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Not Pooping in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 05/31/2017Updated: 09/17/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Not Pooping?
Most dog owners complain that their dog is suffering from diarrhea rather than constipation. If your dog is not pooping, there is usually a serious problem that needs to be addressed by your veterinarian. Your dog is considered to be constipated when they have difficulty pooping or they are not pooping at all. When they are having difficulty pooping they are producing feces that are hard and dry. This happens when the feces remain in the colon for too long and the moisture is absorbed back into the body, making the feces hard, dry and very difficult to pass.
If your dog’s constipation persists and is not treated quickly, their large intestine can stretch out and no longer effectively function. The stretching of the colon can lead to a chronic condition known as megacolon.
There are several different causes for why your dog is not pooping including:
- Partial or complete obstruction in the colon
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypercalcemia
- Swallowing a foreign object
- Dehydration
- Lack of exercise
- Lack of dietary fiber
- Infected anal glands
- Intestinal obstruction
- Environmental stress
Why Not Pooping Occurs in Dogs
Obstruction of the Colon or Intestine
There are times when a foreign object, impacted feces, or tumors obstruct the colon. This obstruction may be partial, meaning feces can still move past the obstruction with great difficulty, or complete, meaning no feces can move past the obstruction. Your dog can experience severe complications from an obstruction in the colon and death can occur if not treated quickly. This is also true for the intestines. Dogs that like to eat or chew on things are more prone to intestinal obstructions that will require surgery to remove.
Hypothyroidism or Hypercalcemia
Hypothyroidism and hypercalcemia are both relatively common conditions in dogs. When the thyroid gland is not properly functioning or when there is an abnormally high volume of calcium in the blood your dog can experience difficulty defecating.
Dehydration, low fiber and low activity levels
Dehydration can cause your dog to be unable to poop as the moisture that is in the feces is being resorbed by the body to try and compensate for the lack of fluids in the body. If you suspect your dog is severely dehydrated seek veterinary care immediately. Just like with humans, dogs need a specific amount of fiber in their diet along with exercise to keep their digestive tract fully functional. Start giving your dog more exercise and read the label on your dog’s food.
Infected Anal Glands
Infected anal glands can also cause your dog to not poop. You can generally tell if the anal glands are the issue by examining the anus and looking for hard, protruding pockets around the anus. There will also be a foul smell present. Some dogs scoot their bum on the ground and lick the area.
Environmental Stress
Environmental stress can cause your dog to not poop. Changes in their routine, food or environment can cause brief bouts of constipation.
What to do if your Dog is Not Pooping
Dogs that have obstructions from eating foreign objects such as socks, bones, rocks, or children’s toys will need to be examined by your veterinarian. If your dog is unable to pass the foreign object naturally and thus clear the obstruction, surgery will be required to remove the object.
There are times when the obstruction is due to tumors that have formed within the small intestines or the colon. These will also require surgery and the tumors will need to be biopsied. Your veterinarian will discuss the procedure and the possible outcomes.
Dehydration that is mild can be treated at home; offer plenty of cold, fresh water for your dog. You can offer them small amounts of canned dog food which contains moisture and will help with dehydration. If your dog is suffering from severe dehydration you need to seek immediate veterinary care. A dehydrated dog will have dry gums, a prolonged skin tent and will be lethargic. Your veterinarian will begin intravenous fluids to rehydrate your dog while they are trying to determine the cause of your dog’s severe dehydration.
Infected anal glands will need to be expressed, if possible. If the anal glands are severely infected, surgery may be required to lance the abscess and drain the infection. Your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics and strong pain relief for your dog.
You may want to consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog is having trouble defecating due to a lack of dietary fiber or exercise. Your veterinarian can recommend a food that will provide the right amount of fiber and an exercise plan that will benefit your dog.
Prevention of Not Pooping
You can take steps to prevent your dog from becoming constipated. Always have plenty of fresh water available for them to drink. If your dog is a chewer, keep all tempting objects out of reach. Feed a food that has high fiber content and make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Those prone to anal gland issues may need them regularly emptied.
As soon as you notice your dog is having difficulty pooping, begin taking notes of what has changed in their environment, what they have eaten and how long they try to poop. Your veterinarian will need this information to make a proper diagnosis.
Some causes of constipation in dogs can be expensive to treat. To avoid high vet care expenses, secure pet health insurance today. The sooner you insure your pet, the more protection you’ll have from unexpected vet costs.
Cost of Not Pooping
Depending on the cause of your dog not pooping, it may cost a simple office visit to your veterinarian. However, if it is something more severe such as an obstruction in the colon or intestines that can cost between $800 and $7000 with the average cost being $3000. Infected anal glands can cost between $75 and $2000 with the average cost being around $500.
