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My dog is constipated. What can I give him? Is Metamucil safe?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Male | unneutered | 30 lbs

My dog seems to be constipated, what can I give him to help with that? Can I give him Metamucil?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 9th, 2017

Giving a teaspoon or so of Metamucil should be fine and may help your dog go. You may also want to try to increase his water consumption because even mild dehydration can cause constipation. If these remedies don't work and your dog hasn't defecated in over 2 days then I would recommend taking him in to the vet.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Anna M., DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I am wondering what symptoms you're seeing that lead you to believe Jack is constipated. If you are seeing him straining and not producing any feces, the majority of the time those symptoms actually indicate diarrhea in a dog rather than constipation, as diarrhea gives the frequent sensation of needing to defecate, even if the colon is empty and there is nothing to pass. I recommend checking the yard and seeing what his stool consistency is. If his stools really are hard, I recommend adding a tablespoon of canned pumpkin to his food twice daily; the added fiber can actually help with either diarrhea or constipation. Encourage him to drink as much water as possible; you may add water to his food, or mix a little canned food in to his water to encourage him to take in more fluids. If he's having diarrhea, you can give him bland food to help settle his GI tract. Feed white rice mixed with lowfat cooked chicken in small amounts. Often this is enough to help resolve a mild case of diarrhea. Finally, straining to defecate in an unneutered dog can indicate an enlarged prostate, which may put pressure on the colon and make it harder to pass stool. Your vet would be able to detect a prostate problem on physical exam. If any of these problems don't resolve within a day or two with the suggested remedies, I advise you to have Jack seen by a vet. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 6th, 2018

    Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You can try a couple teaspoons or regular plain unflavored Metamucil in her food along with 1/4 cup of plain canned pumpkin in her food to help move things along. If home treatment does not seem to help, I would recommend Lady see her veterinarian. Prescription strength laxatives may need to be prescribed and a investigation of of any underlying conditions causes the constipation (such as kidney disease) may be recommended as well. I hope this helps!

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