Perfect Puppy Care » Puppy Health

Why Puppies Will Overeat If You Let Them

Jeff Van Dalsum — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:25:49 +0000

Puppies are naturally predisposed to eat a lot of food very quickly; in centuries past, when many dogs lived in the wild, they were forced to consume their grub very rapidly in order to satisfy their hunger (before a predator came along and attempted to grab their hard-won sustenance). Today, puppies are served meals by their owners – they don’t need to fight for their fair share; however, the primal urge to overfeed and “wolf” down food is essentially “hard-wired” in many breeds.

Knowing how your puppy thinks- and getting a handle on his or her animal instincts- is the first step to understanding your beloved canine pal and controlling his or her appetite. So, yes, your puppy will overfeed if it is permitted, but there are ways to ensure that your young dog gets all the nutrition that he or she needs, without excess calories (or painful indigestion) that might lead to health problems later on…here are some things you need to know:

Feed Fido at Set Intervals

Your beloved canine pal has a very small “tummy”, and he or she just can’t handle a huge quantity of food at one sitting; this means that overfeeding will result in a sore stomach and potential intestinal distress. To keep your puppy healthy, feed the young dog three or four times a day, according to a fixed schedule.

How much you feed your pup should be dictated by the animal’s body weight. Most pet stores sell dog food just for puppies; usually, this is called kibble, and it is a dry blend of nutrients that must be mixed with water before serving. This type of pet food will feature instructionsfor measuring out a serving based on a puppy’s body weight – just be sure to weigh your puppy frequently to be certain that you’re following the directions properly.

By giving your pup the proper amounts of kibble puppy food at set intervals, you’ll control his or her insatiable appetite as best you can -and you’ll make it easier for your puppy to feel satisfied. Never go too long without feeding your puppy – he or she is growing at an amazing rate, and your pet needs constant nutrition to support this important phase of development.

If you don’t feed your dog at set intervals, he or she may begin to eat things that are decidedly unhealthy, including dirt and rocks.

Of course, proper hydration is also a vital component of caring for your loyal puppy friend. A healthy and hydrated pup will have rosy pink gums, rather than dry and pale-looking gums. Give your pup access to water during the sunlit hours, and reduce access during the moonlit hours – this sensible approach tends to work very well. Always make sure that your puppy has access to clean, fresh water during the day, as this type of hydration supports his or her general health and well-being.

If you’re still concerned about exactly how much food and water to give your puppy, be sure to ask a licensed veterinarian for advice.

Start With Kibble at Four Weeks

Puppies should be nursed by their mothers until they reach one month of age – at this point, it’s time to move on to commercial puppy food. Healthy puppies will display intense hunger that hardly ever seems to dissipate; however, three or four bowls of kibble per day (mixed with water) should fulfill all of their caloric and nutritional requirements. It may be tempting to augment kibble puppy food with other treats, such as chicken, steak and so on – bear in mind that “rewarding” your pet with these rich foods can be a big mistake.

Typically, meat dishes prepared for human consumption feature spices, oils and other additives that react negatively with a puppy’s fragile system – it’s really unwise to offer “people” food to pups – even if it seems pure and harmless. While what you feed Fido is a personal choice, experts seem to concur that dog food formulated for puppies is always the best choice for a growing canine. In some cases, giving a puppy human food that is not ideal for its digestive system may lead to intestinal distress or an expensive trip to the veterinarian.

To help your puppy manage his or her healthy appetite, balance the dog’s lifestyle – build plenty of exercise, proper food, hydration, and affection into Fido’s daily schedule. When your puppy is getting all he or she needs to grow well and thrive, you will know that you are caring for your pet responsibly – and compassionately.

Treating Hot Spots

Jeff Van Dalsum — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:12:53 +0000

Sores and tender areas on your pup’s undercoat are known as hot spots, and these reddened patches of skin (which may be flat, or oozing and crusted) are rashes that require special attention, whether that be from a home remedy or through treatments from a licensed veterinarian. It’s important to take proper care of hot spots quickly – the goal should be to improve hygiene and speed up healing, without causing Fido any undue distress.

Your young dog may seem obsessed with the hot spots on his or her undercoat – typically, puppies will “pick and lick” at their rash-y hot spots until owners become extremely upset about these areas of pronounced skin inflammation. After all, no one wants to see their little puppy suffer; however, many pet owners do balk at paying the veterinarian when they don’t need to – instead, these puppy owners want to find an ideal way of treating hot spots at home. Luckily, there are some great ways to improve the condition of your dog’s undercoat all by yourself – all it takes is discipline and a little patience.

