Dogs

My Dog Does Not Poop, How to Make a Dog Poop Quickly?

If your dog does not defecate, stools are infrequent, or you have to make too much effort to get it, and it may suffer from constipation (it may be that you need food for dogs with constipation )

Constipation problems are common in puppies, middle-aged, and elderly dogs and can cause a lot of discomfort and pain for the dog.

How do I know if my dog is constipated?

Most dogs poop once or twice a day, although it depends on the dog and its diet. A day or two without stools is not a cause for concern if the stools are of normal size when he defecates and your dog does not have difficulties doing so.

In contrast, it becomes dry and hard when stool is retained in the colon for two or three days. In this case, your dog will have to make great efforts to evacuate them.

Sometimes the stool is accompanied by blood or mucus. If constipation persists, it can affect the functioning of the dog’s large intestine, so it is advisable to go to the veterinarian. In addition, constipation can be caused by a disease that needs professional treatment or that can be serious, such as some tumors or cancer.

In addition to the absence of stools or hard, dry stools, your dog may have inflammation of the anal area, abdominal distension, stress, apathy, or lack of appetite. When the problem persists, episodes of vomiting may appear.

What are the causes of my dog’s constipation?

My dog does not poop

Photo by Dominik QN on Unsplash

Among the most frequent causes of constipation we have the following:

  • Your dog does not drink enough water. The little water that you ingest passes directly to the walls of the intestine, which makes the stool dry, hard, and difficult to eliminate.
  • Ingestion of foreign materials, such as bone chips, hair, grass, cellulose, cloth, paper, or other substances. The not digested material mixes with the feces and forms stony masses in the colon.
  • Some drugs cause constipation as a secondary side effect.
  • Hypothyroidism can cause chronic constipation.
  • Sometimes the dog ignores the urge to defecate voluntarily. Dogs often develop these inhibitions during house training. They control the desire to defecate when they are left alone for long periods. They may also be reluctant to poop when hospitalized, in kennels, or traveling.
  • Your dog is not consuming enough fiber.
  • Lack of exercise. Physical exercise helps intestinal transit, reducing the dryness and hardness of stools.
  • Any condition or disease, such as colitis, anorectal obstruction, intestinal obstruction.
  • Your dog is old. Elderly dogs have more problems related to intestinal transit.
  • Some tumors and cancers cause constipation.

You should see your vet whether your dog is constipated, the bowel movement occurs but is painful, or the stool contains blood or mucus.

My dog does not poop because he has fecal impactions.

A fecal impaction is a hardened stool mass in the rectum and colon. Despite making repeated and vigorous efforts, dogs that suffer from them deposit small amounts of feces or do not defecate at all. They are often listless, without appetite, with abdominal distention and vomiting. They may be hunched over.

Fecal impactions require veterinary examination and treatment. Before removing them, you will need to rehydrate your dog intravenously. Most fecal impactions are removed under general anesthesia.

What happens if my dog has an anorectal obstruction?

A common cause of anorectal obstruction is an enlarged prostate, which protrudes backward and compresses the rectum. This happens more often in older male dogs.

Other times, the obstruction is due to foreign bodies passing through the gastrointestinal tract.

It can also be due to a pelvic fracture.

Some breeds, such as Boston Terriers and Curly-Tailed Bulldogs, feature a stiff extension of the tail over the anal canal, pinching it against the pelvic floor.

Other causes of anorectal obstruction are:

  • Fecal impactions.
  • Caking of feces around the anus.
  • Rectal strictures.
  • Perianal gland tumors.
  • Rectal polyps and cancers.

Anorectal obstruction weakens the muscular support of the rectum and negatively affects defecation. The main symptom is efforts to pass stool, which may be flat or tattered and is sometimes accompanied by blood.

Treatment depends on the cause of the obstruction. Most of the time, foreign bodies are removed digitally under sedation or anesthesia. Other times, surgical intervention is required.

My dog has false constipation. For what is this?

False constipation is caused by hair or stringy strands around the anus becoming caked with dry stool and preventing evacuation. It occurs in long-haired dogs, usually after a bout of diarrhea. The skin becomes irritated, sore, and infected, introducing an element of volunteer retention.

Dogs with false constipation are restless and chew and lick their anus. Other times, they rub it against the ground, groan and try to evacuate in an upright position. A very unpleasant odor is produced.

