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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
Australian Shepherd
One Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
No Poop
My Burno he hasn't pooped for more than 25 hours. he is eating his food and drinking. i have given him apples and pears to eat today so that he can pass his poop. he is active but not pooping. should i worry
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 feeling better. If they are having 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. 21, 2020
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Beagle mix
Six Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea Then Not Pooping For The Next 36 Hours
She had diarrhea two nights in a row in the house and now for the last 36 hours she has barely pooped at all. She regularly tends to poop twice a day I work third shift so normally after she eats in the morning and before I go to work. Walks normally help her poop but she hasn’t pooped going on a walk the past two days.
Sept. 24, 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.
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 that might be needed.
Oct. 24, 2020
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Airedale Terrier
Five Months
17 found this helpful
17 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
My dog had diarrhea for a day so I fed him rice and boiled chicken instead of his regular food. His diarrhea resolved but he hasn’t pooped since (18 hours). Should I keep feeding him bland food? He is acting normal- drinking and peeing and isn’t straining to poop.
Aug. 19, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
17 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It is sometimes normal after a dog has had diarrhea for a day or two to take a little bit of time to form a regular bowel movement. If he is eating and drinking well, not having any more diarrhea, and not vomiting, it would be a good idea to continue to feed him the bland diet for a couple of days. I would suspect in a day or two he will have a normal bowel movement. If he does not, then having him seen by your veterinarian would be a good idea. I hope that all goes well for him and he feels better soon.
Aug. 19, 2020
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Airedale Terrier
Five Months
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
My dog had diarrhea for a day so I fed him rice and boiled chicken instead of his regular food. His diarrhea resolved but he hasn’t pooped since (18 hours). Should I keep feeding him bland food? He is acting normal- drinking and peeing and isn’t straining to poop.
Aug. 19, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It is sometimes normal after a dog has had diarrhea for a day or two to take a little bit of time to form a regular bowel movement. If he is eating and drinking well, not having any more diarrhea, and not vomiting, it would be a good idea to continue to feed him the bland diet for a couple of days. I would suspect in a day or two he will have a normal bowel movement. If he does not, then having him seen by your veterinarian would be a good idea. I hope that all goes well for him and he feels better soon.
Aug. 19, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Airedale Terrier
Five Months
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
My dog had diarrhea for a day so I fed him rice and boiled chicken instead of his regular food. His diarrhea resolved but he hasn’t pooped since (18 hours). Should I keep feeding him bland food? He is acting normal- drinking and peeing and isn’t straining to poop.
Aug. 19, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
2 Recommendations
Hello, This can be normal after your dog has diarrhea for them to not poop for a day or two. If this continues for 24 to 48 hours then I would reccomend that you see your vet. YOu should be able to slowly start to switch him back to his regular diet. I hope your dog continues to improve.
Aug. 19, 2020
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German Shepherd lab
Kira
8 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Pooping For 2 Day
I just got a German Shepard lab mix pup and she pooped the first 2 days I got her but now she hasn’t pooped in 2 days she is currently eating puppy chow (dry pedigree) but was wondering if this was normal for puppies she has access to water all the time and she is very playful. She will also only pee when I’m outsode with her if not she won’t pee
Maltese x
Libby
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My 10kg dog Libby was taken to vet on Friday as she is lethargic. inside her mouth pale and a fever. Test results is fatty liver high cholesterol.meds, Amoxyclav250mg 6tab and Meloxicam 1mg x3 tab Took her home late same day she started eating on Sunday a small amount of chicken and rice. However today is Wednesday and has yet not pooed. I'm getting lot's of water into her and take her for a walk out to letter box and back twice per day. Libby woke this morning and hid herself in bottom of wardrobe.
I checked her mouth and she is pale,took her outside she had a wee and she is asleep.what do I look out for? She is 3
