Your dog could be constipated if you notice any combination of these signs:
- Straining or crying while trying to poop
- Very infrequent bowel movements (often several days without a stool)
- Very hard, dry, or pebble-like stools; stool that’s small and ribbon-like
- Pain or discomfort when attempting to defecate
- Abdominal fullness or a visibly hard belly
- Licking or gnawing at the anus, scooting, or restlessness
- Reduced appetite, vomiting, or lethargy in more serious cases
- Blood in the stool or mucus coating the stool
What to do now
- Check for additional symptoms: if your dog is vomiting, looks bloated or extremely painful, or hasn’t pooped for more than 48–72 hours, treat as an urgent situation and contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic.
- Encourage hydration: ensure fresh water is available and consider adding water or canned wet food to increase fluid intake if your vet has advised this.
- Gentle monitoring: keep a log of when your dog last defecated, stool color/consistency, and any signs of pain or distress. This helps the vet assess severity and potential causes.
- Do not give human remedies: avoid giving adult laxatives, mineral oil, "home remedies," or altering your dog’s diet drastically without veterinary guidance.
When to see a veterinarian promptly
- Your dog is showing repeated straining with little to no stool, abdominal pain, vomiting, or lethargy
- There is blood in the stool or you cannot determine the cause
- Your dog is an unexpected breed, age, or has a history of gastrointestinal or urinary issues
Possible causes vets will investigate
- Dehydration or low fiber intake
- Obstructions or foreign objects in the intestine
- Neurogenic or orthopedic problems that affect posture and defecation
- Hormonal or metabolic disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism)
- Painful conditions (arthritis, spine issues) that make squatting difficult
- Parasites or infections
Important note
- Constipation can progress to obstipation or megacolon if not addressed, which requires veterinary intervention and sometimes imaging or procedural clearance. If you’re unsure or your dog’s condition worsens, seek veterinary care promptly.
