It’s important to pay attention to what’s going into your dog and what’s coming out—or not coming out. Show While many people may worry about diarrhea, you should also notice when your dog isn’t pooping on their normal schedule. If your dog is having trouble pooping or has not pooped as often as they usually do, they could be constipated. Follow this guide to learn when you should go to the vet, and when you can try home remedies to help your constipated dog. Know When to Go to the VetIf your dog is showing severe symptoms of constipation, no home remedies can help. You need to call your vet for an appointment as soon as possible. Constipation can affect a dog’s entire body and cause permanent damage to their gastrointestinal (GI) tract. If you see these signs, your dog needs to be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible: If your dog is showing only mild signs of constipation, there are a few remedies that you can try at home to help ease their constipation. Signs of mild constipation include:
5 Home Remedies for Mild Dog ConstipationIf your dog only has symptoms of mild constipation, and they seem to feel fine otherwise, you can try home treatment. However, if your dog does not begin to poop normally within a day of starting home treatment, or their constipation becomes a recurring problem, call your veterinarian. Here are five things you can do to help a mildly constipated dog: 1. Check Your Dog’s Rear EndTake a look at your dog’s bottom—sometimes the problem will be obvious. Long-haired dogs are at risk for developing mats of fur that can completely cover the anus and make it impossible for your dog to poop. You may find feces stuck in these mats. You can try removing the mats with electric clippers (not scissors!), but if you aren’t able to, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian or a groomer. If you see any other abnormalities (anything sticking out of the anus, a tumor, etc.), make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately. Do not remove any foreign material from your dog’s anus on your own, as this can cause trauma to the rectum or gastrointestinal tract. 2. Increase Your Dog’s Water IntakeDehydration can cause constipation in dogs because the body responds by reabsorbing as much water as possible from the feces, making it hard and difficult to pass. Make sure that your dog always has access to fresh water. Dog water fountains can be helpful to entice dogs to hydrate throughout the day. This is especially important for dogs that have trouble getting around—due to arthritis or other mobility issues—as they may not feel like making the effort to visit the water bowl. You can try elevated water bowls so your dog doesn’t have to bend down to drink water. Also place multiple water bowls or fountains around your home. Feeding your dog canned food, and even temporarily mixing in a small amount of extra water, is another simple way to ensure that they are getting enough to drink throughout the day. 3. Go for More WalksExercise promotes normal movement within the GI tract. So if your dog is a little blocked up, consider taking them for an extra walk in the morning or afternoon—be sure your dog is well-hydrated first. Short, frequent walks help stimulate movement of feces. The exercise combined with the smells of other dogs that have “used” the area previously might just do the trick for your constipated dog. 4. Give Your Dog More FiberAdding fiber to your dog’s diet can be tricky, since it can help some cases of constipation but worsen others. It’s best to start with a small amount and monitor how your dog responds. Two safe options are:
5. Try ProbioticsAn over-the-counter probiotic such as Nutramax Proviable or Purina Pro Plan Fortiflora can help reinstitute good bacteria into your dog’s colon. Can You Give a Dog a Laxative or Enema?Never give your dog an enema at home unless your veterinarian has recommended a specific product and has shown you how to safely perform the procedure. Do NOT give your constipated dog a laxative without first speaking to your veterinarian. Many are not safe for dogs, particularly if used under the wrong circumstances. Also, never give your dog liquid mineral oil to help with constipation. This product can cause severe pneumonia if inhaled. But if your veterinarian is comfortable doing so, they may recommend that you try giving your mildly constipated dog a gentle laxative at home before making an appointment. Petroleum-based lubricant gels like Laxatone are a good first option. If your dog won’t eat the gel on their own (most are flavored to make them taste good), do not force-feed them. Another option is over-the-counter unflavored Miralax powder. Discuss with your veterinarian the amount to add to each meal to avoid dehydration and/or diarrhea. Featured image: iStock.com/Jacqueline Nix Constipation in dogs is when a dog is unable to poo, or is struggling to poo — which is typically dry and hard. Older dogs are more prone to constipation but it can be seen in any breed of dog at any age. Constipation in dogs should not be ignored, as if left untreated it can lead to more serious issues. If your dog hasn’t pooed for more than 24 hours be sure to get it checked out by your vet. If you’re worried about your constipated dog call your vet or, out of hours, your nearest Vets Now. If it’s not an emergency but you would like some advice, book an online video consultation with our vets here.
