Pooping.
When to Take a Constipated Dog to the Veterinarian
Most cases of constipation are fairly mild and often respond to at-home treatments, but there are times when they don’t. If your dog still hasn’t pooped after 48-72 hours and trying some of the above treatments, it’s time to see your vet. Also, if your dog is particularly uncomfortable or in pain, or if they are showing any other signs, see your vet.
Your vet can also help you figure out repeat or chronic cases of constipation.
Veterinary Treatments for Constipation in Dogs
Your veterinarian will have a slightly different approach to constipation in dogs. The main goal is to get rid of any retained feces in the colon. This can be done by an enema, manual removal, or medications that increase the fluid in the feces. Enemas and manual removal can be painful, so you shouldn’t try it at home.
Dogs with severe constipation may also need fluids to rehydrate or even surgery to remove an intestinal obstruction. Dogs that have a long history of constipation may require a dietary change or life-long medications to prevent further issues.
The cost for seeing the vet for a constipated dog is going to vary based on the severity and cause. A simple case of constipation requiring an enema may run you $100-$250, while a surgery to remove a foreign body from the intestine will be more around $1,500-$3,000.
Why is Your Dog Constipated? The list of possible causes can be quite long.
When a dog becomes constipated, it may be due to an impairment in the muscular contractions to move the waste through or because the waste products get stuck. With this in mind, constipation may be caused by:
- Dehydration
- Lack of exercise
- Lack of fiber in diet
- Non-digestible blockages
- Self-grooming that leads to excess hair in the feces
- Tumors in the rectum
- Anal gland issues, including impaction and infection
- An enlarged prostate in intact males
- Injury to the back or pelvis
- Stress or anxiety
- Certain medications and medical conditions such as kidney disease and hypothyroidism
Constipation may be more common in older dogs because their digestive system isn’t as efficient or they may have kidney disease, prostate problems or other health issues that may lead to constipation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Constipated Dogs
What happens if I accidentally give my dog too much pumpkin or olive oil?
Giving your dog too much pumpkin can actually take the place of their regular dog food causing nutrient deficiencies. Stick with small amounts daily or larger amounts temporarily to help relieve constipation. Giving a lot of olive oil can lead to diarrhea or even pancreatitis.
My dog is constipated and vomiting, what should I do?
Anytime your dog is showing any other signs along with their constipation, it’s time to see a vet. Vomiting along with constipation may be indicative of a more serious issue, like an intestinal obstruction, that will need to be treated professionally.
My dog is constipated and eating plants. Is this normal? What should I do?
Dogs eat plants for a number of reasons, one of which is trying to relieve digestive discomfort. If your dog is eating plants and constipated, you should try some at-home constipation remedies (listed earlier in this article) or see your veterinarian.
How Can You Help Prevent Constipation in Your Dog in the Future?
Whether your dog is no stranger to constipation or you’d just rather not experience it in the first place, there are a few steps you can take to help prevent future mishaps.
The first step is to make sure your dog stays hydrated. This can be tough in older dogs since they may not drink as much water or have other issues like kidney disease. Just make sure they always have water available to them and encourage them by adding a little flavor from low sodium chicken broth or sugar-free electrolytes.
Get them moving everyday. Short walks two or three times a day will help encourage intestinal movement as well as keep their joints and muscles healthy and strong. It doesn’t take a lot, just make sure they get some movement daily.
Up their fiber intake with supplements like pumpkin or a high fiber diet. Some dogs may even do well with a low residue diet that is easily digestible with little left over to block up their system. Your veterinarin will be able to recommend what diet is best for your dog depending on the cause of their constipation.
Keep them from eating things they shouldn’t through behavioral training or other methods recommended by your veterinarian.
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