5 Dog Laxative: A Safe and Effective Solution for Your Pet’s Digestive Health

The general well-being and quality of life of your dog are greatly influenced by the health of its digestive system.

Unfortunately, a dog’s constipation is a common problem that many dog owners deal with. 

Thankfully, there are several dog laxative options and supplements available to help manage and relieve constipation in dogs without medication. 

Our top pick is BestLife4Pets Constipation Relief with Laxatives for Dogs

In this article, we will explore several of the available laxative options and review the pros and cons of each. 

We will also discuss the importance of selecting the right supplement for your pet’s specific needs. Go ahead!

5 Dog Laxative and Supplements Quick List

• BestLife4Pets Constipation Relief with Laxatives for Dogs (Best Overall)
• Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora Canine Probiotics Supplement (Best Probiotic)
• Diggin’ Your Dog’s Firm Up! Pumpkin Digestive Aid (Best for Dog’s Gastrointestinal Health)
• Zesty Paws’ Probiotic Bites, Gut Health Soft Chews (Best for the Immune System)
• Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up Pumpkin Puree Pouch (Best Wet Pet Food Supplement)

Best Dog Laxative See Amazon.com for the best selection and value. #commissionsearned

Find more detailed information below.

5 Best Laxatives and Supplements for Constipation in Dogs

Here some options should your dog has constipation:

1. BestLife4Pets Constipation Relief with Laxatives for Dogs (Best Overall)

Anti-constipation supplement BestLife4Pets Constipation Relief with Laxatives for Dogs is a natural laxative developed specifically for dogs. 

This is one of the natural stool softeners that helps aid digestion and soften stools, offering relief from occasional constipation. 

The product is a blend of natural ingredients that include fresh pumpkin, organic flaxseed, and blackstrap molasses. 

This natural stool softener contains digestive enzymes to help break down and digest food more efficiently. 

In addition, BestLife4Pets contains dog probiotics that help re-populate beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting health and balance. 

Specific Features:

• Contains ingredients to help aid digestion and soften stools
• Natural blend of plain pumpkin, organic flaxseed, blackstrap molasses 
• Digestive enzymes help break down food
• Probiotics to re-populate beneficial bacteria

Check BestLife4Pets Constipation Relief with Laxatives for Dogs for more info. #commissionsearned

2. Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora Canine Probiotics Supplement

Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora Canine Probiotics Supplement is a probiotic health supplement for dogs. 

This product contains a beneficial microorganism to help support intestinal health and balance. It helps promote a healthy immune system and digestion. 

This is a simple-to-administer supplement with no need to mix with food. Also, it is great for the elimination of watery stools and for promoting bacterial balance in the intestines.

Specific features:

• Probiotic supplement for dogs
• Contains beneficial microorganism
• Promotes healthy and balanced intestinal health
• Supports healthy immune systems
• No need to mix it with food
• Can help eliminate watery stools

See more here Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora Canine Probiotics Supplement #commissionsearned

3. Diggin’ Your Dog’s Firm Up! Pumpkin Digestive Aid

Supplement Diggin’ Your Dog’s Firm Up! Pumpkin Digestive Aid improves the dog’s digestive health. 

It can help with digestion issues caused by eating an unhealthy diet and helps pets feel better during times of distress or illness. 

This supplement is made from cage-free turkey giblets and pumpkin and is free from salt, sugar, and preservatives. It is a concentrated powder supplement that is easy to mix into pet food.

Specific Features:

• Made from cage-free turkey giblets and pumpkin
• Free from salt, sugar, and preservatives
• Concentrated powder supplement, easy to mix into pet food

Check it out Diggin’ Your Dog’s Firm Up! Pumpkin Digestive Aid #commissionsearned

4. Zesty Paws’ Probiotic Bites, Gut Health Soft Chews

The Zesty Paws’ Probiotic Bites, Gut Health Soft Chews are a chewable supplement designed to improve the overall health, appearance, and behavior of your pet.

The formula is composed of 4 probiotics, vitamins and minerals, omega fatty acids, and prebiotic dietary fiber that work together to support a healthy intestinal environment and restore good digestive and immune health. 

These probiotic bites are formulated with an optimal balance of pre- and probiotics that nourish the gut flora to maintain a healthy balance. 

Specific Features:

• Contains 4 probiotics, vitamins & minerals, omega fatty acids, and prebiotic fiber
• Made with natural ingredients
• Chewable Soft Bites
• Formulated with an optimal balance of pre- and probiotics

Check it out Zesty Paws’ Probiotic Bites, Gut Health Soft Chews #commissionsearned

5. Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up Pumpkin Puree Pouch

Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up Pumpkin Puree Pouch is enriched with vitamins and minerals and is formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition as an accompaniment to dry kibble or as a snack on its own.

The formula contains only human-grade ingredients, including pumpkin, carrots, and green beans that can provide cats and dogs with an array of nutritional benefits.

Specific Features:

• Grain-free and gluten-free
• Contains only human-grade ingredients
• Enriched with vitamins and minerals
• Available in two sizes (2.8 oz and 8.8 oz)
• Entirely made in the USA

More info Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up Pumpkin Puree Pouch here #commissionsearned

Dog’s Digestive Tract

Dogs have a complex and efficient digestive system that is designed to quickly break down and extract the nutrients from the food they consume. 

The dog’s digestive tract consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. 