A constipated dog will look like they are trying to poo, there may be liquid or mucus from the anus and redness or swelling around the anus. It is important to identify whether your dog is trying to pass faeces (poo) or trying to urinate. Unfortunately, the signs can be quite similar, making it difficult to be sure what is going on. If your dog is straining to pass urine, they will adopt a position to pass urine, you may see small amounts of urine or blood around the vulva or penis/sheath and they may lick the area. 
Your dog will struggle to poo and will either pass small amounts of hard poo or nothing at all. Your dog may show signs of discomfort or pain and may pass spots of blood. Confusingly, diarrhoea can also lead to straining, but you will normally have seen the evidence of loose or runny poo first. If left untreated, constipation can lead to lethargy, vomiting, depression and loss of appetite.
The most common cause of constipation in dogs is swallowing objects that are not easily digested, such as bones, grass or hair. Other causes include lack of fibre, lack of exercise, blocked anal glands, certain intestinal problems, trauma to the pelvis an enlarged prostate, kidney disease or hernias. Wear rubber gloves when dealing with faeces and related anal problems. Check your dog’s temperature. If it is abnormally high or there is blood on the thermometer or resistance when inserting the thermometer, see your vet immediately. If you can see a thread or string in the anus, do not pull it as this can cause internal damage. If you can see grass in the anus, gently ease it out. If faeces are matted around the anus, trim carefully with scissors. Wash the anal region with warm, soapy water and apply a soothing, water-soluble jelly (such as K-Y) to the inflamed area. Long-haired dogs, especially small ones like Yorkshire terriers, can become distressed with the discomfort caused by matted faeces around their bottom and the trimming process. You may need to soak your dog’s bottom in warm water before you begin trimming to make it more comfortable.
Diagnosis of constipation in dogs typically involves examining your dog’s abdomen and performing a rectal examination. Your vet may also ask if your dog has a history of dietary indiscretion (a tendency to eat unusual items). In order to determine the cause of your dog’s constipation, your vet will want to know how long your dog has been constipated. They will also want to know if your dog has eaten anything unusual or indigestible which may have increased ‘faecal bulk’ or could be causing pain which is hindering your dog’s ability to defecate. Your vet may also consider other potentially relevant factors including recent surgery, previous pelvic trauma, and possibly radiation therapy. X-rays, abdominal ultrasound or blood tests may be required to identify any underlying cause of dog constipation. Signs your dog is constipated include:
Treatment for mild constipation typically involves stopping your dog eating unusual or indigestible items and providing access to water and a high-fibre diet. Suppository laxatives may also be given, although long-term use is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. Treatment of mild to moderate constipation may involve admitting your dog so that he can be given enemas and fluids (a drip) to rehydrate them. Manual removal of impacted faeces may also be necessary. In cases of intact (uncastrated) males where the prostate is the cause of constipation, castration may be recommended. Signs your dog is constipated include:
In order to provide dog constipation relief, things your vet may recommend include:
In order to prevent constipation, dogs should be given a high-fibre diet, access to water, and frequent opportunities to defecate. Avoid giving your dog bones. Neutering your dog at an early age will also prevent growth of the prostate, which can lead to constipation.
First Published 2nd January 2017 Last Updated 6th June 2022 Vets Now assumes no liability for the content of this page. This advice is not a substitute for a proper consultation with a vet and is only intended as a guide. Please contact your local veterinary practice for advice or treatment immediately if you are worried about your pet’s health — even if they are closed, they will always have an out-of-hours service available. Find out more about what to do in an emergency. |
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