Here are two different strategies for treating hot spots:

Home Remedies – Taking scrupulous care of your little pet’s skin in the most important factor in administering an effective course of treatment from your own home. This means cleaning and disinfecting your puppy’s sores on a daily basis. Begin by drying out the sores as best you can – some pet owners prefer to shave off (very gently and carefully) dog hair in the afflicted area.

Then, clean the skin with cool water and a mild cleanser that is puppy-safe (you can find great cleansers for puppy undercoats at your local pet store or grocery store). Now that the skin is shaved and clean, dry it off carefully to prepare it for treatment.

The next step is to make a poultice out of cold, wet teabags – use green tea for the best results. Leave the damp teabags on your puppy’s sores for about five minutes, and then remove them and dry the area with a clean towel. Use each teabag only once, as it may come in contact with bacteria from your puppy’s wounds. Black tea compresses will also get decent results.

After a few days of treatment, observe your little canine pal’s behaviour – is he or she spending less time licking, picking and scratching at the reddened areas? As your dog’s undercoat improves, he or she will be less inclined to obsess over hot spots, and redness should begin to recede. These signals will show you that your home remedy is beginning to have a positive effect on this type of skin irritation.

If you don’t notice any improvement, it’s time to take Fido to the veterinarian for some expert medical care. After all, these hot spots are very unpleasant for your dog – try not to wait too long to get expert assistance if your own efforts don’t seem to be working out as you’d like…

Veterinarian Remedy/Treatment – A vet spends years learning how to handle all aspects of puppy care, and a good veterinarian will definitely know how to treat the hot spots on your puppy’s undercoat. Typically, a vet will use antibiotic meds to kill germs that live on the skin and cause or exacerbate hot spots. These prescription-strength products just aren’t available over the counter, because they contain lots of active ingredients that kill the bacteria inside of wounds.

After a visit to the vet, you may need to follow this pet doctor’s instructions by giving your puppy more medicine. With antibiotics, it’s important to finish a whole prescription to avoid any recurrences of infection. Veterinarians also have access to a host of special sprays that can be applied topically to the undercoat – these sprays will disinfect and dry out sores, and they do work very fast.

As you can see, there are myriad ways to relieve your little puppy’s discomfort when hot spots appear on his or her undercoat. Giving your young dog plenty of affection and comfort while they are dealing with hot spots is also a great idea – puppies need more care and compassion when they are feeling unwell.

If your puppy acts out because he or she is dealing with chronic discomfort, try to discipline your animal with the utmost patience and gentleness. Hot spots are a part of life for many puppies, but loving owners soon learn how to minimize discomfort and treat these tiresome skin infections. Usually, a few days of treatment will give excellent and long-lasting results, and your puppy will soon be restored to peak health and happiness.

Keep That Dog Smelling Good

Jeff Van Dalsum — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:53:06 +0000

Anyone who has a dog knows that he or she doesn’t always smell like a bed of roses.

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to bathe Fido. Frequent bathing can cause the dog’s skin to dry out. Weather can dictate the frequency of bathing – especially if you have to do it outdoors. Relying on a commercial dog wash can be costly. So your scratch your head and wonder what you can do to get rid of your dog’s odor.

Do not fret. There are some good alternatives for keeping a dog clean between baths without breaking the bank.

Cornstarch is one natural product that can help minimize doggie odors. It is very absorbent and can also help relieve dry itchy skin. Simply rub a generous amount of cornstarch into the dog’ coat. Use caution to keep the cornstarch out of the dog’s eyes and nose. Once you have distributed the cornstarch through the hair down to the skin, brush the dog thoroughly to remove the powdery substance.

A doggie powder can be made by mixing one cup of cornstarch with one-quarter cup of baking soda. Apply as you would cornstarch and brush thoroughly to remove. Again, use caution around the face area.

Baking soda can also be used on its own. Apply a generous amount and brush the baking soda into the hair.

If you want to add a nice scent to the doggie powder, add a little baby powder to the mix.

Another alternative is commercial pet wipes which can be rather expensive. Most pet stores offer a variety to choose from.

You can also make your own pet wipes by adding a few simple ingredients to sensitive skin baby wipes. Choose a soothing essential oil and add a few drops to aloe vera juice. Pour the mixture over the wipes. Seal them in container with a tight-fitting lid or a plastic baggie. Use as needed.

