What is Constipation?
Constipation refers to difficulty in moving bowels and includes infrequent bowel movements or a complete lack of bowel movements for 1-2 days. Normal healthy dogs defecate 1-2 times per day. Older dogs are more susceptible to bouts of constipation though constipation happens in all breeds and at any age. Difficulty moving bowels should not be ignored as it can be a sign of a current health problem and can lead to health problems. Constipation—difficult, infrequent or absent bowel movements—is one of the most common health problems associated with a pet’s digestive system. Constipation in dogs should not be ignored, as extended periods of distress can cause serious, and sometimes grave, health concerns.
Constipation Average Cost
From 53 quotes ranging from $1,200 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,200
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
Symptoms of Constipation in Dogs
Symptoms that your dog is constipated include:
- Difficult bowel movements
- No bowel movement in 1-2 days
- Scooting
- Pacing or circling
- Straining to defecate
- Vocalizing/crying when straining
- Dry hard stool production
- Passing mucous
- Diarrhea in small amounts
- Passing small feces
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Causes of Constipation in Dogs
Constipation can be caused by a number of factors including:
- Dehydration
- Aging
- Arthritis
- Obesity
- Ingesting a foreign object
- Colitis
- Drugs (decrease intestinal peristalsis)
- Enlarged prostate
- Kidney disease
- Too little dietary fiber
- Lack of exercise
- Anal gland abscess/blockage
- Matted hair around anus
- Tumor
- Pelvic trauma
- Back pain
- Spinal trauma
Diagnosis of Constipation in Dogs
If you suspect symptoms that your pet is constipated, you should contact a veterinarian.
At home, you can examine your pet for matted hair or feces around the anus which can often be a cause of blockage. If you do not see any sign of matting, take your pet to the veterinarian. It is important to diagnose the cause of the constipation to avoid further health issues and treat any serious underlying causes.
The veterinarian will want to know how long your pet has gone without a bowel movement, how long you have been observing signs of straining or other symptoms, your pet’s current diet, and whether your pet has been injured or has eaten any foreign materials. The vet will do a full physical examination to check for abdominal pain and swelling and any back or neck pain. She will also look for matting of fur around the anus and examine the anal glands for normal expression.
A complete blood profile, urinalysis and fecal analysis may be ordered depending on what the vet discovers in the exam. Radiographs and/or ultrasound can be helpful in visualizing the extent of the constipation and any foreign objects, tumors, fractures or other abnormalities that may be causing the constipation.
Treatment of Constipation in Dogs
If you do notice a mat of fur around the anus, you can treat the pet at home by soaking the mat with a warm washcloth and then shaving the mat carefully away with electric clippers. Never use scissors when removing mats as it is easy to cut the skin. You can apply a mineral oil or non-toxic lubricant to the anus to soothe any irritation. If this does not solve the problem, take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
It is a good idea to take your pet to the veterinarian anytime you suspect your pet is constipated. The veterinarian will determine the cause of the constipation and then treat both the constipation and the underlying cause. The veterinarian may prescribe a home treatment or may treat the pet in the clinic. Treatment options for constipation include:
- Stool softeners
- Laxatives
- Increased exercise
- High-fiber diet
- Medication to increase peristalsis
- Enema
If the constipation is severe, your pet may need hospitalization. The veterinarian may perform an enema, and/or administer subcutaneous or intravenous fluids to re-hydrate the pet and aid in bowel movement. Enemas can be dangerous in certain cases and should only be performed by the veterinarian.
If a tumor, foreign object or prostate problem is the cause of constipation, immediate surgery may be required. Surgery will remove the obstruction and recovery may include 2-3 days of hospitalization.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
Recovery of Constipation in Dogs
Recovery after treatment for constipation is good and pets usually recover completely when the underlying cause is addressed and treated. Follow the veterinarian’s instructions on diet and medications closely. For post-operative care, your pet will require rest and quiet. Follow up appointments to evaluate healing may be required. Always monitor your pet for normal bowel movements, vomiting, blood in stool, and appetite when and after treating for constipation. Report any abnormalities to the veterinarian.
