Quick Solutions: How to Make a Constipated Dog Poop

If you've noticed your dog straining or having difficulty going to the bathroom, you may be wondering how to make a constipated dog poop quickly. Constipation is a common issue in dogs that can cause discomfort, bloating, and distress. As a pet owner, it's essential to understand what causes constipation in dogs and how to address it promptly. In this guide, we will explore practical solutions and expert tips to help your dog feel better fast.

Symptoms of Constipation in Dogs

I. Abnormal bowel movement frequency

• Decreased frequency of defecation

Normally, dogs will have 1 - 3 bowel movements per day. If the dog does not have a bowel movement for more than 2 days, it is likely to be a sign of constipation. However, this may also be affected by dietary changes, environmental changes and other factors, need to be combined with other symptoms to determine the overall.

II. Changes in fecal pattern

• Dry and hard

When the dog is constipated, the feces will become dry, hard and granular, similar to the shape of sheep dung. This is because the feces stay in the intestines for too long and the water is over-absorbed.

• Small amount of feces

The amount of feces discharged each time is very small, or even only a very small amount of dry and knotted fecal fragments can be discharged.

III. Abnormal bowel behavior

• Difficulty in defecation

The dog will frequently make defecation postures, such as squatting, arching the back, etc., but it is difficult to pass feces smoothly.

• Long defecation time

The dog remains in the defecation position for a long period of time, which may be as long as several minutes or even ten minutes, but still fails to defecate normally.

• Painful behavior

During defecation, the dog may yelp or whimper in pain or show restlessness or irritability. Some dogs will also use their hind feet to keep digging the ground, trying to use external forces to promote defecation.

IV. Abdominal Abnormalities

• Abdominal tension

When you touch your dog's abdomen, you can feel that it is tense and hard. This is due to the accumulation of dried feces in the intestinal tract, which increases the pressure in the abdomen.

• Hard lumps can be felt

Sometimes you can feel hard lumps in the abdomen. These hard lumps may be the result of feces that have not been excreted and have accumulated in the intestines.

V. Other accompanying symptoms

• Loss of appetite

Due to the accumulation of feces in the intestinal tract, the dog may experience a loss of appetite and a lack of interest in their favorite foods.

• Poor mental health

Constipation can make your dog feel physically ill, thus showing a depressed and inactive state. If the constipation lasts for a long time and is severe, symptoms such as vomiting may also occur.

What Causes Dog Constipation?

I. Diet-related factors

• Insufficient dietary fiber

If your dog's food lacks sufficient dietary fiber, the feces will lack the necessary volume and water to pass out smoothly. For example, long-term consumption of only a single meat-based dog food, lack of fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits or grains.

• Drinking too little water

Inadequate water intake can lead to dry feces. Dogs may not drink enough water due to inconveniently located water bowls, poor water quality, or hot weather, which can lead to constipation.

• Problems with food quality

Consumption of spoiled, indigestible food, which stays in the intestinal tract for too long and is difficult to be digested and excreted properly, can easily cause constipation.

II. Environmental and lifestyle factors

• Lack of exercise

If the dog lacks exercise for a long time, the intestinal peristalsis will slow down. For example, small dogs are locked in cages all day long, large dogs are tethered for a long time without enough space for activities, which will affect the normal excretion function of the intestinal tract.

• Change of living environment

When a dog suddenly enters a new environment, such as moving or foster care, there may be a change in bowel habits due to stress and anxiety, which in turn leads to constipation.

III. Body functions and health problems

• Age factor

Older dogs are more prone to constipation as their body functions decline and their intestinal motility decreases. At the same time, older dogs may also be accompanied by other health problems, such as arthritis, which will limit their activities, indirectly affecting defecation.

• Diseases

Anal gland problems: Blocked or inflamed anal glands can cause painful bowel movements, which can lead to resistance to defecation and constipation over time.

Intestinal foreign bodies: Dogs accidentally eat bones, hair, toy fragments and other foreign objects, which may block the intestinal tract and prevent the normal discharge of feces.

Intestinal parasites: e.g. tapeworms, roundworms, etc. parasitized in large quantities in the intestines, which will affect the normal function of the intestines and lead to constipation.

Endocrine diseases: e.g. hypothyroidism will slow down the dog's metabolism, including intestinal peristalsis, thus causing constipation.

Neurological diseases: affecting the function of the nerves that control intestinal peristalsis, leading to insufficient intestinal power and constipation.

How to Make a Constipated Dog Poop？

I. Dietary adjustments

• Increase dietary fiber

Feed your dog some fiber-rich foods such as pumpkin (pure pumpkin with no sugar and no additives). Pumpkin is rich in dietary fiber, which helps to increase stool volume and promote intestinal peristalsis. Depending on the size of your dog, you can feed 1 - 2 scoops for small dogs, 2 - 3 scoops for medium dogs, and about 3 - 4 scoops for large dogs.

You can also add a small amount of bran to your dog's food, but be careful to add it gradually to avoid causing gastrointestinal discomfort in your dog.

• Ensure Adequate Drinking Water

Make sure your dog has clean, fresh water to drink at all times. Inadequate water intake can lead to constipation, and adequate water can loosen stools and make them easy to pass. If your dog is not actively drinking water, try adding a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth to the water to make it more appealing.

II. Moderate Exercise

• Walking

Take your dog for moderate walks. Exercise can stimulate the dog's digestive system and promote intestinal peristalsis. After 1 - 2 hours after a meal, it is more appropriate to take your dog for a 15 - 20 minute slow walk, avoiding strenuous exercise immediately after a meal.

