Constipation in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, & What to Do

Paying attention to your dog’s poop may not be glamorous, but it can tell you a lot about their health. If your dog is pooping less often, straining, or passing hard stools, they may be constipated. Learn what causes dog constipation, what you can safely try at home, and which warning signs mean it’s time to call your veterinarian. 

How Often Should a Dog Poop?

Most dogs poop at least once a day, but their normal frequency can vary based on their age, diet, activity level, and individual routine. Pay attention to what is typical for your dog so you can recognize a meaningful change. 

• Puppies may poop several times a day, often after eating. They usually poop less frequently as they get older. 

• Adult dogs commonly poop one to three times a day. 

• Senior dogs may poop less frequently, but a change from their usual routine is more important than the number alone.

Can Dogs Get Constipated? 

Yes, dogs can get constipated. Dog constipation occurs when stool moves too slowly through the colon, allowing it to lose moisture and become hard and difficult to pass. An occasional change in your dog’s routine may not mean they are constipated, especially if they otherwise seem comfortable. However, repeated straining, hard stools, or a continued lack of bowel movements may signal a problem. 

How Long Can a Dog Go Without Pooping? 

Some healthy adult dogs may occasionally go 24 hours without pooping, especially if they are otherwise acting normally. However, a change from your dog’s usual routine is more important than the number of hours alone. Contact your veterinarian sooner if your dog is straining, seems uncomfortable, is not eating, is vomiting, or has other symptoms. Puppies and dogs with health conditions may need veterinary attention sooner. 

Regardless of your dog’s age, contact your veterinarian promptly if they are repeatedly straining, vomiting, not eating, unusually tired, or showing signs of abdominal pain. Seek immediate veterinary care if you think your dog may have swallowed a foreign object.

Regardless of your dog’s age, contact your veterinarian promptly if they are repeatedly straining, vomiting, not eating, unusually tired, or showing signs of abdominal pain. Seek immediate veterinary care if you think your dog may have swallowed a foreign object. 

Dog Constipation Symptoms 

 A change in your dog’s normal bowel movement routine may be the first sign of constipation. Other dog constipation symptoms include: 

• Squatting or getting into position without pooping 

• Frequent attempts to poop 

• Straining or taking longer than usual to poop 

• Crying, whining, or showing signs of discomfort 

• Passing small, hard, or dry stools 

• Having less energy than usual 

• Eating less or refusing food 

Constipation vs. Straining to Urinate 

Because the colon and bladder are located close together, a dog straining to urinate can look like a dog straining to poop. Watch closely to determine whether your dog is passing urine or stool. A dog that repeatedly tries to urinate but produces little or no urine may have a urinary tract problem, including a possible urinary obstruction. A urinary obstruction is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary care. If you cannot tell whether your dog is trying to urinate or poop, contact your veterinarian right away. 

Why is My Dog Constipated? Common Causes

Dog constipation can have many causes, including diet, dehydration, lack of exercise, certain medications, and underlying health problems. 

Diet and Lifestyle 

• Not getting enough fiber 

• Not getting enough exercise 

• Swallowing hair or nonfood objects, such as toys, dirt, or fabric.  
   

Health Conditions 

• Dehydration, including dehydration caused by dog vomiting 

• Enlarged prostate, impacted anal glands, or tumors  

• Pain or mobility problems involving the hips or hind legs 

• Hormonal conditions, including hypothyroidism  

• Neurological conditions 

• Diseases of the colon, including megacolon 

• Stress or anxiety 

• Certain medications, including antihistamines, narcotic pain medications, and diuretics

After diarrhea 

Your dog may not have a bowel movement immediately after an episode of diarrhea. Diarrhea can empty the digestive tract quickly, and dogs with an upset stomach may also eat less than usual. With less food moving through the digestive system, there may be little stool to pass. Continue monitoring your dog and contact your veterinarian if they are straining, seem uncomfortable, or develop other symptoms. 

What to Give Dogs for Constipation: Home Remedies 

Some mild cases of dog constipation may respond to home care. If only a short time has passed since your dog’s last bowel movement and they are eating, drinking, and acting normally, the following options may help. Skip home care and contact your veterinarian if your dog is straining repeatedly, seems uncomfortable, or has other symptoms. 

Increase Hydration 

Stool becomes harder to pass when it loses too much moisture, so keeping your dog hydrated may help soften it. Always provide fresh water. You can also encourage your dog to drink by adding a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth to their water or offering canned food. Ask your veterinarian before giving your dog an electrolyte product, since not every product is appropriate for pets.

Pump up the Fiber  

Fiber may help some dogs with mild constipation by adding bulk to the stool, which can stimulate movement in the colon. It also draws in moisture, helping make the stool softer and easier to pass. Plain canned pumpkin is one commonly used source of fiber. Be sure to use 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added ingredients.  