The dog’s digestive system process begins with digestion in the mouth. When a dog eats, teeth and a strong jaw are used to tear and crush pieces of food. 

The tongue then helps to push the food back into the throat and is eventually swallowed. 

A strong muscular tube known as the esophagus carries food from the throat to the stomach. 

The dog’s stomach is an organ that is designed to liquidize and blend ingested food as it continues its journey through the dog’s digestive system. 

It also produces gastric acids and enzymes that further break down the food. 

From the stomach, the partially digested food moves through the small intestine, where most of the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. 

The remaining food passes into the large intestine. This organ absorbs more water and electrolytes and compacts the wastes before they are finally disposed of through the rectum and anus. 

Through the complex and efficient digestive tract, food is changed from solid pieces into small nutrient molecules that can be absorbed and used by the body.

Causes and Symptoms of Dog Constipation

Dog constipation is a common digestive problem in most dogs. It is common among all breeds and sizes, although some cases are more serious than others. 

Dogs can become constipated for a variety of reasons, ranging from a lack of exercise to medications and dietary changes. 

In most cases, constipation can be resolved with at-home remedies or some simple lifestyle changes.

Commonly seen in senior dogs but it can affect any dog, it is mostly caused by a diet lacking in natural fiber, dehydration, a lack of exercise, some diseases, and some medications.

Common things causing constipation are:

• Lack of exercise – When dogs become sedentary, they don’t have the natural urge to defecate.
• A dog’s diet lacking in natural fiber – Low fiber diet can lead to constipation because fiber helps the absorption of nutrients, helps bulk up the stool, and keeps bowel movements regular. Opt for fiber rich foods with healthy bacteria to prevent dry stools.
• Dehydration – When your dog does not have enough water in his body, the normal stool becomes more difficult to pass which is also due to bowel movements. Keep tract of regular bowel movements.
• Some diseases – Certain medical conditions can interfere with the digestive process, leading to constipation. Intestinal obstruction, megaesophagus, hypothyroidism, or Addison’s disease can all be causes of dog constipation.
• Overgrooming – Some dogs start to overgroom themselves due to anxiety, often causing painful anal or rectal irritation, leading to difficulty in defecating.

Symptoms of dog constipation include difficulty defecating, straining to defecate, passing small amounts of hard stool, lack of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, excessive licking, or trying to urinate frequently. 

Additional constipation symptoms are when the dog’s abdomen may feel tender or hard. 

If left untreated, dog constipation can cause bigger problems such as dehydration or, in rare cases, a complete obstruction of the dog’s colon.

More about these dog constipation causes and symptoms are discussed at WebMD.

What about the laxatives in a dog’s nutrition?

Laxatives in Dog’s Diet

Laxatives are drugs that are used to promote the evacuation of stools. However, they should not be used routinely in dogs, and they should never replace a balanced and nutritional diet.

Dogs with constipation should only take laxatives after consulting with a veterinarian.

The most common prescription laxative for dogs is called bulk-forming agents. These laxatives increase the amount of water and fiber in the intestines, making stools easier to pass. 

Psyllium husk is often used as a natural supplement to increase fiber.

Prescription stimulant laxatives can also be used for dogs with constipation. 

These stimulate the muscles of the intestine and cause contractions that push stools along the gastrointestinal tract and digestive tract. 

But these laxatives should be used with caution. Stimulant laxatives have the potential to produce side effects such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Excessive use of laxatives can lead to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration, which can be very harmful. If your dog needs a laxative, make sure to discuss this with your veterinarian first.

Aside from these supplements, you may also check our products for dog care here.

Learn more about canine laxatives.

FAQs on Laxative Use in Canine Nutrition

Consider the following frequently asked questions about laxatives:

What laxative can I give my dog?

It is not recommended to give your dog any kind of laxative without consulting your veterinarian first. 

Since each dog’s system is unique, your vet will be able to recommend the best laxative option for your pet.

Can you give a dog a human laxative for constipation?

No, you should never give a dog a human laxative for your dog’s constipation. 

Human laxatives are formulated for humans and can be potentially harmful to animals. Check out our list of dog constipation remedies for your dog here.

Is MiraLAX a laxative for dogs?

Yes, MiraLAX can heal in relieve constipation issues in dogs.

What can dogs eat as a laxative?

Dogs can eat pumpkin, cooked or canned dog food, as natural laxatives. 

Other dog food options to help relieve digestion trouble in dogs include white rice, boiled potatoes, and boiled chicken. Visit the dogs naturally to learn more about the natural laxatives for dogs.

What is the right dog laxative dosage?

The correct laxative dosage will depend on several factors, including the size and age of your dog, the type of laxative being used, and your veterinarian’s advice. 

Therefore, it is best to consult veterinary medicine to determine the best dosage for your dog.

Conclusion

With proper treatment and the right supplement, you can help ensure your dog is comfortable and receives the nutrition he needs without compromising his digestive health.

Check the options above on what works best for your dog.

Our Top Pick

We chose BestLife4Pets Constipation Relief with Laxatives for Dogs as the best dog’s laxative supplement as it is a specifically formulated laxative for canines.

It is developed with natural ingredients and many pet owners and veterinarians favor this product. It is great for treating dog constipation.

Whenever your dog’s constipation occurs, what do you give to remedy the dog’s digestive system issue? We would like to know.