There are dry shampoos made especially for dogs. These products may cost more than homemade ones, but they do eliminate the need for mixing.

Another option for keeping Fido smelling his best is an ionic brush that emits positive ions in the form of ozone, which is known to neutralize odors. The brushes, which are fast gaining in popularity, serve multiple purposes. In addition to ridding the dog of odors, ionic brushes let you remove mats and tangles from the fur. Ionic brushes are available for about $10.

Clean bedding is essential to keeping Fido smelling fresh and clean. It is a good idea to launder pet bedding once a week. Use hot water and a high quality detergent. Try adding one-half cup of white vinegar to the load of wash. Vinegar is known for removing odors.

Beds that cannot be laundered can be wiped off with antibacterial soap. You may want to apply some white vinegar to a cloth and wipe the surface. Follow up by wiping everything with plain hot water to remove any soap residue.

Keeping Fido smelling good doesn’t have to cost a small fortune. Your family and friends will appreciate your efforts!

Is That Table Food Healthy For Fido?

Jeff Van Dalsum — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:37:23 +0000

Holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter can be culinary delights for humans but a source of great stress for your dog.

Consider that a dog’s sense of smell is much more developed than a human’s. The aroma of a basted and browned turkey or sizzling ham can drive a dog crazy.

If you are one that easily gives in to your dog’s wants, consider preparing a healthy treat or two that you can feed your pet. That way you don’t have to feed rich people foods that can cause stomach distress to your furry family member.

Do not use your dog as a garbage disposal for the skin and fatty parts of your poultry and meats that can cause an upset stomach. Throw the garbage in the garbage disposal or trash can and take a minute to prepare a healthy snack for your dog.

A few pieces of plain chicken (avoid a lot of spices, skin and fat) are okay to feed to your dog. Chicken is a good source of protein and a healthy food for dogs.

A hardboiled or scrambled egg prepared with little fat is another healthy alternative for Fido. Eggs are also a good source of protein.

Vegetables such as carrots and green beans are a healthy choice as long as you don’t coat them in butter or a lot of spices. If you’re making green bean casserole, simply set aside some plain beans for a doggie treat.

Berries, watermelon and bananas are also good treats for dogs. Try keeping a bag of frozen berries on hand for your furry friend. Do not feed grapes or raisins to dogs. They can be lethal.

Cheese can be a healthy snack for dogs. However, some dogs do not tolerate cheese as well as others. Therefore, start with a very small amount so that you can ascertain that cheese does not cause your dog stomach distress.

If your holiday meal includes rice, you and Rover are in business. Plain rice is a healthy canine snack. However, be sure that it does not include onions or garlic. Both foods are dangerous to canines.

Another good doggie snack is frozen chicken broth. Choose a variety that is not loaded with salt, which can be dangerous to dogs. Simply put the broth in ice cube trays and freeze it. Pop out a chicken cube and Fido will love you forever.

Keep a jar of peanut butter on hand. Most dogs love it and peanut butter is a good source of protein. It takes very little effort to scoop out a spoon full for the dog.

As you can see, it is not all that hard to keep your dog happy with a few simple, healthy treats that take little or no preparation time.

Even if you don’t like to feed your dog table food, the above mentioned foods are good alternatives should you run out of manufactured dog treats in an unexpected snow storm or hurricane.

Help! My Dog Is in Heat and I Don’t Know What to Do

Jeff Van Dalsum — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:29:08 +0000

It is often a case of Murphy’s Law. You’ve never experienced a dog’s heat cycle and it just so happens she’s coming into heat and guests are coming to stay. What should you do?

It is important to have a thorough understanding of a female dog’s heat or “estrus” mating period. Dogs generally experience their first estrous cycle between the ages of six months to one year or more.

The heat cycle is the time in which a female dog can become pregnant.

One of the first signs of a dog coming into heat is vaginal bleeding, which generally lasts between four to nine days. In addition, the dog’s vulva will swell. Female dogs may experience an increase in urination during this time. This stage of the heat cycle is known as proestrus.

Male dogs will be attracted to a female dog even in the very early stages of estrus. However, the female will not be receptive at this time.

Generally speaking, the danger period in which a female dog can become pregnant becomes obvious because she will allow males to mount her. This estrus stage can last from four to 13 days.

The whole heat cycle can last up to 30 days. However, the average cycle is about 20 days. Conception is generally the most likely to happen in the middle of the cycle.

