As a devoted pet parent, it’s crucial to monitor your dog’s overall health, including their digestive habits and how often they poop. While concerns about dog diarrhea are common, it’s equally important to be aware if your dog isn’t pooping on their usual schedule. If your dog is experiencing difficulty defecating or is not pooping as frequently as normal, they may be constipated. This guide will explore at-home remedies to support normal bowel function in occasionally constipated dogs, practical tips to help your constipated dog poop, and crucial signs that indicate a veterinary visit is necessary.
A healthy dog can typically go 12–24 hours without a bowel movement. However, if your dog has not had a bowel movement for 48–72 hours, it is recommended to consult your veterinarian for a thorough examination. Symptoms of dog constipation can vary, ranging from producing small, hard stools and vocalizing discomfort to more severe signs like blood in the stool or vomiting.
Recognizing the Signs of Dog Constipation
Understanding the signs of constipation is key to providing timely care for your canine companion.
Mild Constipation Symptoms
If your dog exhibits signs of mild constipation, at-home treatments may be effective. These signs include:
- Straining or prolonged defecation: Your dog may take longer than usual to pass stool or appear to struggle.
- Discomfort during defecation: This can manifest as a hunched posture, vocalizations, or frequently looking back at their hindquarters.
- Small, hard stools: The feces produced may be unusually small and firm.
Severe Constipation Symptoms
If your dog displays any of the following severe symptoms, seek immediate veterinary attention:
- Persistent straining without producing any stool.
- Vomiting.
- Lethargy or lack of appetite.
- Abdominal pain or swelling.
- Blood in the stool or any rectal bleeding.
Severe constipation can have serious implications for a dog’s health and may indicate a more significant underlying issue, potentially causing permanent damage to the gastrointestinal tract if left untreated.
At-Home Strategies to Aid a Constipated Dog
For dogs experiencing mild constipation, several at-home remedies can help restore normal bowel function. It’s important to assess the severity of the constipation to determine if home care is appropriate.
Incorporate Probiotic Supplements
Over-the-counter probiotic supplements for dogs, such as Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora, can be beneficial in supporting regular bowel movements. FortiFlora is formulated with probiotics and antioxidants to promote a healthy gut microbiome, aiding in normal digestion. This supplement is available in both powder and chewable forms, making it easy to administer. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new medication or supplement to your dog’s regimen.
Increase Water Intake
Dehydration is a common culprit behind canine constipation. When a dog is dehydrated, their body reabsorbs more water from the feces, leading to harder, more difficult-to-pass stools. Ensuring your dog has constant access to fresh water is paramount. Dog water fountains can encourage hydration throughout the day. Consider using elevated water bowls for dogs with mobility issues, such as those suffering from arthritis, to make drinking more comfortable. Placing multiple water sources around your home can also ensure easy access.
Offer Wet Food
Incorporating canned dog food or adding a small amount of water to dry kibble can significantly increase your dog’s hydration. The additional moisture helps to soften the stool as it forms, making it easier and less painful for a constipated dog to pass. The gastrocolic reflex, a natural bodily response, is stimulated when a dog eats, encouraging the colon to move stool. Therefore, maintaining regular feeding is essential for promoting normal bowel movements.
Adjust Dietary Fiber Content
While fiber can be beneficial for some cases of constipation, it can exacerbate the issue in others. It is crucial to discuss any dietary fiber additions with your veterinarian.
- Leafy Greens: Vegetables like kale, spinach, and broccoli are good sources of fiber. However, they should be offered cautiously as they can also cause gas and flatulence. Many dogs may not consume enough of these vegetables to make a significant difference.
- Pumpkin Puree: Plain, 100% canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) is a commonly recommended remedy. For small dogs, a teaspoon per meal is usually sufficient, while larger dogs can tolerate up to a tablespoon.
- Fiber Powders: Your vet might suggest psyllium-based fiber supplements (like unflavored Metamucil) or other fiber powders. The appropriate dosage will depend on your dog’s size and the severity of their constipation.
Encourage Regular Exercise
Physical activity plays a vital role in maintaining regular bowel movements. Exercise stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, aiding in the movement of stool. Consider incorporating an extra walk into your dog’s routine, ensuring they are well-hydrated beforehand. Short, frequent walks can be particularly effective. Exercise, combined with the scent cues from other dogs’ defecation, can often encourage a constipated dog to relieve themselves.
Trim Hair Around the Rear End
For long-haired dogs, long fur around the anus can become matted, potentially covering the area and making defecation difficult or impossible. Feces can become trapped in these mats. If you notice matting, you can attempt to carefully remove it using electric dog grooming clippers. Never use scissors, as this poses a risk of accidental injury. If you are unable to safely remove the mats, consult your veterinarian or a professional groomer. Report any abnormalities, such as foreign objects protruding from the anus or suspected tumors, to your veterinarian immediately. Do not attempt to remove foreign material or stool from your dog’s anus yourself, as this can cause severe rectal or GI tract trauma.
When Veterinary Intervention is Necessary
While at-home remedies can be effective for mild cases, certain situations warrant immediate veterinary consultation.
A vet visit is essential if your dog has not had a bowel movement in 48–72 hours. Additionally, seek veterinary care sooner if you observe any of the following:
- Straining or producing only small, hard fecal balls: This can indicate pain and may signal an intestinal obstruction.
- Rectal bleeding: Any presence of blood from the anus requires prompt medical attention.
- Loss of appetite: If your dog is refusing to eat, this is a significant concern.
- Signs of pain: Look for changes in behavior, whimpering, or reluctance to move.
- Vomiting: Persistent vomiting, especially in conjunction with constipation, needs urgent evaluation.
When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and have your veterinarian evaluate your dog. Constipation can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious underlying health issue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Constipation
Can I give my dog a laxative?
Never administer a laxative to your dog without explicit veterinary prescription and guidance. Certain over-the-counter laxatives can cause significant harm.
Can I give my dog an enema?
Similar to laxatives, enemas should only be administered by a veterinarian or under their direct supervision. Attempting an enema at home without medical knowledge can lead to severe rectal injury.
How can I help a constipated dog poop quickly?
There is no instant solution for constipation. Your veterinarian may prescribe oral medications, or in some cases, an enema or manual removal of impacted stool may be necessary at the clinic.
How long can a dog go without pooping?
A healthy dog can typically go 12–24 hours without defecating. If your dog hasn’t pooped in 48–72 hours, a veterinary visit is recommended.
What should I feed a constipated dog?
A constipated dog benefits from a well-balanced diet rich in moisture and fiber. Probiotic supplements like FortiFlora can also support digestive health.
What should I do if my dog hasn’t pooped in two days?
If your dog has not pooped in two days, they should be examined by a veterinarian. Straining accompanied by diarrhea can still indicate severe impaction or an obstruction.
This article was sponsored by FortiFlora. All opinions expressed herein are those of the author.
