Struggling with a constipated dog? Discover effective tips and remedies to help your furry friend poop quickly. Read the article for expert solutions!
Knowing how to make a constipated dog poop quickly can be frustrating for pet parents. Dog constipation is one of those issues that can stress out the most diligent pet parent. Fortunately, there are home remedies for constipation to help alleviate your worries.
According to Veterinary Practice News, gastric issues are one of the top reasons people take their dogs to the veterinarian. Understanding the cause of your dog’s constipation is essential to better equip yourself to get things moving again in your dog’s gut.
In this article, we share common causes and symptoms of canine constipation, along with how and when to treat it at home. As always, it’s best to check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns or if your dog’s constipation lasts beyond 48 hours.
We’ve all been there – standing outside in the freezing cold or pouring rain waiting for our pup to do their business. Or maybe you’re running late for work, and your dog is taking forever to find the perfect pooping spot. It’s frustrating, right?
I totally get it. As a dog owner, I’ve spent countless hours waiting for my furry friend to poop. Sometimes it feels like they’re doing it on purpose just to drive us crazy!
But don’t worry – I’ve compiled a list of proven methods to help your dog poop quickly when you’re in a hurry. These tips are based on expert advice and real experiences from dog owners just like you
Why Do Dogs Take So Long to Poop?
Before diving into solutions, let’s understand why dogs sometimes take forever to do their business:
- Location preferences: Dogs are picky about where they poop. They prefer certain smells, textures, or privacy levels.
- Distractions: Your dog might be too excited by other animals, people, or interesting scents.
- Health issues: Constipation or digestive problems can make it difficult for your dog to go.
- Anxiety: Some dogs feel vulnerable while pooping and need to feel safe.
- They’re having fun: Your dog might delay pooping because they know the walk ends afterward!
Now, let’s get to the solutions you came here for!
10 Effective Ways to Make Your Dog Poop Quickly
1. Belly Massage
A gentle belly massage can stimulate your dog’s digestive system and help them poop faster. Here’s how to do it:
- Place your dog in a comfortable standing or lying position
- Gently massage their belly in a clockwise circular motion
- After 5 repetitions, switch to counterclockwise
- Continue for about 5 minutes
Research has shown that abdominal massage can trigger peristalsis – the muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract This can help push waste through your dog’s system and make them poop faster.
Warning: If your dog shows signs of pain during the massage, stop immediately. And never massage a dog with suspected obstruction!
2. Find a Quiet Spot
Just like humans, dogs appreciate some privacy when doing their business. Distractions like other dogs, people, or noises can delay pooping.
Try finding a quieter area for your dog to do their business. Once you identify a spot where your dog feels comfortable, stick to it for future potty breaks. This creates consistency and helps your dog understand that when you go to that spot, it’s time to poop.
3. Exercise More
One of the easiest ways to get your dog’s bowels moving is through exercise. Walking stimulates the digestive system and can help your dog poop more quickly.
I’ve noticed that my dog almost always poops during or after a good walk. The physical activity literally gets things moving inside!
Pro tip: Don’t head back home immediately after your dog poops. This teaches them that pooping ends the fun, which might make them hold it in next time. Instead, continue the walk for a few more minutes as a reward.
4. Use Wet Wipes (For Emergencies)
This might sound strange, but using dog-grooming wet wipes on your dog’s bum can stimulate them to poop. This mimics how mother dogs lick their puppies to encourage elimination.
For urgent situations (like when you’re traveling or late for work), this method can work quickly:
- Get dog-friendly grooming wipes
- Gently wipe your dog’s rear end
- The sensation may trigger them to poop right away
Remember, this should only be used occasionally in urgent situations!
5. Ice Cube Trick
Another emergency method is using an ice cube. The cold sensation can trigger your dog to contract their muscles and poop.
- Take your dog outside on a leash
- Put them in a standing position
- Wear disposable gloves
- Lift your dog’s tail
- Apply an ice cube near (not in) their anus for about 30 seconds
Your dog will likely feel uncomfortable, so offer treats during this process to keep them calm. Again, this should only be used occasionally when absolutely necessary.