If you do not want your dog to become pregnant, the best thing to do is confine her for the entire heat cycle.

The healthiest thing you can do for your female dog is to decide early on whether or not you want to breed her. If you do not, experts recommend that you have her spayed before the first heat cycle. The reason for this is that dogs that go through estrus have an increased risk of mammary cancer. In addition, it insures against unwanted pregnancies.

One should be aware that both female and male dogs can experience a personality change during a female’s heat cycle. Hormones are raging for the female, who may become a bit testy. Males that are usually mellow and loving can develop quite an attitude towards anyone or anything that stands between him and the current love of his life.

Should your attempt to keep your female dog isolated during her heat cycle fail, the good news is that she can still be spayed if she becomes pregnant. It is important to note that this should be done as soon as possible.

Over population of dogs is a plaguing problem today. Many unwanted dogs are put to sleep every day because suitable homes cannot be found for them. Don’t add to the growing number of pets that are euthanized. Please do your part and responsibly care for your female dog. Spay her or responsibly breed her.

If you breed your female dog and decide that you do not want her to have any more liters, make an appointment with her veterinarian and have her spayed. Female dogs will continue to go through heat cycles for the remainder of their lives.

Common Household Cleaners Can Pose a Threat to Dogs

Jeff Van Dalsum — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:24:16 +0000

As the winter holidays approach, many homes will get a thorough cleaning in preparation for the guests who stop by to take part in the festivities.

The last thing you need is to have a pet poisoned by one of the commonly used household cleaning products. Great care must be taken when choosing and using many common cleaners.

Ammonia is quite common, but it can be very dangerous to dogs exposed to it. While used in degreasers or alone as a product for cleaning stainless steel, glass and even ovens, ammonia is very toxic. It is a volatile organic compound that easily evaporates into the air, easily spreading its poison.

Be careful when using ammonia and never mix ammonia with bleach. The two react and create a poisonous gas that can be deadly to small animals.

Read labels when choosing cleaning products. Avoid those that contain glycol ethers, which have been linked to kidney and lung damage and anemia in both people and animals. Glycol ethers are commonly found in glass cleaners, spot removers and carpet cleaners.

Chlorine, which is commonly used in disinfectants, automatic dishwashing products and cleaners can be dangerous. Ingesting chlorine can cause vomiting.

Floor cleaners that contain pine oils many household cleaners are dangerous to pets. It is best to use a natural cleaner. If you absolutely feel you need to use products toxic to pets, be sure that your thoroughly rinse away all cleaning product residues.

Believe it or not, formaldehyde, a carcinogenic product that also contributes to lung problems such as asthma, is commonly found in soaps and shampoos. It is best to choose natural products as an alternative.

Bathroom cleaners commonly use many of the products listed above. Read the labels so you know what you are using. Never use a continuous toilet bowl cleaner. The reason for this is that dogs are not above taking a “refreshing” drink from the toilet.

Beware of glass cleaners. One natural alternative is vinegar and water.

If your dog is one that likes to chew on things such as clothing or their freshly-laundered bedding, watch what type of laundry detergent you use. Many contain toxic ingredients. There are many natural ones available and the cost is comparable.

When using a drain opener, it is best that you and your dog leave the house. These products emit dangerous fumes.

Many health food stores offer a variety of natural cleaning products. In addition, there are many online options that can help you replace the potentially dangerous household cleaning products with natural ones made from plant products that are not a threat to pets or humans.

The natural alternatives may be a little more expensive. However, many natural products come in a concentrated form that, when diluted, is really no more costly than grocery store products. The peace of mind you get from knowing that you are not poisoning the people and pets in the household is definitely worth it.

Winterize Your Dog

Jeff Van Dalsum — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:41:33 +0000

The winter season is just around the corner. That means it is time to think about winterizing the dog so that your furry friend will be warm, happy and content during the cold months ahead.

Ideally, every dog should have a warm indoor home. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with having animals in the house, so there are dogs that will have to remain outdoors during the long cold months of winter.

If you keep your dog outdoors, your job is to make sure that he or she is not exposed to howling winds and blowing snow. It is vital that you provide a well-insulated dog house. The structure should be just large enough for the dog to curl up in. The idea is to have the structure hold the dog’s body heat inside.

Dog houses should have protection from Arctic blasts of cold wind. Place the structure where it is sheltered from the prevailing winds.

Ideally, you should include a pet-approved heating pad for the floor. Your dog will appreciate the heat on those cold snowy days.

