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How To Make a Dog Poop Quickly

Dog health expert Dr Carol Bryant explains 9 safe and effective ways you can help a dog poop quickly, from pumpkin to a warm belly compress.

6 min read·Updated: Oct 16, 2025
How To Make a Dog Poop Quickly

Quick takeaway: There are several ways to help a dog poop quickly. Home remedies you may wish to try include adding a small amount of pumpkin to their food for added nutritional fiber, giving a suitable amount of olive or coconut oil as digestive system lubrication, replacing their drinking water more often or flavoring it with a little bone broth to encourage better hydration, and gently placing a warm compress on the belly to help relax their bowels. If you are concerned about your dog struggling to poop, it’s important to contact your vet for advice.

9 Ways to Help a Dog Poop Quickly 

These safe and effective home remedies for mild constipation may help your dog to poop more quickly. Remember, if you are concerned about your dog not pooping and they seem uncomfortable, it’s time to contact the vet.

1. Pumpkin May Help Dogs Poop Quickly

“The safest home remedies to try include adding pumpkin to the food or a small amount of a fiber supplement” says Dr. Bernard. “Remember that most dogs are smaller than humans, so the human dose is too high.” 

Pumpkin is known for its ability to regulate digestion due to its high fiber content. Be sure to use canned pumpkin without sugar (not pumpkin pie filling) in your dog’s food for mild constipation issues. 

Pumpkin Fiber Blend

2. Olive Oil or Coconut Oil Can Help Lubricate Your Dog’s Digestive System

These oils act as a lubricant for your dog’s digestive system. A small amount added to daily meals may help relieve constipation in dogs. Too much can lead to diarrhea.  

3. Proper Hydration Makes Pooping Easier

Water is the foundation of life. Without it, people and pets cannot survive. In our article about how much water a dog should drink, we provide water consumption guidelines for your dog’s size and weight.   

4. Physical Activity Helps Keep Bowel Movements Regular

Movement is good for the body because it stimulates the digestive system and helps keep bowel movements regular. Ask your veterinarian how much exercise is enough for your dog. At the very least, dogs should get one or two walks a day with plenty of time for sniff time so they are encouraged to poop.  

5. Feeding High-Fiber Foods May Help Your Dog Poop Quickly

High-fiber, dog-friendly foods like plain, cooked green beans or mashed sweet potatoes can serve as natural fiber boosters in dogs. Fiber for dogs also comes in other forms, such as over-the-counter products, which we will discuss.  

6. Lactose-Free Yogurt Can Serve as a Mild Laxative

Dairy and yogurt may serve as a mild laxative for some dogs. Never give a dog dairy products with sugar substitutes like Xylitol. Too much dairy can cause diarrhea or belly upset.  

7. A Warm Compress on Your Dog’s Belly May Help Them Poop Quicker

A warm water compress on the belly may encourage the bowels to move if your dog allows it. Don’t make the compress too hot. To help your dog accept the compress, try tiring them out first with a walk or play session. Rub their tummy and ease into placing the warm compress on their tummy. 

8. Psyllium Husk Powder Can Be Added to Food to Encourage Faster Poops

Dr. Tancredi reports that psyllium husk powder, or Metamucil, can be added to food to increase fiber and relieve constipation. Your veterinarian can provide dosage information. Too much MiraLAX or Metamucil can cause diarrhea.  

9. Aloe Vera Juice Can Be Used To Promote Normal Bowel Movements

Most health food stores or natural sections of grocery stores sell aloe vera juice. Consult with your veterinarian about the right dose to serve your dog.  

A small dog lying on a soft, fluffy bed with closed eyes, being comforted by a gentle hand stroking its head.

How Long Can a Dog Safely Go Without Pooping?

A dog can safely go about 48 to 72 hours without defecating, per Dr. Bernard. Dr. Betty Chow of VCA Animal Specialty and Emergency Center says it depends on the dog.  

“If you are worried about your dog’s bathroom behaviors, please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian,” says Dr. Tancredi.  

When To Consult a Veterinarian About Your Dog Not Pooping

“If you are worried about your dog’s bathroom behaviors, please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian,” says Dr. Tancredi.   

Reasons to contact your veterinarian about a dog not pooping include: 

  • Your dog going longer than 48 to 72 hours without pooping. 
  • Your your dog is uncomfortable or shows signs of pain.
  • They are vomiting and unable to poop.
  • They poop, but there’s blood in the stool or the rectal area.
  • Your dog is a senior and seems uncomfortable. 
  • Your dog ingested a foreign object (never try to clear an intestinal blockage at home). 
  • Bloating or abdominal swelling. 
  • Chronic recurrent constipation episodes. 

When visiting the vet, they may do x-rays or an ultrasound, perform a rectal examination, use an enema to help relieve constipation, prescribe medications, or surgical intervention if necessary.  

Sources

https://vcahospitals.com/venture/team/elizabeth-tancredi

https://vcahospitals.com/animal-specialty-emergency/team/betty-chow

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Carol BryantC
Written by

Carol Bryant

Carol is the Immediate Past President of the Dog Writers Association of America and is well-known in the pet industry, appearing on television, radio shows, and podcasts, as well as in articles from CNN and Yahoo to Dogster and Today.com. She is a copywriter, content marketer, and awarded blogger who owns FidoseofReality.com and SmartDogCopy.com.

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