The amount of pumpkin to offer with a meal depends on your dog’s weight:  

• Small dogs under 20 lbs: 1-2 teaspoons with a meal 

• Medium dogs 20-50 lbs: 1-2 tablespoons with a meal 

• Large dogs 50+ lbs: 2-4 tablespoons with a meal 

 Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water when adding fiber. Check with your veterinarian before trying pumpkin if your dog has a health condition, takes medication, or may have swallowed a foreign object. Contact your veterinarian if your dog does not have a bowel movement within 48 hours or develops other symptoms. 

When Fiber Isn’t the Answer 

 Fiber may help relieve occasional constipation, but it may not be appropriate for dogs with chronic or recurring constipation. Depending on the underlying cause, your veterinarian may recommend a low-residue diet, which reduces the amount of undigested material that reaches the colon. Talk with your veterinarian before making a long-term change to your dog’s diet. 

Increase Exercise 

Gentle exercise may help get your dog’s digestive system moving. Physical activity increases blood flow to the intestines, which can help stimulate the muscles that move stool through the colon. If your dog otherwise feels well, try taking them for a walk and make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water. Contact your veterinarian if your dog becomes uncomfortable, develops other symptoms, or does not have a bowel movement within 24–48 hours.

What Not to Do for Dog Constipation 

Never give your dog a human laxative, stool softener, or other medication unless your veterinarian specifically recommends it. These products may be unsafe for dogs or could make certain conditions worse. 

Do not force your dog to swallow mineral oil. They could accidentally inhale it into their lungs, which can cause serious complications. 

Finally, make sure you are not mistaking a more urgent condition for constipation. Straining to urinate and bloat in dogs can look similar to constipation but may require immediate veterinary care. Skip home care and contact your veterinarian right away if your dog repeatedly strains without producing urine or stool, has a swollen abdomen, seems very uncomfortable, or develops other concerning symptoms. 

Puppy Constipation 

Puppy constipation requires extra attention because puppies may need veterinary care sooner than adult dogs. If your puppy has not pooped for 12 hours but is otherwise eating, drinking, and acting normally, you can try: 

• Gently massaging their belly 

• Enticing them to drink with low sodium chicken broth or canned food 

• Taking them for gentle exercise 

• Offering small amounts of canned pumpkin 

 Contact your veterinarian if your puppy has not had a bowel movement within 24 hours. Call sooner if your puppy is straining, vomiting, refusing food, unusually tired, or showing other signs of illness. Do not try home care if you think your puppy may have swallowed a foreign object.

When to Call Your Vet and What to Expect 

Contact your veterinarian if your dog has not pooped in 48–72 hours, home care has not worked within 24 hours, or your dog seems uncomfortable. Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog has a swollen abdomen, severe abdominal pain, heavy panting, or pale gums. 

Your veterinarian will perform an exam to look for the cause of the constipation. Treatment may involve addressing the underlying condition and removing the hardened stool. Depending on the severity, your dog may need fluids, veterinarian-prescribed laxatives, an enema, or manual stool removal. Some dogs may need to be hospitalized for treatment and monitoring. 

How Embrace Pet Insurance Can Help 

Embrace Pet Insurance offers dog pet insurance policies that help cover the costs associated with unexpected illnesses or injuries, including constipation. This includes vet visits, medications, and hospital stays. 

On the preventative side, consider looking into a routine care plan  to help you budget for costs associated with regular veterinary care, including vaccinations, to ensure your dog is as healthy as possible. 

Preventing Constipation in Dogs 

Not every case of dog constipation can be prevented, especially when an underlying health condition is involved. However, a balanced diet, adequate hydration, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care can help support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. 

Diet and Hydration 

Feed your dog a complete and balanced diet that is appropriate for their age and health needs.  

Make sure fresh water is always available, since good hydration helps keep stool from becoming too dry and difficult to pass. 

If your dog needs encouragement to take in more fluids, you can offer canned food or add a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth to their water. Check with your veterinarian first, particularly if your dog has a health condition or follows a restricted diet.

Exercise 

Regular exercise supports your dog’s muscles, joints, mental well-being, and digestive health. Daily walks and play sessions can help keep their bowels moving while also providing enrichment and strengthening your bond. Choose activities that are appropriate for your dog’s age, health, and mobility.  

Veterinary Care 

Trust us, your veterinarian would much rather help prevent constipation than administer an enema. Routine checkups can help identify health conditions, medication side effects, or other factors that may contribute to constipation. Your veterinarian can also recommend a diet, exercise routine, and preventive care plan based on your dog’s individual needs. 

Dog Constipation

Dog constipation is common and may be caused by dehydration, swallowing a foreign object, certain medications, or an underlying health condition. Because every dog’s routine is different, pay attention to changes in how often your dog poops, as well as straining, hard stools, discomfort, reduced appetite, or low energy. 

Mild constipation may improve with increased hydration, gentle exercise, or veterinarian-approved sources of fiber. Contact your veterinarian if your dog does not improve, develops other symptoms, or may have swallowed something they shouldn’t have. When in doubt, it’s always better to talk poop with your vet than let the problem pile up.