What Do I Do If My Dog is Constipated?

Quick takeaway: If your dog is constipated, there are a few gentle things you can try at home to help get things moving, like encouraging exercise, increasing hydration, or feeding a small amount of high-fiber, dog-friendly foods. That said, constipation isn’t something to ignore. If your pup isn’t pooping within a day or two, or shows signs of distress, it’s time to contact your vet.

I Think My Dog Is Constipated, What Do I Do?

Constipation in dogs can sometimes be temporary, especially if it’s caused by dehydration, low fiber intake, or a recent change in routine. But it can also be a sign of something more serious, like an underlying condition. Close observation of your dog’s bowel movements is essential.

Start by reviewing their recent diet and activity. Have they eaten anything unusual? Been less active? Drinking enough water? Mild constipation may respond to changes in hydration, activity, or fiber intake – consult our vet-written article on 9 ways to help your dog poop quickly, for further advice on gentle home solutions.

Popular home solutions for dog constipation include:

• Upping water intake and encouraging increased hydration with a healthy flavoring like bone broth.
• Feeding a suitable amount of a dog-friendly fiber, to encourage normal digestion.
• Placing a warm compress over the belly to relax the gut and aid digestion.

If your pup’s symptoms don’t improve, or if they seem uncomfortable or in distress, it’s important to get in touch with your veterinarian. Signs to watch for include straining without producing stool, small or hard bowel movements, infrequent pooping, bloating, reduced appetite, and low energy. If symptoms worsen or you notice blood in the stool or vomiting, contact your vet promptly.

What To Avoid Doing When Your Dog is Constipated

Some things should never be used to treat constipation in dogs at home. These include, but are not limited to: 

• Human Laxatives: Human laxatives are not designed for a dog’s system and may cause harm to your pup. Some human laxatives contain ingredients that may be toxic to dogs (i.e., senna, cascara, bisacodyl). Further, the rapid loss of fluids can disrupt your dog’s electrolytes and cause dehydration, muscle weakness, and heart arrhythmia.  

• Too Much Fiber: Too much fiber may lead to loose stools or digestive upset, which can increase the risk of dehydration.  

• Guessing Why Your Dog is Constipated: Dogs can be constipated for a variety of reasons, which is why getting a proper diagnosis is critical before trying any type of treatment at home. Dogs could have an obstruction, including foreign objects they may have eaten or a mass or stricture in the colon or anal region. These are diagnosed with a physical examination that usually includes x-rays.

• Remedies That Aren’t Veterinarian-Approved: Your dog may not actually be constipated, which can be worsened by the wrong home remedy. One-size or one-product-fits-all is never a good idea when giving your dog something your veterinarian does not approve of.  

How Do I Help Prevent My Dog Getting Constipated in The Future?

Keeping your dog regular starts with the basics:

• Consistent exercise to help stimulate digestion
• Plenty of fresh water every day
• A balanced diet with appropriate levels of fiber
• Monitoring stool consistency regularly
• Preventing access to inedible objects, like socks, bones, or garbage

FAQ: What To Do If Your Dog is Constipated

Q: How long can a dog go without pooping before it’s a concern?
If your dog hasn’t had a bowel movement in more than 48 hours — especially if they’re showing signs of discomfort — it’s time to check in with your vet.

Q: Can I give my dog prune juice or milk?
No — these are not recommended for dogs. Prune juice, milk, and other human remedies can upset your dog’s stomach or cause diarrhea.

Q: When should I take my dog to the vet?
If your dog is vomiting, seems in pain, stops eating, or still hasn’t pooped after trying dog-friendly home approaches, it’s important to contact your veterinarian. These could be signs of a more serious issue that needs medical attention.

Final Thoughts: What Do I Do If My Dog Is Constipated?

If you’re asking yourself “what do I do if my dog is constipated?” start with small steps at home like increasing hydration, encouraging light activity, and offering dog-friendly fiber sources (in moderation). Monitor your pup closely, and if they still haven’t had a bowel movement after 24–48 hours, or show signs of discomfort, vomiting, or loss of appetite, it’s time to contact your vet.

Constipation may be temporary, but it’s always worth paying attention to. With gentle care, the right support, and a bit of patience, you can help get things moving and keep your dog feeling their best.

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