Older dogs may have recurrent constipation. Supplements can be added to your pet’s daily diet to relieve these symptoms. Monitor what your pet eats and try to give synthetic bones rather than natural bones. Do not let your dog eat cloth, string, rocks or other foreign materials. Always provide fresh water. Provide plenty of fiber in your pet’s diet. Maintain a healthy weight for your pet. Your veterinarian can provide recommendations on diet, dietary supplements and weight loss protocols. Regular exercise can be important in preventing constipation in pets.
Constipation Average Cost
From 53 quotes ranging from $1,200 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,200
Top
Constipation Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Mastiff
Seven Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain When Lifting Himself Up From Laying Down
Pooped hard poop
Crying in pain
Arched back
July 31, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It sounds like your dog may have injured his neck or back, and it would probably be best to have him seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. He may need some medications to help relax the muscles in his back and neck, and your veterinarian will be able to examine him and see what is going on. I hope that he is okay.
July 31, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Mastiff
Six Years
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain When Lifting Upper Body
My dog pooped out hard poop this morning and is helping in pain when lifting himself from a laying position
July 31, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It sounds like your dog may have injured his neck or back, and it would probably be best to have him seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. He may need some medications to help relax the muscles in his back and neck, and your veterinarian will be able to examine him and see what is going on. I hope that he is okay.
July 31, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
American Pit Bull Terrier
Hazd
1 Year
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Constipation
My dog been constipated he doesn't eat he threw up some yellow stuff a couple of times a day before and he barely poop and when he does it be like a tiny black puddles
Nov. 25, 2017
4 Recommendations
There are a few possible causes for the constipation which may include an obstruction (foreign body), parasites, infection among other issues; the vomiting would have been attributable to an empty stomach and the black puddles may be due to digested blood from the gastrointestinal tract. It is important to try and encourage eating with a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice as well as ensuring that Hazd remains hydrated; I would recommend you visit your Veterinarian to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 25, 2017
Was this question and answer helpful?
Mixed
Lucky
9 Years
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Constipation
Hi. My 9 year old Maltese shitzu mix seems to be constipaded since he tried to defecate but no poop comes out. He hasn't lost his appetite and drinks plenty of water. I'm worried because every time he goes out he tries to poop with no luck. It's been one day already. Should I give him a laxative? How do I know if there's blockage?
July 26, 2017
4 Recommendations
It is possible that Lucky has an obstruction or just general constipation, before resorting to chemical laxatives it would be best to try feeding him canned pumpkin (plain pumpkin – no added ingredients) to help get the stool moving; another option is mineral oil added to food at a dose of one teaspoon per pound body weight. If Lucky still doesn’t pass his stool within a few hours I would recommend visiting your Veterinarian to examine Lucky’s abdomen and possibly take a few x-rays. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
Would u mind sharing the outcome in Lucky's situation. My 10 yr old Boxer, "Bruiser" has been having almost the exact symptoms as Lucky. The only difference I believe is, Bruiser is walking like he literally has a stick up his butt!" Lol. Boxers tend to have a "Bull Legged" walk to begin with but, this is something new and worrisome. His appetite is normal, drinks plenty of not little bit more. He's still active. Nothing looks/feels abnormal in his belly or around the anal area. However, I did notice what appears to be a hemorrhoid on the top of the anus closest to the tail. Help! Also, he's NOT neutered! After studding him out 3 yrs ago, I noticed that 1 of his testicles appears to have vanished. Thanks for hearing me out!!
Oct. 12, 2017
Jen B.
Was this question and answer helpful?
Teacup Chihuahua
Mace
4 mts
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Constipation
I have a 4 pd chihuahua n its been almost a week since hes gone normally to the bathroom. I have been giving pedialyte n baby cereal in a syringe. Hes still laying around any advise as to what to do now?
July 26, 2017
3 Recommendations
There are various causes of constipation in puppies including obstruction or foreign body, parasites or bloat; try feeding Mace some pure canned pumpkin to help things along, otherwise you may need to visit your Veterinarian to check Mace’s abdomen for signs of something more serious. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
Thank u so much i will definately try this today!!
July 26, 2017
Mace's Owner
Was this question and answer helpful?
Constipation Average Cost
From 53 quotes ranging from $1,200 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,200
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
