Constipation in dogs

Signs of constipation in dogs

A dog struggling to pass stool may show one or more of the following signs:

• Straining without producing a stool, or only a small amount of hard or pellet-like stool
• Pain or discomfort when trying to defecate
• A tense or tender abdomen
• Reduced appetite
• Lethargy or low energy levels
• Vomiting (less common)
• Licking the back end more than normal

Possible causes of constipation in dogs

Here are some possible causes of constipation in dogs:

• Dehydration, often due to an underlying illness
• Sudden change in diet
• Hard or “gritty” intestinal content, for example after eating bones
• Neurological issues affecting intestinal mobility 
• Perineal hernia, mainly seen in entire males
• Enlarged prostate mainly seen in older, entire males
• Inflamed anal glands, making defecation painful
• Back or hip pain, interfering with normal posture for defecation
• Pelvic fractures
• Obesity
• Matted fur around the anus
• Cancer of the intestines or abdomen

Constipation can also be a side effect to certain medications.

How can I help a dog with constipation at home?

Always contact a vet if your dog isn’t passing stools or urinating normally. If the signs are very mild and your dog is otherwise well, the vet may advise the following home care:

• Increase the amount of exercise and walks
• Make sure your dog is drinking enough water
• Switch to wet food instead of dry kibble and mix in extra water for added hydration

You can book a meeting with one of our vets in the Agria app.

Consider your dogs other symptoms

Is your dog eating and drinking as normal? Does it seem alert and energetic? Constipation rarely happens without a reason and there’s often an underlying cause behind the hard stool, straining, or complete lack of bowel movements.

You should always consult a vet if your dog isn’t eating, urinating or passing stools as normal.

When to call the vet about constipation in dogs

You should always contact a vet if your dog:

• Seems unwell or if it has low energy levels
• Eats or drinks less than normal
• Struggles or fails to pass stools
• Passes bloody stools
• Vomits
• May have swallowed a foreign object (e.g., toy or sock)
• Hasn’t had a normal bowel movement in the past 1–2 days

Constipation treatment for dogs

The treatment depends on the cause and may include:

• IV fluids for rehydration
• Pain relief
• Anti-nausea medication
• Other symptomatic treatments
• In some cases, the vet may administer safe medical laxatives

Important: Never treat constipation on your own using laxatives like MiraLAX or Laxatract without veterinary guidance. Incorrect use can harm your dog’s intestines and worsen the problem.