Constipation is infrequent or difficult passage of stool or feces and is typically a temporary condition. Feces accumulate in the colon (large intestine). Many constipated dogs experience straining or pain when attempting to defecate. Obstipation, a severe form of constipation, is often associated with a serious, permanent, or irreversible medical condition.
One of the major functions of the colon is water absorption, so sometimes the retained stool becomes hard and dry, which makes passing it even more difficult. In some cases, dogs may become dehydrated. Some constipated dogs pass small amounts of liquid feces or blood due to their excessive straining. Sometimes, the liquid feces are mistaken for diarrhea, but in fact it’s a small amount of liquid fecal material that squeezes around the hard fecal mass.
There are many potential causes of constipation in dogs. The most common cause of constipation is eating irritating or indigestible substances, such as plant matter or bones. Dogs with long hair or those that lick or groom themselves excessively are also at risk of becoming constipated.
Is your furry friend acting strange lately? Having trouble doing their business? As a dog parent, I’ve been through the worry of wondering if my puppy is constipated. It’s not the most glamorous topic, but knowing the signs of constipation in puppies can save both you and your four-legged buddy a lot of discomfort.
What Exactly is Constipation in Puppies?
Constipation refers to infrequent passage of dry, hard feces When your pup’s poop stays in the colon for 2-3 days, too much moisture gets removed, making elimination difficult and painful It’s basically a traffic jam in your puppy’s digestive highway!
While constipation is more common in older dogs, puppies aren’t immune to this uncomfortable condition. The good news? With proper knowledge, you can quickly identify if your puppy is constipated and take action.
7 Clear Signs Your Puppy is Constipated
1. Straining Without Results
If you notice your puppy squatting and straining for long periods without producing anything, that’s a major red flag. A constipated puppy will often
- Squat repeatedly
- Whine or cry while trying to defecate
- Look uncomfortable or distressed
- Strain unproductively for extended periods
2. No Bowel Movements for 24-48 Hours
Healthy puppies usually poop several times a day. If your puppy hasn’t had a bowel movement in more than 24-48 hours, it’s time to be concerned. Remember, any inability to pass feces for over two days is considered a veterinary emergency and requires immediate attention.
3. Hard, Dry Stools
When your puppy does manage to poop, check the consistency. Constipated pups often pass:
- Small, hard pellets
- Dry, crumbly stool
- Stool that looks like small rocks
- Feces that are difficult and painful to pass
4. Passing Mucus
Chronic constipation can inflame your puppy’s bowel lining, causing the release of mucus or dark fluid along with fecal matter. This is sometimes mistaken for diarrhea, but it’s actually a sign of severe constipation.
5. Lethargy and Loss of Appetite
A constipated puppy may show:
- Decreased interest in food
- Weight loss or failure to gain appropriate weight
- General lethargy and reluctance to play
- Lack of energy during walks or playtime
6. Painful or Tense Abdomen
If your puppy’s tummy feels hard or they yelp when you touch their lower back or abdomen, constipation might be the culprit. A constipated puppy often has:
- A tense, painful abdomen
- Discomfort when touched around the stomach area
- Visible bloating or distension
7. Unusual Behaviors
Keep an eye out for:
- Excessive circling before attempting to defecate
- Scooting their bottom along the ground
- Frequent squatting with no results
- Crying or growling when trying to defecate
Why Do Puppies Get Constipated? Common Causes
Understanding why your puppy is constipated can help you address the problem correctly. Here are the most common causes:
Foreign Objects
Puppies explore the world with their mouths and often swallow things they shouldn’t. Items like:
- Sticks
- Paper
- Grass
- Cloth
- Sand
- Cat litter
These can create cement-like masses or wads in the intestines that prevent normal passage of stool.
Poor Diet
Diet plays a huge role in your puppy’s digestive health:
- Diets low in fiber produce smaller, denser stools that are harder to pass
- Too many rawhide chews can promote constipation
- Lack of proper hydration leads to harder stools
Stress and Anxiety
Believe it or not, stress can back up your puppy’s system:
- New environments might make your pup “hold it in”
- Changes in routine can disrupt normal bowel habits
- Boarding or strange surroundings may cause voluntary delay of defecation
Grooming Issues
Especially for long-haired breeds:
- Hairballs from self-grooming (similar to cats!)
- Matted fur around the anal area
- Feces trapped in fur beneath the tail causing inflammation
When to Call the Vet
While mild constipation might resolve with home remedies, there are definite times when veterinary intervention is necessary:
Call your vet immediately if:
- Your puppy hasn’t defecated in more than two days
- Your puppy is straining, crying, or showing pain when trying to defecate
- There’s blood in the stool
- Your puppy is vomiting alongside constipation
- Your puppy seems lethargic or refuses to eat
- Your puppy has a distended or painful abdomen
Remember, what looks like constipation could potentially be something more serious like an intestinal obstruction or urinary tract infection. Only a vet can make the proper diagnosis.
Treatment Options for a Constipated Puppy
Veterinary Treatments
Your vet might recommend:
- Enemas (these should ONLY be performed by a veterinarian)
- Prescription laxatives or stool softeners
- Fluid therapy if dehydration is contributing to the problem
- Manual removal of impacted feces (often requiring sedation)
Home Remedies (After Consulting Your Vet)
Once your vet gives the green light, these home treatments may help:
1. Increase Fiber Intake
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of psyllium-based fiber supplement to small puppies’ food
- Use about 2 tablespoons for larger puppies
- Canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling) is a great natural option
- Small puppies: 1/2 teaspoon
- Larger puppies: Up to 2 tablespoons
2. Hydration is Key
- Make sure fresh water is always available
- Consider adding water to dry food
- Use ice cubes as treats to increase water intake
3. Exercise
- Regular walks promote healthy bowel movements
- Aim for multiple 20-minute walks daily
- Increase playtime to stimulate digestive motility
4. Healthy Veggie Snacks
- Offer carrot or celery sticks as natural, fiber-rich treats
- These provide both hydration and fiber
- Plus they satisfy puppy chewing urges!
