"Why Is My Dog Constipated?" and Other Gastrointestinal Questions

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"What defines constipation?" and "Why is my dog constipated?" are questions frequently asked by pet owners. On the opposite end of the gastrointestinal (GI) spectrum lies diarrhea, which can also be perplexing since it can have many underlying causes. Both of these GI issues in dogs can cause lethargy, bloating and extreme discomfort. Although providing your dog with nutritionally balanced food and avoiding dietary indiscretions (like trash picking, ingesting toys and nibbling table scraps) can minimize GI upset, constipation and diarrhea are common conditions pet parents should know how to handle.

Long-haried Chihuahua dog frowns in the bright sun while on a leash.

What Is Constipation?

Most dogs have a typical daily pattern of bowel movements. You probably already know it well from the number of bags you bring on a walk or the number of early morning pee breaks your pup asks for. Keeping track of your dog's normal habits can help you identify when something is wrong.

Before you ask "Why is my dog constipated?" you should know how to spot the signs. Constipation refers to infrequent or difficult passage of bowel movements. The stool passed is often hard and dry and might contain blood. A dog that poops one or two times less per day than usual is generally not cause for alarm, but if your dog has not passed stool in more than a day and is showing signs of straining or a poor appetite, call your veterinarian.

Why Is My Dog Constipated?

The question of why your dog is constipated can have many answers. A physical exam by your vet and tests, such as X-rays, will help discover or rule out the following problems:

  • Ingestion of foreign material (clothing, toys, bones, stones, grass, fur, human hair)
  • Sluggish intestinal movement
  • Dehydration
  • Matted fur blocking the anus
  • Enlarged prostate gland in male dogs
  • Hernias (when an injury or strain pushes a small section of an internal organ through the surrounding muscle)
  • Tumor or mass within the intestinal tract
  • Infected or impacted anal sacs
  • Side effect of medications
  • Orthopedic and neurological conditions, such as arthritis, that hinder a dog's ability to squat

How Can I Manage My Dog's Constipation?

The treatment of constipation depends on the underlying cause. In cases where your dog is merely bound up due to matted fur blocking the exit, you can provide immediate relief with grooming clippers. Dogs that are having difficulty passing stool containing fur, grass or bone fragments might need the gentle help of a vet's gloved hand to manually remove the impacted stool. Dogs having difficulty defecating due to enlarged prostate glands, masses within the intestinal tract or hernias will require surgical intervention.

You can help your orthopedically or neurologically impaired dog stay regular by supporting him with a harness while he defecates. Dogs with conditions, such as diabetes mellitus and kidney disease, which can increase their risk of dehydration and constipation, might need supplemental water added to their food or the administration of subcutaneous (under the skin) or intravenous (injected into a vein) fluids. If X-rays show a large amount of stool within your dog's colon, your vet might perform an enema to give him significant and immediate relief.

In order to prevent the frustrating and distressing scenario of dealing with dog constipation, talk to your veterinarian about ways you can handle and prevent constipation. Your vet might recommend giving your pup canned pumpkin, stool softeners, a high fiber therapeutic food like some Hill's Prescription Diet or a low residue therapeutic food. The increased fiber content of certain therapeutic dog food allows for greater absorption of water, which softens stool and promotes intestinal motility (the body's ability to move food through the digestive system). Although some human medications can provide relief for constipated pets, always consult a vet before administering any over-the-counter medication to your dog, as many can be dangerous or fatal for dogs if not properly administered.

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What Is Diarrhea?

In contrast to constipation, which can leave you wondering when your dog will poop again, diarrhea can leave a pet parent asking if your dog will ever stop pooping again. Diarrhea, the production of loose and frequent stools, is one of the most common G.I. issues in dogs. Like constipation, diarrhea can result from a variety of causes:

  • Eating rich or indigestible food (table scraps, sticks, toys, trash)
  • Sudden change in food or treats
  • Food allergy or intolerance
  • Stress (boarding in kennel, travel or separation anxiety)
  • Parasites
  • Viral or bacterial infection
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Cancer
  • Medications (antibiotics can often be a cause)
  • Non-gastrointestinal diseases, such as kidney or liver disorders or pancreatitis

How Can I Manage My Dog's Diarrhea?

GI issues in dogs are consistently found on top-ten lists of medical issues warranting veterinary visits. While many causes of diarrhea are serious and require medical attention, less severe episodes can be managed at home. As a general rule of thumb, you can move forward with home care if your dog's case meets the following criteria:

  • The diarrhea lasts less than two days.
  • Your dog is not extremely young, old or already medically compromised.
  • The diarrhea does not contain blood.
  • The color of the stool is not black.
  • Your dog is eating and drinking normally.
  • Your dog has not vomited more than one time.
  • Your dog is not acting lethargic.

Most importantly, please make sure to consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about any of these issues.

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What Home Care Tips Will Help My Dog's GI Distress?

When it comes to managing diarrhea at home, it's best to go slowly and carefully. Waiting twelve to twenty-four hours before giving your dog anything to eat allows the inflamed intestines time to rest and recover and minimizes the water lost from the body. It is critical to provide your dog with fresh water and to encourage him to drink to prevent dehydration.

Feeding your dog bland food, such as boiled skinless chicken and white rice, may also help to reestablish normal bowel movements. It is best to avoid fatty foods, and definitely do not give him treats or table scraps while he is recovering. Even if your dog's case of diarrhea seems mild, seeking veterinary care is always a safe choice. Your vet can prescribe medications to help quickly resolve diarrhea and might suggest a different therapeutic food than would be prescribed for constipation; this dog food will be a more highly digestible food that helps replace depleted key nutrients.

G.I. issues in dogs, whether constipation or diarrhea, require close attention. Although neither is usually an immediate emergency, if symptoms persist and your dog's condition worsens, do not delay veterinary care. A familiarity with your dog's normal defecation frequency and poop consistency will help you recognize a problem and provide optimal care for your best friend.

Contributor Bio

Mindy Cohan, VMD

Mindy Cohan is a veterinarian in the Philadelphia area and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She has a rescue dog named Jem. Mindy enjoys hiking with Jem while listening to podcasts about the American Civil War and Abraham Lincoln.

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