Constipation happens when a dog is struggling to pass poo, or very little is coming out despite repeated attempts. It’s a fairly common problem and can range from mild and short-lived to a sign of something more serious going on.
Because constipation can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, it’s always best to contact your vet if your dog is having difficulty pooing. Early advice can help prevent the problem from getting worse and ensure any underlying cause is treated promptly.
Most adult dogs poo between one and three times a day, though puppies may go more often. What’s most important is what’s normal for your dog, so you know when something changes.
This is another reason to always pick up after your dogs on a walk, so you can see if their poo isn’t normal for them.
Normally, waste passes through the intestines and out of the body as poo. When poo sits in the colon for too long, the body absorbs water from it, making it dry, hard and difficult to pass. In some cases, only small amounts of liquid stool can get around the blockage.
If a dog is completely unable to pass poo at all, this is known as obstipation and needs urgent veterinary attention.
Constipation can have many different causes, which is why veterinary advice is important.
Blockages or pressure on the bowel
Anything that narrows or blocks the passage of poo can lead to constipation. This may include swallowed bones or foreign objects, growths in the abdomen, an enlarged prostate in male dogs, severe obesity, or matted fur blocking the anus.
Pain or difficulty posturing
If it hurts to squat, dogs may avoid pooing. This can happen with arthritis, hip problems, pelvic injuries or painful conditions around the anus.
Other medical or lifestyle causes
Dehydration, a lack of fibre in the diet, underactive thyroid disease, and some medications can all slow gut movement and make stools harder to pass. Dogs that haven’t had enough opportunity to toilet may also become constipated.
Your vet will start with a physical examination and ask about your dog’s toileting habits, diet and general health. In some cases, a rectal examination may be needed, sometimes under light sedation to keep your dog comfortable.
Depending on what’s suspected, further tests might include blood tests, poo tests, X-rays or an ultrasound scan to look for blockages or underlying illness.
Treatment depends on how severe the constipation is and what’s causing it.
For mild cases, your vet may recommend:
Sometimes a small enema is given to help loosen stool in the colon.
More severe constipation may require an anaesthetic so hardened poo can be safely removed using a larger warm-water enema. Any underlying cause, such as dehydration or pain, will also need to be treated.
You should contact your vet if:
Constipation can worsen if left untreated, so it’s always better to seek advice sooner rather than later. If you’re unsure whether your dog is struggling to poo or to wee, your vet can help assess this.
You know your dog best, and if something doesn’t feel right, it’s always okay to ask for veterinary advice.
For dogs that are otherwise healthy, you can help support regular bowel movements by:
Never give laxatives without veterinary advice, as constipation may be a sign of a problem that needs specific treatment.
