Puppy Constipation

Puppy constipation, especially in orphan puppies can be easily treated. Find out what to do and when a trip to the vet is necessary.

For adult dogs, see Constipation in Dogs.

If you have a very young puppy that you are bottle feeding, you must do the mama dog's job. That means physical stimulation.

Ever see how a mother constantly licks her babies genitals, especially after nursing? This helps them to both urinate and defecate.
Don't worry, puppy poop isn't so bad. Get a soft warm wet rag and gently rub the genitals. You should get instant results.

You can clean up the puppy poop with baby wipes if you have them, but avoid too much direct contact with the body openings so that the cleaners in the wipes don't irritate this sensitive area.

Puppy Enema

It doesn't take much warm water for a puppy enema, but do warm a bit of bottled or filtered water for the job. Avoid aluminum pans for heating (or cooking any dog foods) since the aluminum can transfer into the pan contents. Warm it to the same temperature as you would formula, checking the temperature on your wrist. Here's what you'll need:

• An eyedropper for small puppy or
• plastic syringe for larger puppy
• vegetable oil
• warm bottled or distilled water

Lubricate the the end of the eyedropper or plastic syringe with vegetable oil. While someone else calmly and gently holds the puppy still, insert the eyedropper carefully into the rectum.

With gentle consistent pressure against the anus, slowly fill the colon. It only takes 1 to 2 tablespoons for the job.

If the water doesn't flow in readily, adjust the angle a bit. A bowel movement should happen in just a few minutes. Done once or twice in one day should do the trick.

If you are not comfortable with this, by all means go to your veterinarian. I offer this advice as a true do-it-yourself-er who's comfortable with treating my dogs.

Homeopathic Remedy

Another option for puppy constipation is the homeopathic remedy Nux Vomica 6C or 30C, given once. For such tiny mouths you can dissolve 1-2 pellets in pure water and drip a few drops into the mouth.

If after your puppy has an enema, he doesn't improve overall; or crawls away from the nest and feels cold to the touch, it's time to call the vet.

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