Preventing Constipation in Your Puppy
Prevention is always better than cure! Here’s how to keep your puppy’s digestive system running smoothly:
Proper Diet
- Choose high-quality puppy food with appropriate fiber content (7-13%)
- Avoid excessive treats or human food that might disrupt digestion
- Transition between foods gradually to prevent digestive upset
Abundant Water
- Keep water bowls clean and filled at all times
- Place multiple water stations around your home
- Consider a pet fountain if your puppy prefers running water
Regular Exercise
- Consistent physical activity helps stimulate normal bowel movements
- Daily walks and playtime aren’t just fun—they’re essential for digestive health
- Even 10-15 minutes of extra play can make a difference
Good Grooming
- Keep the anal area clean and trimmed, especially for long-haired breeds
- Regular brushing reduces hairballs from self-grooming
- Check for mats that might be interfering with defecation
Puppy-Proof Your Environment
- Prevent access to non-digestible objects
- Use baby gates or crates when you can’t supervise
- Provide appropriate chew toys to satisfy chewing instincts safely
My Personal Experience
I remember when my Pomeranian puppy, Max, started showing signs of constipation. He was straining during potty breaks and seemed uncomfortable. At first, I wasn’t sure what was wrong—was he just taking his time? Was it something more serious?
After noticing he hadn’t pooped for about 36 hours and seemed less playful than usual, I called our vet. Turns out, Max had developed some hairballs from grooming and needed some help getting things moving again. Our vet recommended adding some pumpkin to his diet and giving him more regular grooming sessions to prevent fur ingestion.
Within a day of starting treatment, Max was back to his bouncy self! The lesson I learned: don’t wait too long if you suspect constipation. The earlier you address it, the easier (and cheaper) it is to treat.
Final Thoughts
Constipation in puppies isn’t just uncomfortable—it can become a serious health issue if left untreated. By knowing the signs and taking prompt action, you can help your furry friend feel better fast.
Remember, what goes in must come out, and keeping that process running smoothly is part of responsible pet parenting. When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian rather than trying to diagnose or treat severe constipation on your own.
Has your puppy ever experienced constipation? What helped them get relief? Share your experiences in the comments below—we can all learn from each other’s puppy parenting journeys!
How is constipation treated?
Most cases of constipation are relatively easy to treat if caught in the early stages. The first step is to loosen or remove the impacted, hardened fecal matter. Removal may be accomplished using one or a combination of therapies, including enemas, manual removal, and medications. Laxatives such as dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DSS), or polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 are commonly prescribed. In cases where an intestinal stimulant, such as cisapride, is required, an obstruction must first be ruled out.
Some dogs may require hospitalization while undergoing multiple enemas or to replace fluids to correct dehydration. More serious conditions may require additional treatments, including surgery or life-long medical or dietary management. Either a low- or high-fiber diet may be needed based on your pet’s specific cause of constipation.
Based on the cause of your dogs constipation, your veterinarian may advise you to feed a therapeutic diet, add supplements or medications to the food, or return for additional tests or treatments. For most dogs, constipation is directly related to eating an unfamiliar food or object and further medical intervention is unnecessary. Other dogs may require lifelong treatment to help maintain normal bowel movements. In all cases, encourage water consumption and limit access to bones.
Dogs that have behavioral or psychogenic causes of constipation may need behavioral modification through training and/or medications. Supplements such as probiotics may also be used after the constipation has been corrected.
How is constipation diagnosed?
Most cases of constipation are diagnosed through physical examination and medical history. When evaluating your dog’s abdomen, your veterinarian will likely feel a firm, distended colon. They may conduct a rectal examination to rule out rectal strictures (a narrowing of the exit passage, resulting from a previous problem), tumors, foreign bodies, or other abnormalities. In many cases, they will perform abdominal X-rays to determine the extent of constipation and whether an obstruction exists.
Blood tests and urinalysis are valuable to search for dehydration, infection, or other conditions that can predispose the dog to constipation. In advanced cases, an abdominal ultrasound may help identify the cause of your dog’s constipation. Biopsies may also be recommended if a rectal mass or stricture is suspected.
Vet Minute: How to Help a Constipated Puppy
FAQ
How do puppies act when they are constipated?
What helps puppies with constipation?
To help a constipated puppy, provide plenty of fresh water, increase gentle exercise, and add fiber to their diet with plain pumpkin, high-fiber kibble, or supplements, ensuring it’s approved by a vet. For young puppies, the vet may also recommend specialized solutions like electrolyte fluids. It’s crucial to consult a veterinarian for any persistent constipation or if the puppy is showing signs of distress, as underlying medical issues or severe blockages require professional treatment.
Will a puppy cry if constipated?
Constipated dogs may pass mucus when trying to defecate, circle excessively, scoot along the ground, or squat frequently without defecating. If you press on their stomach or lower back, they may have a tense, painful abdomen that causes them to growl or cry out.
How do I tell if my puppy is constipated or has a blockage?
- Straining or unable to poop.
- Weakness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.