2025-11-06
Most adult dogs poop once or twice per day and puppies may have to go potty from two to five times per day depending on their appetite and age. Normal dog poop is shaped like a log, firm, but hard and chocolate brown in color. Any deviations may be signs of digestive problems or problems with the liver and the bladder. Now that we have our facts about “normal pooping” let's talk about constipation in dogs. If your canine is not pooping – what can you do?
The most likely reason for your dog not going potty is constipation. Most often adult dogs are more prone to constipation but it can happen to younger dogs too. Food that is harder to digest and non-food objects are the usual suspects when we are trying to figure out what caused the constipation.
If your dog has eaten a lot of grass recently they may have trouble pooping. If your dog has also eaten foods high in fat or dairy products they may take more time to go through their digestive system.
You may observe your dog circling excessively, scooting (dragging its bottom along the ground), or squatting frequently when they are constipated. Hunched and strained posture are also giveaway signs. In severe cases, some dogs lose appetite, and release small amounts of watery feces or small stool pieces that have a pungent and foul smell. If your dog is not pooping at least once a day you should call your veterinarian for a consultation and let them know about your situation in detail.
If your furry friend has ingested a non-food item like a toy or another small object it could obstruct their bowel movement. If you see your dog struggling to poop and whine while trying to relieve themselves you should take them to the vet within 24 hours. Your vet will do a physical exam and if the dog shows signs of pain in the abdominal area they will have to do a radiography and/or ultrasound testing.
Once the issue is properly investigated your dog may have to be hospitalized, receive fluids intravenously and an enema to help them clear any blockage. IV fluids are specially formulated liquids that are injected into a vein to prevent or treat dehydration. In very rare cases, your dog may have to go through a surgery if the intestinal blockage is hard to remove.
Please note that some drugs can also cause constipation and you will have to change your dog’s diet to include stool softeners and fiber supplements. If your dog is undergoing some type of treatment, make sure to learn about any potential side effects.
Additionally, pelvic injuries are among the common causes for dogs to have trouble pooping. Monitor for changes in your dog’s behavior. If they have suffered an injury during playtime, running or jumping—please talk to your veterinarian and do a full physical checkup.
Inadequate exercise and physical activity can cause bowel movement problems too. Think about the time you dedicate to playing with your furry friend and walking them outside. Most canines of a smaller stature need at least one hour of walking and about half an hour of playtime per day. Bigger dogs may need from 2 to 3 hours of walking and about one hour of intensive physical activity at home.
Anxiety in dogs can cause problems for them in terms of digestion and going potty. Anxiety episodes are typically recognized by destructive behavior like chewing your furniture, clothes and shoes; urinating or defecating in the house in an unsanitary manner; excessive barking; lethargic behavior; and excessive licking.
These episodes are typically related to abrupt changes in the environment like losing a family member, moving to a new home and welcoming another pet. You may need to spend more time playing with your dog to try to comfort them. It is also a good idea to leave an old t-shirt with your scent for your paw friend to cuddle. This helps soothe and comfort them.
Gastrointestinal infection in dogs is very rare and the common signs for that include vomiting, painful pooping, and blood in the feces (the stools would be a very dark color), the poo can also be white/grayish in color. In this case, the lack of defecation would also be paired with a sluggish movement. Your dog would appear lethargic and lack appetite. Needless to say, this health condition can not be remedied at home and you will need to take your paw partner to the veterinary clinic to receive proper treatment.
Please, make sure to check your dog’s behind and see if there is matted fur that may prevent them from comfortably pooping. Canine breeds with longer fur like the Lhasa Apso, Collie, Old English Sheepdog, and Komondor (Hungarian sheepdog) may need extra attention to their hind side. If you need to clean the area, please avoid using scissors and opt to use clippers. After you are done trimming, use warm soapy water to clean the area and then a nice towel to dry the fur completely.
As mentioned above, you need to make sure your furry buddy is enjoying plenty of playtime with you and walks outside; their diet is not putting a strain on their digestive system; and they are properly groomed. If your dog is constipated or has troubling stools you will have to take them to the vet, there are no two ways about it.
Adding more fiber to your dog’s diet will make them less prone to constipation. Pumpkin puree (made for dogs specifically) is a great source of fiber. Keep your dog hydrated by keeping their water bowl filled and clean (nobody wants dirty water). Adding a quarter of a teaspoon of olive oil to your dog’s food serving can help with digestion and their skin. Olive oil contains phytonutrients, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids that boost skin health. Make sure to consult your veterinarian about the proper dosage for your canine.