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Not Pooping Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Sheepadoodle
Eight Weeks
22 found this helpful
22 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
I’ve had my puppy for 6 days and she has been pooping pretty regularly. The stools are soft but not any softer than what they should be based on my research. This morning she pooped after waking up but hasn’t pooped after her breakfast (about 3.5 hours ago), based on the last few days this is unusual for her but then again she’s only been with me for 6 days. Should I be worried? Thank you!
Jan. 10, 2021
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
22 Recommendations
Not at all, no. As long as she is acting normally, eating and playful, I would not worry.
It is expected for a dog to empty their bowels less as they get older and there is variation from day to day. Most adult dogs pass stool 1-2 times a day, though puppies will go more regularly.
She may just have gotten more used to her new food.
Continue to monitor her but there is no cause for concern now.
Jan. 10, 2021
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Corgi
One Year
9 found this helpful
9 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Concave Chest
Dog 5 days didn’t pee and poop
Nov. 3, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
9 Recommendations
Hello-
Thank you for your question. If your pet has not urinated or a defecated for five days then you need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. I would be concerned that your pet is not eating well, or potentially having kidney or bladder disease if not urinating. Your veterinarian will be able to examine her, and provide recommended diagnostics. I would plan on having them perform a urine check, bloodwork and x-rays. Good luck!
Nov. 3, 2020
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Chihuahua mic
Eight Years
16 found this helpful
16 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
No Stool In 2 Days
What can I do to make his bowels move
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
16 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
A small amount of canned pumpkin may help add fiber to his diet if he is a little constipated. If he is becoming severely constipated, however, he should see a veterinarian, as they can examine him and see what might be going on. He may need fluids and/or medication to help.
I hope that all goes well for him!
Oct. 4, 2020
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Shihpoo
One Year
19 found this helpful
19 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Pooping
My dog's poop contained blood. Vet said it's a protozoan infection and prescribed Metronidazole, 4ml 2x a day for 7 days. The first day after the first 4ml, dog still pooped with a small amount of blood. Dog has not pooped after that, it's been 5 days. Vet said to give dog lactulose, but dog is not having difficulty pooping, he's just not pooping at all nor showing any signs of wanting to poop. He's a picky eater and his food choice is meat (beef, pork, chicken), liver, and gizzard, and not in a lot of quantities (he's a small shihpoo at 4kkgs.) Vet said he's probably just absorbing food fast.
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
19 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
After an episode of diarrhea, it isn't unusual to have a few days go by without having a normal bowel movement. As long as he is not straining, you should be okay to monitor him. If he is still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine your pet, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them if needed.
Oct. 17, 2020
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Maltipoo
Six Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Constipation
Hello. My dog hasn’t pooped for 4 days but seems comfortable for most of the day. She’s not straining to poop and hasn’t been showing any signs of lethargy or vomiting.
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
I hope that your pet is okay. If they are still having any problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 20, 2020
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Boxer Dog
booty
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Pooing
Hi,I hope someone can help me as I am very stressed
my little girl boxer booty has been very ill ,I noticed Monday lunch time when I got home that she diarrhea ,she ate that night no problems, next day I didn't give her breakfast
got home gave her cooked chicken and rice after eating she ran outside brought all her undigested food back up and once again had diarrhea only a very small amount like the day before she wasn't herself ,I was told not to give her food for 24hrs see how she goes ,next day she had diarrhea small amount again but it was all blood ,I took her to the closest vet ,they did blood tests ,slide tests ,test for parasites ,
and for being poisoned by a plant that are common ,the only thing that came back in her blood test was that she had slightly elevated fat enzymes, the slide tests
came back that she had slight enzymes I think that's what the vet said she was busy,
booty stayed in the vet hospital for the day ,she was given pain medication
to stop her feeling sick plus pain medication fluid through a drip with antibiotic
we came home with antibiotics , when i got home, late that night ,i notice just about her vagina is swollen heading towards her bum ,Booty has been eating good for 4 days but she hasn't done a poo ,she went into the yard in her pooing spot ,but didn't end up pooing .forgot to say that the young vet said she has pancreatitis ,but I feel like she has been diagnosed wrong
thank you
Sheree
thank you
the vet bill was $1300 for the day and I am trying to get more money together to take her back to the vet tonight if I can ,could anyone help me with any information ?
I am sitting with her at the moment and I am sick from worry ,
Maltese x
Pixie
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
Hi my 3 year old malteseX usually eats twice and poops once or twice daily. Since yesterday she is eating once, drinking water, playing not so active as usual and not pooping since yesterday. Today she had full meal and after that when she wanted to poop tiny drop of mucus came. Day before yesterday she had normal poop but at night a little soft poop and a drop of mucus. This morning she wanted to poop but only a little drop.
