Dog Constipation: Causes, When to Worry and What to Do

What it usually means

Constipation means stool is infrequent, hard to pass or absent. It builds up in the colon, and because the colon absorbs water, the longer stool sits there the drier and harder it gets. A constipated dog often strains, circles, squats over and over or cries out. Some pass a little liquid, mucus or blood around the hard mass, which can look like diarrhea but is really leakage around the blockage.

Diet is a leading cause. Swallowed bones, plant matter and hair are the classics, and a sudden diet change can do it too. Low water intake, too little exercise and stress contribute. Beyond that, pain that makes squatting hard, such as arthritis, an enlarged prostate in unneutered males, certain medications, hormone problems, or a narrowing or blockage in the intestines or rectum can all be behind it.

The severe form is called obstipation, where stool becomes packed in place. Left untreated it can lead to megacolon, an enlarged, weakened colon. Straining can also come from rear-end trouble like the kind behind scooting, or from urinary problems, so if you are not sure what your dog is straining to do, call your vet.

Common causes

What you can do at home

These steps are only for a dog who is otherwise bright, eating and drinking, and has been constipated for less than about 48 hours.

Encourage water with extra bowls, a fountain or ice cubes. Canned food adds moisture. A short, leisurely walk can help get things moving. Some vets also suggest a small amount of plain canned pumpkin for fiber. Use plain pumpkin, never pie filling, which can contain xylitol or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs.

Do not give laxatives, stool softeners, enemas, human medicines or supplements unless your vet tells you to. The right choice depends on the cause, and some are unsafe with a blockage or dehydration. Oral mineral oil, for example, can end up in the lungs. Keep bones away from your dog.

Do not keep trying home remedies past 48 hours, or at all if your dog is straining hard, in pain, vomiting or off their food.

Before you call, note when your dog last pooped, any diet changes, current medications and what the stool looked like.

What happens at the vet

Your vet will ask about the last normal stool, diet, water intake, medications and anything your dog may have chewed or swallowed. The exam includes feeling the belly, where a firm, enlarged colon may be noticeable, and often a rectal exam to check for narrowing, tumors, foreign material or prostate trouble.

X-rays show how much stool is packed in and whether there is an obstruction. Blood and urine tests check for dehydration, infection and conditions behind the problem, and ultrasound may be added if a blockage is suspected.

The first goal is to soften or remove the hard stool. That can mean enemas, manual removal, medication, or a combination, sometimes with fluids to correct dehydration. Hydration comes first, since laxatives can make a dehydrated dog worse. Some dogs stay in the hospital for repeated treatments.

After that, your vet treats the cause. Diet may change to more or less fiber, depending on the problem. Severe or repeated cases can need surgery on the colon. Most dogs do well once the cause is found, though a few need long-term management.

Prevention

Prevention mostly comes down to routine. Feed a consistent diet and make any changes gradually. Keep fresh water available at all times. Keep bones, garbage and toys that break into pieces out of reach, since swallowed indigestible material is a leading cause.

Regular exercise helps keep the gut moving, and frequent chances to go outside mean your dog is never holding it in. Brush long-coated dogs and keep an eye on dogs that lick or groom constantly, so less hair is swallowed.

Pain makes squatting hard, so ask your vet about comfort for senior dogs, especially if they struggle to get into position. If your dog takes a medication that can bind them up, ask your vet what to watch for.

Routine checkups every 6 to 12 months help catch conditions that contribute, such as hormone or prostate problems, before constipation becomes the first sign.