constipationsupplements

CANINE CONSTIPATION

Supplements

Species affected: Cats, Dogs

Background: Causes of chronic constipation in dogs and cats include dehydration (may be secondary to renal disease), obstruction, dietary indiscretion and occasionally, colitis.

Symptoms: May include pain and difficulty with defecation.

Diagnostics: Palpation may reveal a feces-distended colon.

Special Notes: Some cases are complicated by long-term effects of a highly-processed or cooked diet that is low in roughage, lack of exercise, inability to eliminate at will, and confinement. Cats have a unique condition, megacolon, which is a functional deficit of colonic smooth muscle. The use of fiber may worsen the condition of megacolon.

Principles for Supplementation: Ideally, dogs and cats should be gradually switched to a natural diet containing meat and vegetables, or a high-quality canned food. Some animals may need long-term fiber supplementation. Digestive herbs and variety in the diet may help.

CANINE AND FELINE PRODUCTS—CONSTIPATION
Formulas	Dosage	Mechanism/Purpose
Canned pumpkin	Cats: ¼ - 1 teaspoon/meal Dogs: ½ - 4 tablespoons/meal	Palatable source of insoluble fiber.
Gastriplex	Cats: ½ - 1 capsule, sid Dogs: 2 capsules/25 lbs, sid	Support enterocytes; improve local immune function.
Herbal Bulk	Cats: approx ¼ teaspoon/meal (titrate to effective dose) Dogs: 1 teaspoon/50 lbs/meal	Source of soluble fiber.

Source
Veterinarian’s Desk Reference of Natural Medicines
This guide is intended for use by licensed veterinarians only. While pet owners may find this information useful, they should not attempt to self-diagnose their animal friends. The Veterinary Institute of Integrative Medicine always recommends that your animal’s healthcare be directed under the guidance of a veterinarian.
http://www.viim.org/therapeutics/VDR_2004a_final.pdf