Treatment consists of trimming the knots and matting hair to remove the cause of the blockage. If the area is sore, it’s best to have it done by a vet under general anesthesia. Next, you’ll need to keep the area clean and apply a topical ointment.

Dogs prone to false constipation should have their hair clipped regularly around the anus.

I have a puppy a few weeks old, and he doesn’t poop. What can I do?

Nursing puppies usually defecate after each feed. Therefore, if they don’t, you should stimulate them to evacuate. After feeding:

  1. Place the puppy on its back, resting on your hand or lap, with a pad underneath.
  2. Have a container with warm water and cotton or gauze ready.
  3. Wet the cotton and pass it through the genital area and then through the anal area.

Do it several times gently. A gentle massage on the belly also helps.

This stimulation simulates its mother’s tongue and causes urination and defecation.

When your puppy has pooped, clean and dry the area well.

If a day goes by without the puppy urinating or defecating, go to the vet.

What foods will make dogs poop fast?

Special diet recommended for a dog suffering from constipation

Some foods are very beneficial for dogs that cannot poop. Here is the list of :

  • Pumpkin: Pumpkin contains a lot of water and is an excellent source of fiber. Try to make a fresh pumpkin puree for your dog, he will love it, and it will be very beneficial.
  • Fruits and vegetables: Green beans, broccoli, zucchini. Green leafy vegetables are rich in fiber.
  • Protein: The diet should include good quality protein.
  • Water: Sometimes constipation is due to dehydration.
  • Supplements:  Pre and probiotics, folic acid, and digestive enzymes are important for a dog suffering from constipation
  • laxatives: Your vet may advise the use of a laxative for your dog. Please don’t give it to him without his recommendation.
  • Enemas: Like laxatives, enemas are solutions for your dog’s constipation that your vet will prescribe if necessary.

How to treat constipation in my dog?

  • Good hydration: Make sure your dog always has fresh, clean water available to him. If he is exercising, give him water regularly.
  • High fiber diet: Look for feed and food with a high fiber content to promote your dog’s digestive health.
  • Regular exercise: Dogs need to exercise. If your dog is not very active, take short walks with him regularly. Lack of physical activity leads to various problems, including poor digestion.
  • If your dog willfully withholds stool, give him multiple opportunities to do so. Take your dog for a walk several times a day. It is best to go to an area where your dog is used to walking.
  • On trips, you may need a mild laxative. Before giving your dog a laxative, consult your veterinarian.
  • Watch out for the bones: They can cause constipation. If your dog is prone to this ailment, consider giving him nylon chew toys.
  • If it has ingested foreign bodies, eliminate the cause and go to your veterinarian to examine it.
  • If your dog is already old, it will reduce its intestinal activity. You can help by soaking the feed with water and letting the mixture rest for about 20 minutes.

What do I think can I give a dog that does not poop?

Specific foods for dogs with digestive problems, or those of high quality with high fiber content and without grains, are good options for your dog. Next, we propose five lines of specific croquettes for dogs with constipation. Don’t forget to always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet.

Reasons why dogs does not poop 

  • Constipation occurs when the dog does not defecate or does so with difficulty.
  • Constipation is common in middle-aged and older dogs.
  • Most dogs have a bowel movement once or twice a day.
  • If your dog does not poop or does it with effort, and his stools are hard and dry, he may suffer constipation.
  • It is important to go to the vet since constipation can cause intestinal problems for your dog.
  • Although the most common cause of constipation is dehydration, there are others, including some cancers and tumors, which we detail in the article.
  • Make sure you provide enough water for your dog.
  • A diet with fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics can be very suitable for constipation dogs.
  • Never give your dog laxatives or apply enemas unless directed by your veterinarian.
  • Physical exercise is important and helps combat constipation.
  • Constipation may be due to fecal impactions, anorectal obstruction, hypothyroidism, or hypercalcemia.
  • Some long-haired dog breeds suffer from false constipation because of their hair.
  • Sometimes puppies need to be stimulated until they manage to defecate independently.
  • Always watch your dog when he defecates and be alert to any symptoms that could indicate constipation.
  • Always consult your veterinarian about any problems you observe in your dog.
  • Do not change your dog’s diet without your veterinarian’s approval.