It is important that you do something to keep the dog’s water dish from freezing. Heated models are available. If you don’t want to spend the money, then you must dedicate yourself to frequent checks of the water dish to insure that it is not frozen. Be sure to use non-metallic dishes so that the dog’s tongue does not freeze to the dish.

Dogs kept indoors will also feel the change in temperatures. Older pets that suffer from arthritis may need to take food supplements or prescription medicines to ease their discomfort. Consider the type of bed you have for your dog. There are orthopedic models available that can help keep your dog comfortable.

If your dog is deprived of regular exercise in the winter, it is a good idea to reduce the intake of food so that he or she does not gain a lot of unwanted weight.

Some dogs will need coats and sweaters to stay comfortable in cold temperatures. Be consistent and take the time to put them on the dog.

It is a good idea to get in the habit of wiping your dog’s feet when he or she comes in from outdoors. This is especially important when snow melt chemicals are used.

Home heating systems also take their toll on dogs. The heat tends to dry out the air, causing your dog to suffer from dry skin. Consider using a humidifier to help put humidity back into the home.

Try to provide regular exercise through indoor games or training sessions. It’s important to keep your dog from becoming bored. Boredom can cause a host of problems such as the chewing of furniture and other destructive behavior.

A little forethought and common sense will go a long way in protecting your dog from winter’s harsh assault.

Remember, you are the dog’s caretaker. It is your responsibility to insure that the pet is cared for properly throughout all seasons of the year.

Signs That it is Time for your Puppy to Get Out of the Cold

Should I Panic Over Missing a Dose of Heartworm Medicine?

Jeff Van Dalsum — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:58:31 +0000

You’re extra busy at work. The house needs cleaned before company arrives. The car is in the garage and you’re forced to call friends to shuttle the children to and from after-school activities.

You still need to get to the grocery store and pick up the dry cleaning. Things are hectic and you’re running in circles.

Do not feel bad if you forget Fido’s heartworm medicine. You are not the first to do it and you will not be the last.

What are you supposed to do when it happens? The answer depends on the amount of time that has lapsed since the last dose was administered.

If you realize your error in a few days or a week or two, it is deemed safe to go ahead and administer the medication. Just mark your calendar so you do not forget to give the next dose a month later.

Things get a bit trickier if you miss a dose and only realize it a month later. Experts disagree on whether or not it is safe to resume giving the medication if a month has passed since the last dose was administered.

Whenever you are in doubt, it is best to contact the dog’s veterinarian. One reason for this is that the doctor is familiar with your dog, his or her lifestyle and whether or not the canine spends a lot of time outdoors.

Generally speaking, most veterinarians will tell you not to lose a lot of sleep if you miss a monthly dose. The doctor will usually recommend that you administer a dose as soon as you realize that it was missed and then to continue monthly doses.

The big problem comes into play when an owner forgets two consecutive doses of heartworm medicine. If this does happen, you can expect to have to have the dog retested for heartworm.

The American Heartworm Society, which was formed in 1974, advises that dog owners should be concerned if they miss two monthly doses in a row. Should this happen, the society advocates that you consult the dog’s veterinarian.

In most cases, the vet will have you resume administering the medication. If you do this, expect to have to take the dog for a blood test seven months later. Why seven months? It can take seven months for heartworms to be able to be diagnosed from the heartworm blood test.

The veterinarian may very well base his or her decision on the climate in which you and your dog live. Warmer temperatures that promote the reproduction of mosquitoes present more of a health hazard than do cold temperatures. Mosquitoes are going to be biting Fido when there is two feet of snow on the ground.

The veterinarian will also base his or her decision on the type of heartworm preventative you administer. Some of the medicines stay active longer, thus protecting the dog for a longer period of time. Your dog’s veterinarian is the best source of information as to the best type of medicine for a particular dog.

The best thing is to not forget the medicine. Mark a calendar or appointment book that you look at frequently so that you stand a better chance of remembering. Most heartworm preventatives come with stickers that you can easily paste on your calendar.

You Can Get Rid of Those Dog Saliva Stains

Jeff Van Dalsum — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:25:05 +0000

Dog saliva stains can be a big source of irritation for their owners. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a stain on the sofa or one on the dog’s beard; both require effort to remove.

We’ve all seen dogs that have light-colored fur that has turned reddish or brown around their eyes and mouths. These stains can be caused by oxidation of the saliva, artificial colors used in dog foods and treats or a yeast infection known as ptyrosporin or red yeast.

