Constipation in Dogs: How Do I Know if My Dog Is Constipated?

A constipated dog has trouble passing stool. VCA Animal Hospitals describes constipation as the “infrequent or difficult passage of stool or feces,” and says a constipated dog “will probably try to pass feces several times, unsuccessfully.” The American Kennel Club (AKC) says a dog that “doesn’t defecate for more than 48 hours” could have constipation. This page lists the signs, the causes both sources name, what a vet checks, and the signs that mean a dog needs a vet sooner.

Dogs are humanity's best friend and cannot say what hurts. The signs below are what a pet parent can see. Constipation is a common disorder, the AKC says.

How Can You Tell a Dog Is Constipated?

VCA says “Most dogs produce feces at least once a day, and many have bowel movements that correspond with daily feedings.” A constipated dog may circle excessively, scoot (drag its bottom along the ground), squat frequently, or cry out in severe cases. Other signs VCA lists are decreased appetite, vomiting, weight loss, and small amounts of watery feces or feces that contain mucus without a normal stool.

Whimpering while trying to poop is more often than not when owners first notice something wrong with their loving dog. At this point, dogs also crouch and strain to help with bowel movements, making all possible efforts to relieve themselves of their pain.

The AKC says “A telltale sign is dyschezia, which refers to painful or difficult defecation.” After much effort, it says, a dog “may produce nothing, or if they do, it could be a viscous, bloody mixture.” Dr. Veronica Villanueva, a veterinarian quoted by the AKC, says “A constipated dog may eat less or refuse food” and “The dog may seem less active or more tired than usual.”

VCA says some constipated dogs have a tense, painful abdomen and will cry or growl if you press on their stomach or lower back. The AKC says a dog that whines, recoils, or otherwise responds negatively to pressure around the stomach could have “constipation or another form of gastrointestinal distress.”

What Causes Constipation in Dogs?

VCA says “The most common cause of constipation is eating irritating or indigestible substances, such as plant matter or bones.” The AKC says bowel obstructions “commonly include bones, garbage, and other hard matter.” Tell the vet if a dog swallows trash or eats bones, or gets into other harmful substances.

VCA's list of other common causes names these:

• Diseases of the colon, and tumors or masses in the colon or rectum
• Foreign bodies or intestinal obstruction
• Megacolon, an enlarged colon
• Hormonal diseases (hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism) and neurologic diseases
• Painful conditions that make it uncomfortable to pass stool, such as osteoarthritis
• Pelvic injuries or abnormalities
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia in intact male dogs, or other diseases of the prostate
• Any disease or condition that results in dehydration
• Lack of exercise, or inadequate physical activity
• A sudden change in diet or ingestion of new foods
• Fear, anxiety, and other behavioral conditions
• Drugs such as antihistamines, diuretics, narcotic pain relievers, and sucralfate

The AKC adds “Advanced age, which can go together with orthopedic conditions that make squatting and excretion difficult,” and perineal fistulas. Its list of drugs that can cause constipation also includes “some antacids, and medications used to fight cancer.” VCA says “Dogs with long hair or those that lick or groom themselves excessively are also at risk of becoming constipated.” Mention any habit such as Eating hair to the vet as well.

What Does a Vet Check and Treat?

VCA says “Most cases of constipation are diagnosed through physical examination and medical history.” A vet will likely feel a firm, distended colon, may do a rectal examination to rule out rectal strictures, tumors, foreign bodies, or other abnormalities, and in many cases takes abdominal X-rays to see how far the constipation goes and whether an obstruction exists. VCA adds that blood tests and urinalysis are valuable to search for dehydration, infection, or other conditions, and that an abdominal ultrasound may help in advanced cases.

The AKC lists a complete blood count to check for underlying conditions such as diabetes, a barium enema, and a urinalysis “to assess the health of the kidneys and urinary system.” A urinary tract infection is a separate condition from constipation. The AKC also says a vet may run neurological exams when constipation comes with a loss of mobility or confusion.

According to the AKC, “Most cases will resolve with mild treatments, such as boosting liquids and dietary fiber or getting more exercise.” It adds that Stool softeners or laxatives, laxative suppositories, and enemas “may be helpful, but should only be used with guidance from a veterinarian.”

VCA says the first step is “to loosen or remove the impacted, hardened fecal matter,” which may be done with enemas, manual removal, and medications. Some dogs may require hospitalization for multiple enemas or to replace fluids, and more serious conditions may require surgery or life-long medical or dietary management.

When Does a Dog Need a Vet Soon?

VCA says to call the veterinarian if a dog “fails to produce a bowel movement within 48 to 72 hours of a previous bowel movement.” The AKC says a dog that goes more than 48 hours without defecating runs the risk of developing obstipation, where dried, compacted fecal matter blocks the gastrointestinal tract and stops defecation altogether.

The AKC says “A dog straining to defecate should be seen by a vet sooner than 48 hours, especially if they’re not eating or showing other signs like vomiting.” For a dog that is not passing stool but is otherwise acting normally, it says “it’s best to contact a vet after 24 hours to be certain.”

Dr. Villanueva says affected dogs may “vocalize when straining to have a bowel movement,” and that other signs include “signs of pain, vomiting, or lethargy, [or] if there is blood in the stool and the dog is showing signs of distress.”

The AKC says it helps to bring “your dog’s last bowel movement, any dietary changes, and whether they’re currently on any medications” to the visit, and a description of the stool itself.

Home Steps in the First 48 Hours

For home remedies for dog constipation, the AKC lists five steps for a dog whose constipation “has just started within the past 48 hours”: canned pumpkin, canned dog food, other high-fiber foods, more access to water, and a leisurely stroll. Dr. Villanueva says to “always consult a veterinarian before administering any home remedies or medications.”

Preventing Constipation

Dr. Villanueva says “Maintaining a consistent diet and exercise routine can help prevent constipation,” and “Routine veterinary check-ups every six to 12 months can help identify underlying health issues that may contribute to constipation.” Check-ups are one of the responsibilities of caring for a dog. Even with those habits, constipation is natural in all dogs. The AKC says “There’s a solid chance that your dog will experience constipation at some point, and usually, it’s not cause for alarm.”

VCA says “In all cases, encourage water consumption and limit access to bones.” One way to limit what a dog can pick up is pet-proofing your yard and house. Dog parents who want something to wear for their dog can browse dog merchandise.

FAQ

Can a constipated dog have loose stool?

VCA says some constipated dogs pass small amounts of liquid feces or blood from excessive straining. It says the liquid feces are sometimes mistaken for diarrhea, but are “a small amount of liquid fecal material that squeezes around the hard fecal mass.”

Which dogs get constipated more often?

Dr. Villanueva says “Certain breeds may be more prone to constipation due to their anatomy or predisposition to certain health issues,” and “Breeds like brachycephalic flat-faced dogs, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, toy breeds, and Dachshunds, may experience constipation more frequently.”

Can constipation turn into something worse?

VCA says obstipation, a severe form of constipation, “is often associated with a serious, permanent, or irreversible medical condition.” It also says megacolon, a dilated and weak colon that causes severe constipation, is “a serious, though generally uncommon, consequence or cause of constipation in dogs.” A dog with ongoing trouble passing stool needs a vet.

Sources

• American Kennel Club, Dog Constipation: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
• VCA Animal Hospitals, Constipation in Dogs