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The idea of not having to carry poop bags on your afternoon walks may initially seem appealing. But if your dog struggles to maintain regular bowel movements or doesn’t defecate for more than 48 hours, they could have constipation, a common disorder characterized by irregular or absent defecation.
Key Points
While many cases of constipation respond well to treatment, there are instances that may call for more intensive care. For example, what may have initially started as hard, pebble-like stool could develop into obstipation, where the retained fecal matter becomes compacted and prevents defecation altogether.
Understanding the signs, causes, and treatment of constipation can help you make informed decisions as a responsible dog owner. Here’s what to know.
Recognizing the Signs of Dog Constipation
If you walk your dog daily, the signs of constipation are fairly straightforward. A telltale sign is dyschezia, which refers to painful or difficult defecation. After much effort, your dog may produce nothing, or if they do, it could be a viscous, bloody mixture.
However, suppose you let your dog in the backyard and aren’t intimately acquainted with the quality of their stool. In that case, the signs of constipation aren’t so obvious.
Dr. Veronica Villanueva, DVM, Medical Director at Veg ER for Pets, in Anaheim Hills, CA, shares further insight. “A constipated dog may eat less or refuse food,” she shares. “The dog may seem less active or more tired than usual. In severe cases, a dog may vomit due to constipation.”
Another sign is abdominal discomfort. If your dog whines, recoils, or otherwise responds negatively to pressure around their stomach, they could be experiencing constipation or another form of gastrointestinal distress.
What Are the Common Causes of Canine Constipation?
There are many possible causes of constipation in dogs. Some are directly related to a factor in the dog’s environment, such as a new diet. Other times, constipation is a symptom of a broader condition. For example, constipation could be related to digestive tract tumors, an enlarged prostate, and nervous system disorders.
Other causes of constipation in dogs can include:
- Low activity levels, which for unknown reasons result in slower transit
- Certain types of drugs, including opiates, diuretics, antihistamines, some antacids, and medications used to fight cancer
- Bowel obstructions, which commonly include bones, garbage, and other hard matter
- Advanced age, which can go together with orthopedic conditions that make squatting and excretion difficult
- Perineal fistulas
Dr. Villanueva also notes that some breeds are more likely to experience constipation than others.
“Certain breeds may be more prone to constipation due to their anatomy or predisposition to certain health issues,” she shares. “Breeds like brachycephalic flat-faced dogs, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, toy breeds, and Dachshunds, may experience constipation more frequently.”
She says that conditions, such as hypothyroidism or neurological or spinal cord disorders, can also contribute to constipation.
Many Instances of Constipation Respond to At-Home Remedies
If your dog’s constipation has just started within the past 48 hours, there are some tried-and-true methods that could get things moving again. You may offer:
- This high-fiber gourd often offers a reliable fix for both constipation and diarrhea. While there are both pumpkin-based treats and powders, straight, canned pumpkin works best to lubricate the digestive tract. Never use canned pumkin pie filling, as these products often contain xylitol or other ingredients that could be toxic to dogs.
- Canned dog food. For a constipated dog, canned, wet dog food is both a drink and a meal. To comply with the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the moisture in dog food cannot exceed 78%, unless it’s labeled as a stew, which cannot exceed 80%.
- Other high-fiber sources. Brown rice, carrots, and leafy greens can aid in digestion and relieve your dog’s constipation. Dr. Villanueva also recommends no-salt, non-seasoned green beans.
- Increased access to water. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are common causes of constipation. You may encourage your dog to drink by placing multiple water bowls, getting a fountain, or offering ice cubes.
Speaking of “getting things moving again,” a great way to encourage your dog’s bowel movements is to go for a leisurely stroll. This has multiple benefits. Not only does it stimulate nutrient absorption (and by extension defecating), but it’s also a great opportunity to bond with and enrich your pet.
Always consult your vet before adding supplements or over-the-counter probiotics to your dog’s food.
When to Call Your Vet About Your Dog’s Constipation
While many cases of constipation can be resolved at home, there are instances that require veterinary care. If your dog doesn’t defecate for more than 48 hours, they run the risk of developing obstipation.
As noted, this condition happens when dried, compacted fecal matter obstructs the gastrointestinal tract, ultimately preventing defecation altogether. In serious cases, this condition can develop into megacolon. Here, the colon (the part of the large intestine that extends from the cecum to the rectum) becomes abnormally distended or dilated, affecting the ability to move fecal matter.
Dr. Villanueva notes that in addition to having little or no bowel movements, there are other signs of constipation that may necessitate vet care.
“[Affected dogs may] vocalize when straining to have a bowel movement,” she says. “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.”
When bringing your dog to the vet, it helps to have some information already on hand, such as your dog’s last bowel movement, any dietary changes, and whether they’re currently on any medications, such as opioids given after a recent surgical procedure. To help your vet get the scoop on your dog’s condition, it helps to have a description of the poop itself.
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. A dog not passing stool but otherwise acting normally may be able to wait for 48 hours, but it’s best to contact a vet after 24 hours to be certain.
Veterinary Treatments for Constipation Vary
Your dog’s veterinarian will consider many factors when determining how to diagnose their condition, such as the symptoms’ duration and severity. If your veterinarian suspects a bowel obstruction, they may perform an ultrasound or a colonoscopy. If constipation accompanies other symptoms, including a loss of mobility or confusion, they may run neurological exams to learn more.
Other examinations may include:
- Palpating the abdominal area
- Performing a rectal exam
- Taking a radiograph or x-ray
- Running a complete blood count to check for underlying conditions, such as diabetes
- Conducting a barium enema, a radiographic procedure that allows a view of the lower GI tract
- Completing a urinalysis to assess the health of the kidneys and urinary system
The results of the diagnosis exam(s) will determine the next course of action. Most cases will resolve with mild treatments, such as boosting liquids and dietary fiber or getting more exercise. Laxative suppositories, stool softeners, and enemas may be helpful, but should only be used with guidance from a veterinarian. Serious cases may require the manual extraction of impacted feces, prescription medications, and, in rare instances, surgery.
Preventing Canine Constipation
There’s a solid chance that your dog will experience constipation at some point, and usually, it’s not cause for alarm. But, it’s always a good idea to go the extra mile in promoting your dog’s digestive health.
“Maintaining a consistent diet and exercise routine can help prevent constipation,” Dr. Villanueva recommends. “Routine veterinary check-ups every six to 12 months can help identify underlying health issues that may contribute to constipation, and always consult a veterinarian before administering any home remedies or medications.”
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.