Miralax or polyethylene glycol 3350 belongs to the class of drugs known as osmotic laxatives. Miralax contains electrolytes that work by increasing the amount of water in the stool, thus functioning as a laxative. Miralax is an over the counter product but should be used after consulting with the veterinarian. Guidance of veterinarians is vital because other medical conditions such as colitis and urinary obstruction look like constipation, and Miralax is helpful in canines suffering from constipation. Miralax stimulates bowel movements in dogs having constipation or before the diagnostic procedure that requires emptying of the bowel to examine the intestine.
What is a good laxative for a dog?
Miralax can be prescribed to the dogs because it can provide instant relief to your canine friend, and it is also an effective and safe option for constipation. Administration of Miralax to the dogs require proper dosage information. Dosage details pasted on the Miralax containing bottles are usually for humans, and it may not be safe for the dogs. Consult your vet for a specific dose that can be given to your dog. Miralax is in powdered form, and it easily dissolves in water. The best option is to mix it in your dog’s drinking water. It is usually used in short-term treatment, but in some cases, it is used to treat chronic constipation.
Dosage for Dogs:
Dosage of Miralax should be prescribed minimally because a small amount of extra Miralax than optimum dose can cause serious side effects in dogs. If you are using Miralax for the first time, it is crucial to give a minimum dose and then increase the dose according to the requirement of your dog. Proper dosage depends on the size and weight of your dog. Drug powder should not be fed to your dog without consulting a qualified veterinarian. In dogs, the dose of Miralax Powder for solution varies with the size of the dog:
- One eighth to one-quarter teaspoon twice daily (after 12 hours) for small dogs.
- One quarter to half teaspoon twice daily (after 12 hours) for medium-sized dogs.
- Half to three-fourths teaspoon twice daily (after 12 hours) for large dogs.
Duration of action:
The duration of administration of Miralax depends upon the disease type, disease severity, effect of medication, and harmful effects in dogs. Complete the time period for administration as prescribed by the veterinarian. A full treatment plan helps to prevent recurrent infection in your dog. Miralax has a slow mode of action and does not cause bowel movement immediately after administration. Usually, it takes one to three days to start bowel movements.
Precautions:
- In dogs with allergic conditions or hypersensitivity, Miralax should be given with precaution.
- It may be helpful in dogs with constipation, but in other conditions related to the digestive tract, it can cause harmful effects. Miralax should not be prescribed in conditions such as rectal bleeding, toxic colitis, gastrointestinal obstructions, and a bowel perforation.
- Miralax is contraindicated in dogs that are lactating, nursing, or breeding. Drugs such as laxatives and stool softeners may interact with Miralax and disturb its function.
- Miralax usually does not cause side effects when prescribed by a veterinarian, but in some cases, it can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and increased thirst. Long term use of Miralax can cause electrolyte imbalance, especially low sodium and high potassium levels that cause severe dehydration.
What are natural laxatives for dogs?
Psyllium:
Psyllium helps to treat intestine complaints in canines, felines, and other pets by its bulk-forming action on stool. Adequate water should be fed to the dogs while treating with psyllium. Less water consumption in dogs taking psyllium can cause intestinal obstruction. Psyllium acts on the large intestine and makes the contents bulkier. Increased bulk formation helps the intestine to contract, and the frequency of bowel movements increase. Like Miralax, it may take three days to produce a reasonable effect on the bowel. Other natural bulk-forming laxatives include pumpkin and bran.
Aloe Vera Juice:
It is produced from leaves of aloe vera plant and is a natural laxative for pets. A small dose of aloe vera juice added to the dog’s water or food can move stool and decrease the strain caused by constipation. It has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on the digestive tract by healing any tears or wounds caused by constipation.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar is an effective natural remedy for treating constipation in canines. It has no side effects on the health of dogs because it only contains fermented apple juice. It promotes the health of bacteria present in the gastrointestinal tract and promotes healing. A small amount of apple cider vinegar fed to your dog after mixing in water can relieve constipation.
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