Poopy Problem? Causes of Diarrhea and Constipation in Dogs and Cats

Every pet owner has smelt what has been dealt, and then been forced to clean up the mess that follows. The bad news is diarrhea and constipation is common for dogs and cats. The good news, however, is that there are natural ways to prevent it from happening. Read on to keep your pet regular and your carpets (hopefully) clean. 

The Problem

Whether your pet is pooping too little or too much, the culprit is usually the gastrointestinal system, particularly the intestines (also known as the bowels). It’s the job of the bowel to absorb nutrients and discard leftovers, all of which requires the proper balance of water in your pet’s system. Too much water, you get diarrhea; too little, then it’s constipation. Here are some of the most common causes of each: 

Pass the Fiber

Help keep your pet regular. To understand how, it’s helpful to learn a little bit about fiber, which can be sorted into two different types: soluble and insoluble. 

• Soluble Fiber: Soluble fiber is excellent for cat and dog diarrhea and constipation. It can be found in foods like pumpkin and flaxseed. Soluble fiber draws water, which helps with diarrhea and makes it a good dog and cat diarrhea treatment. As the water is absorbed, soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance that can help stools slide through the gastrointestinal tract, easing dog and cat constipation. 

• Insoluble Fiber: Insoluble fiber acts as a laxative and helps with dog and cat constipation. It does not get dissolved, but instead bulks up stools to promote movement through the digestive system. This is good for bowel movement, but may also increase the bowel frequency making it a good dog constipation remedy.

Other Causes and Solutions

Your pet’s poopy problems may have some less common sources. But don’t worry, we can help!