How to Treat Dog Constipation Naturally

By D Swain 

Owners shouldn't be that surprised whenever their dog has an occasional bout of constipation. It usually isn't much cause for concern as long as the condition doesn't last too long. Here are a few ways to treat dog constipation naturally.

Pumpkin
Giving your dog pureed pumpkin will work wonders when it comes to relieving his constipation. Not only does pumpkin contain fiber, but it also offers plenty of water content. It's important that you don't give your dog pumpkin puree that has spices added to it. Also, don't overdo your doses. A couple of teaspoons should be enough at one feeding.

Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another way to treat dog constipation naturally. It is best to use the organic variety. One to two teaspoons of this is enough. Not only does organic apple cider vinegar work well for constipation in dogs, but it also works well for other digestive problems.

Oils
You can use a variety of oils if you find your dog to be constipated. Two of the most effective include mineral and olive oil. The lubrication they provide will hopefully help get rid of the problem. You don't want to overdo it with either type though. Some owners prefer to give coconut or even almond oil to their canines.
Now that you know a few ways to treat dog constipation naturally, you need to learn how to prevent the condition in the first place. This is especially important if your dog is having problems more than normal.

Exercise
Dogs need exercise for a wide range of reasons. One of these is that it helps keep their digestive system working properly. Make sure that you provide your dog with adequate exercise on a daily basis.

Water
Dogs should always have access to fresh drinking water. It's especially important during the summer months when dehydration can quickly set in. You also need to pay attention to your canine's water supply during the winter since it can become frozen after being outside for a while.

Diet
Hopefully, you realize the importance of feeding your dog a healthy diet. A good way to prevent dog constipation is to add a bit more dietary fiber to your dog's food. You can find fiber in a range of foods like leafy vegetables or the aforementioned canned pumpkin.

Grooming
Finally, you will need to groom your dog properly in order to prevent frequent bouts of constipation in dogs. If your dog frequently licks himself, he may swallow a lot of hair, leading to problems. You can keep this from happening by brushing your dog regularly. This is critical if your dog is a longer-haired breed.

Fortunately, constipation is typically a minor issue. However, there are many other problems that your dog may possibly have to deal with like dog distemper. Stop by common-dog-diseases.com today to learn about a wide range of dog health problems and also to read useful articles about dogs.

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Exercise Is Good for Extending Your Dog's Life

By Kelly Marshall 

We all love our dogs; they are a part of the family. Without them we'd feel lost, like a member of the clan was missing. Naturally we want them to live as long of a life as possible, because we want them around. Moreover, there is some responsibility on the owner's part to ensure the dog has a healthy life; just like humans, dogs require regular exercise.

With so many breeds and sizes of dogs, their exercise requirements will be different, since larger dogs need more exercise simply because they are larger. If you are unsure as to what your pet requires, then it's a good idea to take them to your veterinarian and ask them. They will be able to tell you exactly what you need to do. Exercise for dogs will help cut down on behavioral problems, such as aggression, separation anxiety, chewing on the furniture, boredom, and hyperactivity just to name a few. Regular activity will boost your dog's mood and confidence, as well as make him more comfortable in his own skin. If you're unsure of this then just do a comparison of the two, and notice the difference in the physical activity versus no activity.

With regular exercise, you will notice a calmer and more even tempered dog. If they are having behavioral problems, these too will significantly diminish over time with exercise. Dogs need something to do, or they will get bored, hence the behavioral problems. It's an excellent boost to their psychological being and spirit. Do you have a dog that's overweight due to leading a sedentary lifestyle? This problem can be conquered quicker than you might think with exercise on a continual basis. Over time your pooch will not only lose weight, but they will also dramatically decrease their chances of disease such as arthritis, cancer, and allergies. When you walk your dog on a regular basis, their immune system gets a natural boost which will inherently protect them from infections and illnesses.

All dogs have different exercise requirements. For instance, with sporting or hunting breeds they are naturally more athletic, so they will naturally need more physical fitness than less active breeds. Smaller or toy breeds will require less exercise because they normally stay indoors and move around less. Their bodies are also smaller as well. Some dogs are more suited for the outdoors than others are. Ones that are bred for outdoor activity will need more exercise to maintain optimal health. However, it's a good idea to check to see if your particular breed is sensitive to extreme heat or cold. When you find out this information, then you can proceed with the physical activity. Also start off gently with older dogs and don't let them overexert themselves.

Exercise for dogs involves more than just walking them on a leash. You can also play games such as hide seek, and fetch. With these games your dogs will get just as much physical activity as a regular walk. Just be careful to extreme climates so your dog does not tire out or get too cold or hot. As an added bonus you will get some exercise for yourself when you walk Buster.

Written by Kelly for Oh My Dog - your source for cheap small dog beds deals, adjustable elevated dog feeders and other cool dog gear.

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