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Dog Constipation Treatment

Dog Constipation Treatment

Updated on February 03, 2023
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Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Coates
DVM

Constipated Dog? | Constipation Symptoms | Constipation Serious? | Causes | Veterinarian Diagnoses | Poop | Prevention

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When it comes to your dog’s digestive issues, constipation can be uncomfortable for both pups and their parents. But paying attention to the frequency and consistency of your pup’s poop is a routine part of monitoring your dog’s health & wellness—and can alert you to underlying conditions.

Knowing the signs that indicate your dog is backed up—and common treatments—now can save you time, worry and trouble down the road. Learn common canine constipation symptoms and causes so you can spot them before things get complicated. For more information on typical pet health issues, look at our guides on Recognizing Dog Health Issues and Basic Dog Health Care. 

Can my dog get constipated?

Yes—just like humans, dogs can get constipated. In fact, it’s a relatively common health issue in dogs. Constipation can occur at any age and in every size and breed. If you suspect your dog is constipated, consult veterinary services to get to the root cause, and read on for some mild dog constipation treatments to try at home.

What are some canine constipation symptoms?

The most obvious constipation symptom you will likely notice is that your dog will have trouble passing stool. They may take longer than usual to defecate, may be found pacing and squatting excessively with no result, yelping out in pain—or they may not be able to defecate at all. If your dog hasn’t pooped at least once within 24 hours, they are likely constipated.  

Other symptoms can include dry, hard stool that looks like pebbles or stones, rather than the usual, softer “S” shape. Small amounts of watery stool can also be a sign of constipation because that is all that can pass by the harder feces left inside. These types of defecation may have a worse smell than normal when your pet is severely backed up. 

Aside from abnormal stool, your dog may vomit or have a decreased appetite and can even lose weight over the long term. They may also have a distended or painful abdomen—if your dog cries out or growls when you touch their stomach, they could be constipated or have another potentially serious health problem.

Is dog constipation serious?

Constipation is a common condition with many causes—some of which are serious and others that may go away on their own. It’s important to monitor your dog if you suspect constipation. If they have not defecated at least once in 48 hours, it’s time to talk to your veterinarian.

If dog constipation is left untreated, it can develop into a more serious condition called obstipation. This is when feces becomes packed in the colon so tightly it cannot move—even with common forms of treatment like canine laxatives or stool softeners. Obstipation often requires anesthesia and manual intervention by a veterinarian to get your dog’s bowel movements back on track. However, it’s not recommended to let it get to that point—if they’re suffering, your pup needs dog constipation relief fast.

What can cause my dog to be constipated?

Dog constipation has many causes, ranging from mild and transient to serious underlying medical conditions. Your pup’s lifestyle and diet can play a part—for example, a lack of exercise, a diet with insufficient fiber or a sudden change in diet. Medications like diuretics, opioids or sucralfate can also cause constipation.  

Pet parents should also be aware of the more serious causes of canine constipation symptoms. Obstruction of the intestines or colon can be caused by ingesting foreign objects or tumors and masses. Neurological or other underlying medical disorders—like kidney disease or an enlarged prostate—can also cause constipation. Sometimes, the cause is orthopedic—bone and joint issues can narrow the passageway for stool or cause pain when your pup poops, making them hesitant to do so.  

No matter the cause, it’s important to relieve a dog’s constipation as soon as possible. As in humans, dog constipation is extremely uncomfortable and can lead to more serious issues if it isn’t treated.

How will my veterinarian diagnose dog constipation?

If you think your dog is constipated, your veterinarian will complete a thorough physical examination and take their medical history. They will likely feel your dog’s abdomen to determine if their colon is firm or distended. They may conduct a rectal examination and use X-rays to confirm if your dog is constipated and to rule out abnormalities.  

Once dog constipation is confirmed, your veterinarian may want to take urine and blood samples to help determine the root cause. If there is a mass or tumor, they may take a biopsy, and in some cases, they may use ultrasound or other diagnostic tests to try to detect the cause.

How do I get my dog to poop?

Initially, your veterinarian may prescribe canine laxatives—like Lactulose—to help your pup get things moving while they determine the cause. From there, treatments may vary. Many cases can be treated with medication alone, followed by dietary or exercise changes for an extended period. If there is obstipation—or impacted feces—your veterinarian may need to anesthetize your dog, give an enema and manually remove a large amount of stool.  

If your dog’s constipation is being caused by digestive issues, you may opt to give them probiotics or other supplements to help with their bowel movements. And if there is a more serious underlying medical condition, treatment may require additional interventions, such as surgery or lifelong medications.  

For mild cases of constipation, your veterinarian may recommend feeding your dog a small amount of canned pumpkin, fruits like apples or blueberries, beet pulp or plain wheat bran to increase the fiber in their diet, as well as encouraging them to drink more water. Extra exercise—like a walk, run or hike—or stimulating your dog’s belly with a gentle massage can also help get things moving.  

Supplements may also be useful for constipation relief. Powdered psyllium seed and aloe ferox are popular remedies, but talk to your veterinarian before you give these to your dog.  Do not give your dog mineral oil; it can cause severe lung problems if it is accidentally inhaled.

How can I prevent my dog from getting constipated?

Dog constipation due to dietary or exercise deficiencies is often preventable. Many dogs will see improvement if they eat a little more fiber, which is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be broken down in the digestive system, helping create robust poops. You can add pumpkin or psyllium seed husks to your dog’s diet if you suspect they aren’t getting enough fiber. Conversely, some dogs do better if they eat a diet that is lower in fiber. This can be accomplished by feeding a highly digestible dog food. Daily exercise and access to fresh water are also essential to help prevent constipation.

A veterinarian can help you determine the best way to treat and prevent constipation, and you can browse our general pet Health & Wellness Guide for tips on how to handle other related digestive issues. 

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