The first thing a dog owner needs to do is check the label on the bag or can of dog food. Foods that contain a lot of grains and cereals tend to make the staining worse.

It is also important that the food dishes are kept very clean. Some staining is a result of the dog’s eating and drinking out of plastic dishes. Try replacing the plastic ones with dishes made from stainless steel or crockery.

Another option for removing those tear stains around the eyes and the stains on beards is pet wipes. Some people have also reported good success with Pampers fragrance-free baby wipes. Care must be taken to keep these products out of the dog’s eyes.

There are also whitening shampoos that can be used successfully to remove dog saliva stains. However, it is best to shy away from using ones that contain bleach.

Anyone who has ever taken their dog for a ride in the family car knows that they’re going to arrive back home with windows so slimed up that you can hardly see through them. That’s a price we pay for our canine company. There are several easy clean-up methods that can be used.

First, attend to the saliva as soon as possible. The longer it stays on the windows, the more difficult it will be to remove. Pay careful attention to windows that are tinted. Dog saliva can permanently stain the film.

One of the more organic cleaning options for windows is a mixture of vinegar and water. Mix equal parts together in a spray bottle.

Another option is to use wipe the window with a pine cleaner. Spray it on and allow it to stand for a few minutes before rinsing the window with warm water. Follow this with an application of window cleaner for a streak-free finish.

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers (or other brands) work well. Dip one in hot water and squeeze out the excess water. Wipe the window and follow up with a spray cleaner such as the above mentioned mixture of vinegar and water.

Goo-Gone also works to remove dog saliva from windows. Apply it and wipe off. Follow with a good window cleaner.

Should your dog salivate all over your hard wood floor, don’t fret. Use window cleaner to remove the saliva as soon as possible. Be sure to thoroughly wipe up the window cleaner once the job is done. If left on, the window cleaner could make a stain of its own.

Treating Canine Constipation

Jeff Van Dalsum — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:59:47 +0000

There are many reasons why dogs become constipated. The kind of food you feed your dog plays an important role. A lack of exercise – especially among older dogs – can cause constipation, which can also be a sign of a more serious health issue such as a blockage.

The good news is that there are things you can do to relieve your dog’s discomfort. However, if your dog becomes lethargic, has a decreased appetite and/or is passing blood in its stools, seek professional medical help immediately.

Constipated dogs will tend to strain when trying to have a bowel movement. Stools may be smaller than usual, hard or even nonexistent. A constipated dog may yelp while drying to defecate. You may even see signs of abdominal bloating. If you notice any of these, you may want to call your dog’s veterinarian for advice. If you are unable to make contact or get an immediate appointment, here are a few things you can try.

You can safely use a mild laxative (avoid anything that contains chocolate). It is best to consult the dog’s vet for the proper dosage. Most veterinarians are more than glad to offer this type of advice over the phone.

Another option is to add canned pumpkin to the dog’s food. Feed one or two tablespoons daily until your dog returns to having regular bowel movements. However, if your dog has a chronic problem with constipation, it does not hurt to add the pumpkin to his or her daily food rations. Surprisingly, many dogs like the taste of pumpkin, so this is an easy remedy.

Mineral oil can help relieve constipation. Add one tablespoon to the dog’s food for every 25 pounds of his or her body weight. Discontinue when you see that the dog’s bowel movements have returned to normal.

Metamucil can also provide relief for constipated dogs. If you have a small breed dog, give it one-half teaspoon twice a day. If you have a larger breed, give two teaspoons of Metamucil twice a day. Mix the Metamucil with canned dog food or with broth to entice your dog to eat it. Make sure you keep plenty of fresh water available because Metamucil can congeal in the dog’s stomach.

Many pet stores and veterinarians carry canine products that work in the same manner as Metamucil. These are also good alternatives.

In order to minimize constipation over the long haul, consider introducing more fiber into the dog’s diet. Some dog foods contain more fiber than others, so you might consider changing the brand of food. You may want to consult with the dog’s veterinarian for suggestions as to how to incorporate more fiber into your dog’s diet. There are supplements available at most pet stores.

It is important to ensure that your dog has plenty of fresh drinking water so that he or she does not become constipated. Dogs that are dehydrated are more prone to becoming constipated.

Avoid situations where your dog has to curtail his or her urge to have a bowel movement. Holding it can lead to constipation.

If your attempts to relieve your dog’s constipation do not work in a day or two, seek veterinary help immediately.