6. Establish a Pooping Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, and their digestive systems work best on a regular schedule. By establishing consistent feeding and potty break times, you can help your dog develop a more predictable pooping schedule.
Monitor when your dog typically poops each day (usually after meals, first thing in the morning, and before bedtime). Then create a toilet schedule based on their natural rhythm.
Stick to this schedule, and over time, your dog will learn when it’s time to go, making the process faster.
7. Add Fiber to Their Diet
Fiber helps regulate bowel movements and can be especially helpful if your dog is constipated. Some great sources of fiber for dogs include:
- Canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
- Wheat bran
- Leafy green vegetables
- Sweet potatoes
For pumpkin, start with about 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight. Mix it into their regular food about 30 minutes before going for a walk.
8. Increase Water Intake
Dehydration is a common cause of constipation in dogs. When your dog doesn’t drink enough water, their stools become harder and more difficult to pass.
Ensure your dog always has access to fresh water. If they don’t drink enough, try:
- Adding an ice cube to their water bowl
- Using a pet fountain
- Mixing a bit of low-sodium chicken broth with water
9. Teach a “Go Poop” Command
With patience and consistency, you can teach your dog to poop on command! Here’s how:
- Take your dog to their toilet area on a leash
- Watch for signs they’re about to poop (circling, sniffing, squatting)
- When you see these signs, say a cue word like “go poop” or “get busy”
- When they poop, immediately praise and reward them
- Repeat this every time they go out for potty breaks
Over time, your dog will associate the command with pooping, making the process faster when you’re in a hurry.
10. Stay Calm and Patient
Dogs are sensitive to our emotions. If you’re frustrated or impatient, your dog might become anxious, making it harder for them to relax and poop.
Even when you’re in a hurry, try to remain calm. Use a positive, encouraging tone when taking your dog out. Avoid scolding or showing frustration, as this can make future potty breaks more difficult.
When to See a Vet
While occasional pooping delays are normal, consistent difficulty might indicate a health problem. Contact your vet if you notice:
- Straining to defecate
- Hard, dry stools
- No bowel movements for more than 48 hours
- Signs of pain during attempts to poop
- Blood in the stool
- Vomiting along with constipation
The Bottom Line (No Pun Intended!)
Getting your dog to poop quickly is about understanding their needs and creating the right conditions for success. With patience, consistency, and the right techniques, you can help speed up your dog’s pooping process.
Remember, some of these methods (like the ice cube or wet wipe techniques) should only be used occasionally in urgent situations. For long-term success, focus on establishing routines, proper diet, and training.
P.S. Next time you’re standing in the rain waiting for your dog to poop, just remember – we’ve all been there, and this too shall pass (hopefully sooner rather than later)!

9 Home Remedies to Help a Constipated Dog Poop Quickly
Home remedies for dog constipation are best for mild cases. Safe and effective home remedies to consider that may relieve canine constipation include:
“The safest home remedies to try include adding pumpkin to the food or a small amount of a fiber supplement like Metamucil,” 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.
Signs Your Dog May Be Constipated
“Most dogs produce stool at least once a day and often more frequently, usually sort of corresponding to the number of meals they eat,” according to Dr. Silene St. Bernard, Regional Medication Director, VCA Animal Hospitals. “If your dog is constipated, you may notice your dog trying to pass stool without success, straining or otherwise acting a bit uncomfortably.”
Dr. Elizabeth Tancredi of VCA Venture Animal Hospital agrees and says constipated dogs may posture to poop without success. She says small amounts of poop may come out that look normal, or it may be smaller and harder than their baseline normal poop.
Other signs your dog may be constipated include:
- Scooting or licking around the anal area
- Dry, hard stools
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy or general fatigue
- Abdominal discomfort
- Vomiting
If you notice blood when your dog strains to defecate or hasn’t had a bowel movement in over 48 hours, see a veterinarian.
Vet Minute: How to Help a Constipated Dog
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