Can I give my dog a stool softener?

Question

This past Sun. night, my dog got out and recieved an injury to the head by a vehicle. He is alright for the most part. I know that he is still in alot of pain despite the tramadol that the vet gave. He's not eating, but he's drinking here and there and walks fine but a little wobbly and he urinates fine. Although, when he tries to make a bowel movement, he can't make it happen. I'm thinking that trying to push it agrivates the pain in his upper body. BTW, his trama was slight head/face and not lower body. Is it safe to give him an exlax or similar stool softener? I normaly would ask a vet instead of this, but they're all closed. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

christnp · Accepted Answer

Here are some things that are safe to use:  http://www.ehow.com/about_5427302_stool-softener-dogs.html

Personally, I like using a spoonful of canned pumpkin.  It helps as a softener for hard stool and also helps firm up stool that is too soft.  You can find canned pumpkin in the baking section of supermarkets (it's there rather than the veg section because people use it for pumpkin pie).  Be sure you get just canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling (which contains other ingredients)

? · Answer

Your vet may be closed right now but the emergency animal hospital in your area is not. Call them and ask. Don't attempt to give your dog human medicine. You don't know if it's safe. You don't know the dosage and you don't know if it will interact with the medication that he is already on. Make the call. It's free to call. If they can't or wont answer your question, wait until the morning when the vet opens. You don't want to poison or kill your dog.

Anonymous · Answer

I suggest waiting till your vet opens first thing in the morning and calling them to ask, a vet call is free. Are there any emergency vets you can phone in your area?

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Can I give my dog a stool softener?

3 Answers