Have you been noticing for a day or two that your dog won’t poop, or is pooping in agony? Your curiosity has brought you to the right place. My dog won’t poop! … and you may get very concerned. But take a deep breath, it’s nothing serious.
It’s usual for dogs to constipate. However, keep monitoring your dog’s bowel movements if they are mild or severe. How to recognise such? We will educate you on this just now.
My dog won’t poop: Symptoms to watch for
When your dog suffers from some form of constipation you will observe different symptoms such as the following:
- Your dog has not had any bowel movements for the past two or more days.
- Your dog is suffering from Dyschezia, i.e., cries due to straining and pain while pooping.
- Your dog finds trouble walking.
- Your dog’s stool has turned crumbly due to extreme hardness and dryness.
- Your dog passes only liquid in small amounts.
- Your dog passes bloody stools.
Constipation is nothing uncommon in dogs and they have the capability to recover on their own. Sometimes, dogs also hold themselves from pooping for a while. So, hold on, do not panic if your dog has not pooped for the last 24 to 48 hours. However, your dog surely needs help.
You must also not rule out that constipation might be a symptom of a more severe illness. Despite being a common condition it’s a scenario to keep in mind.
To have a better understanding of your dog’s condition, check if one of the following causes relate to your dog.
My dog won’t poop: common causes
Following may be the potential reasons why your dog won’t poop.
Excessive fiber consumption
Like humans, consuming excessive amounts of fibre is one of the most common reasons why dogs fall victim to constipation. Low-quality dog food as well table scraps to be fed to your dog are most likely to cause constipation for days.
Nutritional deficiency
Similarly, a diet short of healthy and essential nutrients is another cause of a dog’s constipation condition. In this case, the importance of high-quality dog food is highlighted again.
In addition, experts reveal that changing a dog’s diet frequently rather than sticking to a consistent plan makes up for another reason why your dog won’t poop.
Ungroomed matted fur
As absurd as it may sound, thick layers of dense fur matted around your dog’s anus can potentially cause obstruction while pooping. So, keep your dog’s fur nicely trimmed.
Grooming is not only about looks but is a significant factor in your dog’s health as well. Your dog deserves regular pampering sessions with a professional groomer, if you do not have the time or the talent to do it yourself.
Gulping down inedible objects
Some dogs tend to randomly gulp down things that they are not supposed to. Eating sticks, rocks, chalks, rubber can cause intestinal blockage.
You must prevent your dog from swallowing an object that will not pass through and prevent him from pooping. In addition, this could require surgery to remove it. Therefore, always keep an eye on your dog when is aggressively chewing into a toy or any foreign object.
My dog won’t poop: Abnormal anal glands
Some dogs have enlarged anal glands, which cause them much hassle when it comes to pooping. If your dog has abnormal anal glands, it is essential to take him to a vet or a groomer to empty those glands on a regular basis.
We don’t recommend you taking matters in your own hands and handle the task yourself because there is a risk to hurt your dog.
This is often time overlooked but your dog will not go pooping for days if his glands are not allowing it.
Underlying tumours
We pray that this potential reason behind why your beloved dog won’t poop never has to become a reality. Dogs with underlying tumours in their anus or rectum may experience straining, pain and a complete blockage while pooping.
Please get your dog checked by a good veterinarian in case symptoms persists and get worse.
My dog won’t poop: common treatments
These are the most effective solutions to consider if your dear dog is not able to poop.
Feed your dog canned pumpkin
This is the most proven home treatment for your dog. Pumpkins are rich in fibre capable enough to meet any nutritional deficiencies in your dog. In addition, 100% pure canned pumpkins without any additives are super safe for any dog to ingest.
You may directly spoon feed this magic fruit to your pup or mix it into his daily meal.
Rehydrate your dog
As in the case of humans, dehydration can do similar damage to an animal’s body. So, give your pup plenty of fresh water to drink. Maintain a rigorous drinking schedule to ensure your dog drinks enough on a daily basis.
Feed your dog premium veterinary food
There are certain dog foods that contain all essential nutrients required to address specific canine medical conditions. Always give such food to your dog in priority, based on the recommendations of your veterinary.
Increase the level of physical activity
Just as your highly pampered dog starts to get lazy, its digestive system also the same behaviour. Appropriate exercise will contribute to restoring the digestive functions, thereby improving your dog’s pooping habits.
Vets suggest that your dog must be taken on long walks, given playtime and other physical activity to keep him engaged for longer times than usual. Get up, pup. It’s time to move ya body!
My dog won’t poop: how about a stool softener?
A stool softener is one of the best treatments to follow when your dog won’t poop. But until your vet suggests it for your dog, never use that solution on your own.
Some stool softeners can be taken by humans only and using them for your dog lead to even worse results. This is why, always count on your vet before self-medicating your dog.
Enemas treatment
In case all of the above treatments fail, a treatment involving the injection of a rectal fluid to clean and stimulate bowel movement can be considered. Make sure that only a professional veterinary carries this treatment out.
The bottom line
Although it is common for dogs to get constipated, special care must be given to them if the condition persists and symptoms described above are observed.
If home remedies like hydrating, pumpkin intake and exercise don’t resolve your dog’s condition, it’s always better to take him to a vet instead of playing guessing games and blindly using self-medication on your dog.
Never wait for more than two days before consulting your vet.