• Playing

Play some gentle interactive games with your dog, such as throwing a soft ball or a gentle game of tug of war. Physical activity helps move feces in the intestines, prompting the dog to defecate.

III. Abdominal Massage

Gently massage your dog's abdomen in a clockwise direction. Start on the right side of the dog's abdomen near the hip bone, massage upward toward the ribs, then across the abdomen to the left side, and then downward. This direction of massage is consistent with the natural peristalsis of the intestines and can stimulate intestinal activity. Massage should pay attention to the intensity, if the dog shows discomfort, should stop immediately.

IV. Use of medication (under the guidance of a veterinarian)

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If constipation is severe, medication may be needed to help the dog defecate, but this must be done under the guidance of a veterinarian. For example, your veterinarian may prescribe the right amount of mineral oil as a laxative according to your dog's condition, but use it in strict accordance with your veterinarian's instructions as incorrect use may cause your dog to inhale the mineral oil and cause danger.
If constipation persists for more than 1 - 2 days or is accompanied by other symptoms such as depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, etc., you should take your dog to the veterinarian immediately as constipation may be an indication of some underlying health problem.

What are the Foods to Relieve Constipation in Dogs？

I. High-fiber foods

• Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a very effective food for relieving dog constipation. It is rich in dietary fiber, which can increase the volume of feces and stimulate intestinal peristalsis. Pumpkin can be cooked and fed in the right amount according to the size of the dog. For example, small dogs can be fed 1 - 2 tablespoons per day, medium-sized dogs 2 - 3 tablespoons and large dogs 3 - 4 tablespoons.

• Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are also rich in fiber. Boiling sweet potatoes and feeding them to your dog in small pieces can help promote bowel movements. Be careful to feed in moderation though, as sweet potatoes contain some sugar and overfeeding may cause other health problems.

• Oats

Oats are a healthy, high-fiber food. You can mix a small amount of oats into your dog's dog food to help improve intestinal function and relieve constipation.

II. Fruits

• Apples (peeled and cored)

Apples contain pectin and other fiber components that are beneficial to your dog's intestinal health. However, remove the skin and core of apples, as apple cores contain a small amount of cyanide, which may be harmful to dogs.

• Bananas

Bananas are rich in potassium and fiber, and feeding them in moderation can help regulate your dog's intestinal function. However, due to the high sugar content of bananas, they should not be overfed, especially for obese or diabetic dogs.

Related：Can Dogs Have Bananas

III. Vegetables (cooked and fed)

• Broccoli

Broccoli is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Cooked broccoli can be used as a complementary food for dogs to help improve constipation.

• Spinach

Spinach is also a good choice. It is rich in nutrients and dietary fiber that promotes proper functioning of your dog's intestines.

It is important to note that when adding new foods to your dog, introduce them gradually and observe if your dog reacts with allergies or gastrointestinal discomfort. If your dog's constipation problem persists for a longer period of time or is accompanied by other abnormal symptoms, such as vomiting and depression, you should consult your veterinarian promptly.

FAQs

What Is a Natural Laxative For Dogs?

• Pumpkin

Pumpkin is rich in dietary fiber, which helps to increase the volume of feces and promote intestinal peristalsis. You can cook the pumpkin and feed it in the right amount according to your dog's diet. For example, small dogs can be fed 1 - 2 scoops at a time, medium dogs 2 - 3 scoops and large dogs 3 - 5 scoops.

• Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are also a good natural source of fiber. Again, they need to be cooked and fed, although it is important to control the amount to avoid overfeeding and causing indigestion. Small dogs can be fed about half a sweet potato a day, medium dogs 1, and large dogs 1 - 2.

• Yogurt ( no sugar)

Contains active probiotics, which can regulate the intestinal flora of dogs and improve intestinal function. The amount of each feeding depends on the size of the dog, 1 - 2 spoons for small dogs, 2 - 3 spoons for medium dogs, 3 - 5 spoons for large dogs.

How Can I Loosen My Dog's Bowel Blockage At Home?

• Dietary adjustments

Offer foods that are high in fiber and easy to digest, such as the pumpkin and sweet potatoes mentioned above. These foods add bulk and softness to the feces and may help push through any blockages that may be present in the intestines.
Increase water intake and make sure your dog has clean water available at all times. Adequate hydration will make the feces more moist and easier to pass.

• Abdominal Massage

Gently massage your dog's abdomen in a clockwise direction. Massage with a moderate amount of force to avoid injury from over exertion. Massage for 5 - 10 minutes each time, 2 - 3 times a day. This will stimulate intestinal peristalsis and potentially help to unblock intestinal obstructions.

How Can I Stimulate My Dog To Have a Bowel Movement?

• Increase Exercise

Proper exercise can stimulate your dog's bowel movements. For example, take your dog out for a walk or play some simple interactive games indoors. Walk for 15 - 20 minutes per day for small dogs, 20 - 30 minutes for medium dogs and 30 - 45 minutes for large dogs.

• Anal Stimulation

You can gently stimulate your dog around the anus with a moist cotton ball or soft tissue. This stimulation may elicit the dog's bowel reflex, but be careful to move gently to avoid damaging the anus.

• Regular Bowel Movements

Establish a regular bowel movement schedule and take your dog to a specific spot outside at the same time every day. After a period of training, your dog's body will develop a biological clock and it will be easy to have a bowel movement when the time comes.

Conclusion

Helping a constipated dog poop quickly involves a combination of hydration, diet changes, exercise, and natural remedies. By recognizing the symptoms early and taking prompt action, you can alleviate your dog’s discomfort and prevent future constipation. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog’s condition doesn’t improve or if you notice any concerning symptoms.