Is your dog constipated or having other issues pooping? Many times, people wonder what they can safely give to their dogs to help with constipation at home. While there are many human medications that you can give your dog for constipation, there are some that are not safe. MiraLAX is a safe option to give to your dog or even cat for constipation.
What is MiraLAX?
MiraLAX is the name brand version of the generic medication Polyethylene Glycol 3350. This medication works by keeping water in your dog’s stool, which will make it easier for them to poop. While you do not need a prescription to purchase this medication, you should always discuss any medical issue with your vet before starting anything new in your dog.
What is MiraLAX Used for in dogs?
MiraLAX is mostly used to treat constipation in dogs. This medication uses the water already present in your dog’s body to help make their poop softer, thus making it easier to pass.
This medication may also be prescribed to your dog before any rectal surgery. The drug helps to empty the dog’s bowels to make sure that he doesn’t poop on the surgical area during their procedure.
What is the dosage of MiraLAX for dogs?
If your dog needs MiraLAX, it is best to work with your veterinarian to make sure that your dog is taking the correct dosage. A typical dosage used in dogs is
- Small dogs: 1/8th to 1/4th teaspoon twice a day
- Medium dogs: 1/4th to ½ teaspoon twice a day
- Large dogs: ½ to 3/4th a teaspoon twice a day
In some cases, your vet may even prescribe higher dosages of this medication to help with severe constipation or before surgery.
After giving your dog MiraLAX for constipation, you will start to see a bowel movement within 24 to 48 hours. If you do not see any stool after 48 hours, you can try to increase the amount that you are giving them just a little.
Moreover, if your dog continues to not produce any stool, vomiting, seem lethargic, or not eating, it is best for your dog to see your vet. There are many other medical conditions that your dog may have causing them to have issues pooping.
It is always best to follow your vet’s advice on the dosage and length of time that your dog can take MiraLAX
What are the side effects of giving MiraLAX to dogs?
MiraLAX is a very safe medication, and side effects are rarely seen. Dogs that do have side effects are usually just mild GI issues such as nausea and vomiting. If your dog did take too much MiraLAX, they might develop diarrhea due to too much water entering their colon.
If you notice any side effects, it is best to stop this medication right away and take your dog to your vet.
How do you give MiraLAX to dogs?
MiraLAX comes as a powder. Most people take this medication by mixing it in a glass of water and drinking it. Most dogs will not just eat this medication. Furthermore, if your dog has been prescribed MiraLAX, you can sprinkle this powder on your dog’s food. Either that or mix it in with some canned dog food. If your dog does not want to eat, you can mix this powder with water and syringe it to your dog.
What else can you give your dog?
If your dog is constipated, there are other things that you can also try at home to help them poop.
- Give them plenty of water. If your dog is dehydrated, they may not be able to poop. Water is removed from your dog’s gastrointestinal tract to help keep your dog hydrated. If they do not have plenty of water, their stool can become hard, and your dog will become constipated.
- Give them Canned Pumpkin: Anything that is high in fiber will help your dog’s intestinal tract move quicker. It helps your dog poop more frequently. When offering your dog canned pumpkin, make sure that it is just canned pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. This often contains lots of unwanted sugar.
- Add Oils to your dog’s food: Fish oils or other oils can help your dog poop more. These oils will coat your dog’s intestinal tract. Thus, it makes it easier for them to poop.
- Take them for a walk: Exercise will help increase GI motility in your dog and help them to want to poop more frequently. Nevertheless, long walks are great at getting things to work better.
- See your vet: If your dog is very constipated, they may need to see your vet. There are medications that your vet can prescribe to help with this constipation. Sometimes your dog may need an enema to remove all the stool from its colon and get its intestines back to normal.
How long does it take for MiraLAX to work in dogs?
Best case scenario, it should only take about an hour to see the effects of MiraLAX. Be sure your pup is ready to go outside. The medication shouldn’t upset his belly but you may notice slight differences in the texture and even the scent of his bowel movements. MiraLAX should not continue to work past 24 hours.
Conclusion for MiraLAX for Dogs
If your dog is constipated, MiraLAX is a good choice to help your dog be able to poop easier without increasing the gut’s motility. This medication is commonly prescribed for dogs who need to have a soft stool or no stool in their colon before a medical procedure. While this is a very safe medication, giving your dog too much may result in vomiting or diarrhea. It is always best to talk with your vet before giving your dog anything new.
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Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.