Constipation can occur in dogs that do not get enough bulk in their diet or when there is a lack of adequate exercise. Also, a dog that is not let out when it needs to eliminate may gradually develop a habit of holding it in. The following steps may help you in easing your dog's discomfort where simple cases of constipation are involved.

1. Be sure to feed your dog a well balanced, natural diet, including fresh vegetables that are known to contain adequate amounts of bulk. Raw meat can also prove to be a natural laxative. Adding bran can help the stool hold extra moisture, so if your dog's stool seems dry, you can add ½ to one tsp. of bran (depending on weight) to each serving of dry food or try ¼ to 2 teaspoons powdered psyllium seed which is a natural laxative that can be found in most health food stores or online.

1. Mineral oil may also provide a temporary solution if your dog has a build up of hard, dry stools. Add ½ to 2 teaspoons of the oil, depending on size, to the dog's food twice daily, but for no longer than one week. Mineral oil can pull reserves of vitamin A from a dog’s body, so prolonged use is not advised. Also excessive use can cause dependency on the oil as an aid in elimination.

2. Make certain that your dog has the opportunity to get outside frequently to relieve himself and that you provide plenty of opportunity for adequate exercise. This can prove to be a very effective treatment in relieving constipation as exercise performs a sort of massage for the internal organs and helps to increase blood flow through the entire body and this helps improve a slow metabolism as well. Taking the dog out for runs, long walks or simply playing fetch are excellent ways to make sure your dog, and you as well, get adequate exercise.

Dealing with Chronic Cases of Constipation

You may also try homeopathy if your dog suffers from chronic or prolonged constipation. Homeopathy is a natural treatment that can often provide relief. To determine if this is the option to take for your pet, consult with a veterinarian that specializes in homeopathic treatment for animals.

Aluminum poisoning may also play a part in chronic constipation with dogs that have weak rectums. Aluminum poisoning is characterized by chronic constipation, excessive straining and lose, sticky stools as apposed to normally firm stools. Weak rectal muscles can make elimination difficult, even with a soft stool. If you believe that aluminum poisoning may be the cause of your dog's constipation, you should avoid using aluminum pots and dishes for your dog's food preparation. Don't feed your dog food packaged in aluminum cans and avoid white flour, table salt, processed cheese and tap water. Use high doses of vitamin C, approximately 500 milligrams to 3 grams per day and a zinc supplement of 5 milligrams for small dogs and up to 20 milligrams for larger dogs.