Yelping When Defecating in Dogs

There are times when your dog will experience pain or have difficulty defecating. This is called dyschezia. Generally, your dog may yelp when he defecates because there is some type of disorder of the rectum or colon. You should never ignore your dog when they are yelping when they defecate. Contact your veterinarian for an appointment to determine what is causing your dog to yelp when defecating. 

Masses that form within the colon or rectum can cause your dog to yelp when defecating. An injury or mass on the anus or the perineum can also cause pain when your dog defecates. In male dogs, if they have a condition affecting the prostate, painful defecation can occur. The prostate gland is located under a segment of the colon and an enlarged prostate gland can cause your dog to experience pain when they defecate. 

Potential causes of your dog yelping when defecating include:

• Colon or rectum disorder
• Mass on the anus or perineum
• Constipation 
• Pseudocoprostasis
• Prostate problems
• Mass or injury in the pelvic region

Colon or Rectum Disorder

When there is a problem occurring inside the colon or the rectum, your dog will experience pain when they try to defecate. Masses, such as cancer or polyps, can cause the fecal matter to back up and be more difficult for your dog to pass. This can cause them to yelp when they defecate. Dogs that have swallowed small foreign objects may pass them through the colon and rectum and then out of the body. This can cause pain if the foreign object is irregularly shaped or has jagged edges. Strictures or narrowing of the colon or rectum can make it difficult for your dog to pass feces out of the body. 

Mass on the Anus or Perineum

Masses such as cancer or polyps on the anus or the perineum can cause your dog to yelp when he defecates. The anus can also have a stricture or narrowing that makes it more difficult for your dog to pass fecal matter out of the body. Anal gland infections, abscesses or cancer can cause pain when defecating. Sometimes your dog may suffer from a perineal hernia. A perineal hernia is when the tissue within the pelvis and into the soft tissue behind the hip becomes herniated. This can cause pain when your dog attempts to defecate.  Another possible condition that your dog may be suffering from is perineal fistula. This occurs when the skin around the anus becomes infected and ulcerated. 

Constipation

When your dog is constipated and straining to defecate, it can become painful for them. If you notice they are straining excessively and producing very little, if any, feces they may be constipated. Dogs that are suffering from constipation might respond to over the counter medications, but you should also consult with your veterinarian before giving any medications to your dog. 

Pseudocoprostasis

Keeping your dog’s hind end well groomed and in some instances, clipped short is not just to make them look good. When there are knots or mats around the anus, feces can become trapped and cause pseudocoprostasis. With feces trapped so close to the skin an infection can occur. In severe cases, the hair is so matted that feces are unable to escape the body and begin to back up into the colon, making your dog severely sick.

Prostate Problems

For male dogs, the colon is located above the prostate gland. When there is a problem with the prostate gland, such as an infection, cancer or abscess, it can cause your dog to experience pain when they try to defecate. 

Mass or Injury in the Pelvic Region

Fractures or injuries to the pelvic bones can cause your dog pain when they have to strain to defecate. Masses or infections can also cause your dog to feel pain when they attempt to defecate.

When you notice your dog yelping when he defecates, note whether or not he is able to pass any feces. If he does, collect a stool sample for your veterinarian. When you take your dog in for his appointment, explain the signs that you have seen as well as how long your dog has been exhibiting pain when he passes stool. 

Your veterinarian will order diagnostic tests to determine what is causing your dog to be in pain when they defecate. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment plans will be discussed. Surgery may be required for certain conditions and medications may be prescribed. Be sure to listen to your veterinarian and ask any questions regarding your dog’s treatment plan. Follow all dosing instructions closely when giving your dog medications.

Feed your dog a diet that is high in fiber and protein to ensure that they do not become constipated. If your dog likes to chew on items, keep all small items out of reach and provide them with plenty of dog safe toys to occupy their time. As soon as you notice your dog is having difficulty defecating call your veterinarian for an appointment so any problems can hopefully be caught early.

Depending on the diagnosis and your location, treating your dog for yelping when he defecates can be costly. Constipation can cost between $200 and $5000 depending on the severity of their constipation. Colon and rectum issues can be treated for $300 to $2000.