Constipation is when a dog struggles to poo and little or nothing passes, because the stool in the colon has lost water and become hard, as the PDSA explains. The Kennel Club says it is likely to affect most dogs at some point. It can be a one-off, or a clue to something that needs investigating, so speak to your vet rather than reaching for a remedy.
At a glance
- What it is: difficulty passing hard, dry stools, or passing little or nothing.
- Who it affects: dogs of any age. The Kennel Club lists older age as a factor.
- Urgency: soon. The PDSA says it is always better to see a vet as soon as possible, and the Kennel Club says to call your local vet practice immediately if you suspect a blockage.
- Vet needed? Yes. The cause needs finding, and laxatives should only be used on veterinary advice.
Signs to look for
The PDSA lists whining or whimpering while pooing, prolonged or repeated straining, blood in the stool or on the bottom, over-grooming the back end, ribbon-like stool and mucus on the stool. A dog may also seem uncomfortable in the tummy, lethargic, sick or off their food. The Kennel Club mentions small, hard, dry stools and a tense, hard tummy, and says that if your dog has not had a poo within 24 hours, constipation is certainly possible.
Is it poo or wee trouble? The PDSA suggests checking the tail, which is often held up for a poo and down for a wee. Most dogs poo one to three times a day, it says, so any change in habits is worth mentioning to your vet. Runny stools are a different story, and our page on diarrhoea in dogs covers them.
Causes and risk factors
The PDSA groups causes into blockages (from swallowed bones or sharp objects, growths in the gut or abdomen, an enlarged or cancerous prostate in males, obesity, rectal prolapse, or matted fur around the anus), pain that makes it hard to take up the right position to poo (such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, a fractured pelvis or anal gland problems) and anything that causes dehydration or slows the gut, such as colitis, an underactive thyroid or certain medicines.
The Kennel Club adds hard-to-digest material such as grass or hair, too little water or exercise, and fibre intake that is too low or too high. If your dog eats grass, our guide to why dogs eat grass is worth a look, and the hypothyroidism and prostate problems pages cover two of the conditions on that list.
When to call your vet
Don’t leave it. The PDSA says constipation can get worse the longer you leave it, so see a vet as soon as possible, and always contact your vet if you are concerned. It doesn’t set out specific emergency signs. The Kennel Club says that if there are other concerning signs, or you think your dog has swallowed something that could be blocking the gut, you should call your local vet practice immediately.
If you don’t have a regular practice, use our vets guide, and see our sick dog symptoms page for other warning signs.
- 1. Notice
Straining, whimpering while pooing, or small, hard, dry stools. - 2. Speak to your vet
Soon. Call straight away if you suspect a blockage. - 3. Vet examines
Examines your dog, asks about habits, and may suggest tests or scans. - 4. Options
Treatment options your vet may discuss: laxative, diet and water changes, enema. - 5. Ongoing care
Plenty of water, regular exercise, a healthy weight and a suitable diet.
How vets diagnose it
The PDSA says the vet will examine your dog, ask about pooing habits and may do a rectal examination, which can need sedation. Depending on what they suspect, they may suggest blood tests, stool tests, X-rays or an ultrasound scan. Your vet may also ask you to collect a stool sample.
What vets generally do about it
Treatment is decided by your vet and depends on the cause and how severe it is. For milder cases, the PDSA says it can include a vet-prescribed laxative, changes to diet and water intake, and perhaps a small enema. Severe cases may need anaesthesia so the stool can be removed with a larger warm-water enema. The Kennel Club advises avoiding enemas, milk and laxatives unless prescribed by a vet, so leave those to your vet.
Living with it and prevention
For an otherwise healthy dog, the PDSA says plenty of water, regular exercise, a healthy weight and a suitable diet help. The Kennel Club adds a regular feeding routine, a balanced diet for your dog’s size and life stage, fibre blends only under vet guidance, and changing foods gradually over 7 to 10 days. If constipation keeps coming back, speak to your vet, because there may be an underlying cause to deal with. Is your dog heavier than they should be? Our obesity in dogs page is a good start.
Related conditions
- Diarrhoea in dogs
- Anal gland problems in dogs
- Prostate problems in dogs
- Arthritis in dogs
- Hypothyroidism in dogs
- Vomiting in dogs
- Browse the full A-Z of dog illnesses and conditions
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a dog poo?
The PDSA says most dogs poo one to three times a day, with puppies going a bit more often. Any change in habits is worth mentioning to your vet.
Can I give my constipated dog a laxative or milk?
The PDSA says laxatives should only be used on veterinary advice, and the Kennel Club advises avoiding enemas, milk and laxatives unless prescribed by a vet. Speak to your vet first.
When is constipation in dogs an emergency?
The PDSA doesn’t set out specific emergency signs, but says it is better to see a vet as soon as possible. The Kennel Club says to call your vet practice immediately if there are other concerning signs or your dog may have swallowed something that could block the gut.
How can I tell if my dog is straining to poo or to wee?
The PDSA suggests checking the tail, which is often held up for a poo and down for a wee. Either way, speak to your vet if your dog is straining.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your dog, speak to your vet. Written by Georgiana & Figo, who are dog owners, not vets. Have a look around Calmshops for everyday dog essentials.
