Dog constipation is most commonly associated with dry or hard stools, and your dog struggling to pass poo. But understanding the root cause means you can help get their bowels in motion faster.
Read on for some potential causes, symptoms, digestive supplements, how to help a constipated dog, when to let nature take its course, and when to see a vet.
How to help a constipated dog poo quickly and safely
The good news is that mild cases generally respond well to a few simple approaches, which can be surprisingly effective at getting things moving. If your dog seems alert, well and the issue is recent, try these simple home steps to help.
- Regular exercise: Taking some time out of your day for a few short walks brings plenty of benefits and can often be enough to get a constipated dog's bowels moving regularly again.
- Plenty of water: If your dog's dehydrated, it can harden their poo. Encouraging them to drink water regularly can help soften dry stools and reduce the struggle.
- Ice cubes: Most dogs love crunching through small ice cubes, which can be a simple way to get a little extra moisture into their system.
- Soften their food: Adding a dash of warm water to your dog's dry food can help soften it, making it easier for them to digest and pass.
- Balanced nutrition: Avoid sudden changes to your dog's food. Instead, introduce any changes slowly. Adding extra fibre to their diet can also help get things moving.
If you don't see any improvement, or your dog is still not passing poo within 24 hours, look out for signs like being off their food, seeming in pain or not generally themselves, and get in contact with your local vet so they can investigate.
Why is my dog constipated?
Constipation in dogs occurs when your dog is not passing poo, and affects them for many of the same reasons humans get backed up. It can be a sign that your dog isn't getting a balanced diet with the right nutrients or fibre.
But there are a wider range of possible causes, and we've listed some of the most likely culprits below.
Food and drink
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can lead to hard stools that become a struggle to pass through.
- Lack of fibre: A low-fibre diet can result in slow digestion and bowel movements, combined with harder poo.
- Eating foreign objects: Bones, carpet or even plastic can block up their digestive system and colon.
Health and medical
- Pain: Discomfort from conditions like arthritis can make it difficult for your dog to pass poo.
- Enlarged prostate: A swollen prostate could press on your dog's colon, making passing poo more difficult.
- Blocked anal glands: Blocked anal glands are very common and can make going to the loo uncomfortable.
- Tumours: A growth around their colon could cause an obstruction, preventing normal bowel movements.
- Medication: Medications can have side effects, so read up on any tablets your dog has been prescribed to check if constipation is one of them.
Lifestyle and weight
- Stress: Anxiety is powerful and could trigger slower digestion and disrupt gut movement.
- Dog hair: For long-haired dogs, hair around the rear can, in extreme cases, physically block poo.
- Being overweight: If your dog is carrying excess weight, it could slow digestion and reduce bowel activity.
Puppy constipation
Puppies poo a lot — a healthy pup eating well can go five or more times a day compared to two or three times for an adult dog. So when a puppy stops going, it's worth taking seriously sooner than you might with an older dog. If they’re off their food, have a bloated tummy, or seem in pain, get in contact with your local vet.
Senior dog constipation
Older dogs are more prone to constipation than younger ones. Identifying the exact cause can be tricky, as multiple factors could be influencing their bowel movements. From less exercise and a slowing metabolism, to joint conditions like arthritis that make going to the toilet more difficult, or medication for managing other conditions associated with older dogs.
If this is an ongoing problem, or your dog seems in distress, do consult a vet to get them checked over.
How long does constipation in dogs last?
If your dog is not passing poo, don't panic. For most dogs, constipation isn't an ongoing issue and should pass with sensible management within 48 hours. But if you don't see an improvement in this time, or it's a frequently recurring issue, we suggest getting your dog checked out by their vet to help get things moving again and identify what's causing the discomfort.
Dog constipation symptoms
Constipation symptoms can vary from dog to dog — here's what to look out for:
- Not passing poo for 24 hours or more
- Poo that is hard or dry
- Struggling, or straining to pass poo
- Whimpering or crying when trying to go to the loo
- Squatting repeatedly without producing anything
- Excessive scratching, licking or scooting the anal area
- Loss of appetite
- Low energy and lethargy
- Sickness and vomiting
- Bloated or sensitive abdomen
- Blood or mucus in or around the poo
What can I give my dog for constipation?
What you can give your dog for constipation will vary depending on the severity, frequency and age of your dog. For mild, occasional constipation in adult dogs, it's typically a simple management approach, while more severe or recurring cases may require veterinary attention.
Vets and medical treatments
If your dog is feeling under the weather due to constipation and home steps haven't worked, or you're worried, it may be time to visit your vet. In your appointment, they might suggest trying either a laxative or stool softener, so we've explained the difference between the two to help you understand what may be recommended.
Laxatives: These work by activating your dog's bowel, pushing poo along the colon. They are generally only used for short-term relief, as long-term use can cause health problems. Never give a dog a human laxative, and these should always be prescribed by a vet.
Stool softeners: These work differently by pulling moisture from the body into the dog's stool, making it softer and easier to pass. They are generally considered a gentler option than laxatives.
Which is best for your dog? Neither is better or worse. Although stool softeners are usually the go-to for constipated dogs because of their gentler approach, every dog and every situation is different, and your vet will advise on the right option.
What to feed a constipated dog
If constipation hits, it's often down to a lack of fibre, so a few tweaks to their diet could help support your dog's bowel movements. That said, it's important not to make any big, sudden changes. If your dog gets constipated frequently, speak to your vet, who may recommend these small additions to their food:
- Starting a higher-fibre diet
- Prescription dog food
In the immediate term, we suggest focusing on hydration. Encourage your dog to drink more water, soften dry food with water, or add small amounts of wet food to their diet. The extra moisture helps soften the stool as it forms, making it easier to pass with less discomfort.
How to prevent constipation in dogs
Even with a healthy balanced diet, most dogs will get constipated at some point in their lives. To help reduce the likelihood of it occurring, putting a few simple non-negotiables in place can help.
- Walks: Keeping your dog fit and healthy with regular exercise helps overall health and specifically keeps digestion moving.
- Balanced diet: Diet is key for keeping everything flowing smoothly and has a huge impact on your dog's health. There are lots of great food choices, from raw to dry and wet, but balance is key.
- Water: Water is a necessity, and making sure your dog gets enough is important for digestion, lubrication and overall health.
Advice from Dorwest
We'd just like to reassure you that occasional constipation is common in dogs of all shapes and sizes, and in most instances is nothing to worry about.
Taking simple steps can help your dog pass poo more comfortably — by keeping them well hydrated, giving regular but short walks and maintaining a balanced diet. Puppies and senior dogs may need more support because of their age, but if you are worried, whatever their age, a visit to the vet can help put your mind at rest.
If you have any questions or need any help choosing which product is best for your pet's health - feel free to reach out and contact us our expert and friendly team on 01308 897272 or email info@dorwest.com.
