Last Updated: 23/04/2025

Constipation in Dogs

Learn all about the causes symptoms and treatments available to manage constipation in dogs.

Author: Dr Nicole du Plessis BVSc (Hons)

Reading Time: 34 minutes - long read

What's the scoop on your dog's poop? Dogs can experience changes in their bowel movements too for a variety of reasons, from diarrhoea to constipation.

Constipation in dogs refers to a gastrointestinal condition characterised by infrequent and difficult passage of faeces. It occurs when the normal rhythm of bowel movements is disrupted, leading to the accumulation of dry, hard stool within the colon. The colon is an important part of your dog's digestive tract. Its main role is to absorb water and other essential nutrients, as well as helping form and move faeces towards the rectum, where a stool is passed.

What causes constipation in dogs?

Dietary Factors: Insufficient fibre intake or a sudden change in diet can contribute to constipation. Fibre plays a crucial role in maintaining regular bowel movements by improving bulk in the stool and aiding in its passage.
Dehydration: Inadequate water intake can lead to dry and hard stool, making it difficult for the dog to pass. The colon will continue to absorb water, which can make this issue worse.
Lack of Exercise: Physical activity stimulates the digestive system and promotes healthy and regular bowel movements. Dogs with a less active lifestyle may contribute to constipation.
Medical Conditions: Underlying health issues such as anal gland problems, pelvic injuries, orthopaedic conditions including arthritis, and neurological disorders can impact a dog's ability to defecate normally. Serious secondary issues such as megacolon can develop.
Medications: Certain medications, such as pain relievers, antacids, and some antibiotics, can affect gastrointestinal motility and lead to constipation.
Obstructions or Abnormalities: Ingestion of foreign objects, bones, or hairballs can obstruct the digestive tract and lead to constipation. Some dogs may have anatomical issues, such as narrowed or deformed rectums, that can hinder the passage of stool.
Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or colitis can disrupt normal bowel function and contribute to constipation.
Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism can slow down metabolism and bowel movements.
Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress, fear and anxiety can affect the dog's gastrointestinal system by potentially altering normal passage of faeces, leading to constipation.

What are the symptoms of constipation in dogs?

Constipation in your dog can present itself in a variety of ways. The most common symptom seen is straining to defecate, which may or may not be followed by hard faecal matter. In some caes, a small volume of liquid can be passed as it moves around the stool. This can be confused with diarrhoea. Constipation can lead to serious complications so it is important not to to ignore the signs in your dog.

Straining to Defecate: If your dog is frequently attempting to defecate but has difficulty or is unable to pass a stool.

Small, Hard Stools: If your dog's stools are dry, firm, and smaller than usual.

Infrequent Bowel Movements:: A decrease in the frequency of bowel movements can suggest constipation. However, keep in mind that the normal frequency can vary based on your dog's diet and activity level.

Lack of Appetite: Constipated dogs may have a reduced appetite or show reluctance to eat.

Abdominal Discomfort: Your dog might exhibit signs of discomfort or pain in the abdominal area. This can include restlessness, pacing, or whining.

Lethargy: Constipation can make your dog feel lethargic or less energetic than usual.

Excessive Licking of the Anus: Dogs with constipation may excessively lick their anal area as a response to discomfort.

Vomiting: In severe cases, constipation can lead to vomiting, as the backed-up stool puts pressure on the stomach.

Bloody Stool: If your dog strains too hard, it could lead to small amounts of blood in the stool or around the anus due to increased effort.

Visible Discomfort During Defecation: Your dog may display visible signs of discomfort, such as hunching their back, while attempting to pass stool.

How is constipation diagnosed?

pomeranian sitting on vet examination table

Constipation in dogs is diagnosed through a number of ways. Your veterinarian will perform a health exam and gather a patient history as the first step. The abdomen can be felt to detect any discomfort, hard faecal matter or other abnormalities that would point to constipation. A rectal examination may also be required to identify any strictures or masses which are obstructing passage of the stool.

An examination provides valuable information, but in some cases additional imaging will be needed to assess how severe the constipation is in your dog. The colon is a large part of the intestinal tract which spans the length of the abdomen. Radiographs (x-rays) can give your veterinarian a more accurate amount of how much faecal matter has to pass and whether an enema will be needed, or if there a more serious problem such as megacolon.

Ultrasound is also used to identify any strictures or masses that are of concern. If a mass is detected, then a biopsy may be needed to diagnose.

What to feed a constipated dog?

If your dog had a one-off episode of constipation, a complete diet overhaul may or may not be required. A common approach to dietary management is the addition of fibre to the diet. There are prescription high-fibre diets specially formulated for dogs with constipation such as Hill's Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome.

So, how does fibre help with constipation in dogs? Fibre is characterised by their properties like structure, water-holding capability, digestible vs indigestible fibres and rate of fermentation. You may have seen certain ingredients, like pectins and fructo-oligosaccharides, are considered examples of soluble fibre, whereas cellulose tend to be insoluble. Insoluble fibre is not absorbed within the dog's digestive tract and moves through the colon, where it contributes to increased stool volume. Consequently, this yields a larger and more voluminous stool that is thought to improve colon motility. Soluble fibres like pectins and fructo-oligosaccharides help break up faecal matter within the colon from gas being produced during the fermentation process.

What are the common ingredients in high-fibre dog foods?

Cellulose: cellulose is a type of commonly-used insoluble fibre. The composition includes chains of glucose molecules, however, dogs lack the enzyme to break these down for absorption. Instead, it is able to be broken down by microbial enzymes allowing fermentation by gut bacteria. Cellulose is excellent at absorbing water, which helps with bulking out stool and improving colonic motility.
Fructo-oligosaccharides: a type of sugar polymer which contain fructose. This beneficial ingredient will transit through the stomach and small intestine unchanged. In the colon, bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus spp are able to ferment fructo-oligosaccharides, leading to increased numbers of these beneficial gut bacteria. These bacteria will break these sugars down into single chain fatty-acids, changing the intestinal pH and making conditions for bacterial like Salmonella and E. coli less favourable.
Lignin: an organic polymer that is found in the cell walls of woody plants. It is another common insoluble fibre found in dog food and assists with increasing stool volume and bulk. Although insoluble fibre is not digested, its inclusion in dog food formulas can still be therapeutic for dogs prone to constipation.
Beet Pulp: beet pulp is the material left over after the sugar is removed from sugar beets. Therefore, beet pulp contains no sugar. It is considered a mixed fibre with both insoluble fibre and soluble fibre, which means it provides bulk to the stool and supplies energy to cells lining the intestine.
Pectins: a polysaccharide, which is often found in the skins of citrus fruit. They are soluble fibres and highly fermentable, providing energy to the colonocytes (cells lining the colon).
Gums: another polysaccharide, which is occasionally found in the ingredients list. These are sourced from seeds and plant materials with variable rates of fermentation.

Common high-fibre additives:

Cooked pumpkin: with its high fiber content and both soluble and insoluble fibres, it will add bulk to their stool as well as produce beneficial fatty acids that supply energy to intestinal cells.
Psyllium husk: It attracts water and forms a clear mucilaginous gel. it expands in the gastrointestinal tract to allow the bowel walls to work the contents through the body smoothly. It is easily available at most supermarkets and your veterinarian should be able to advise you with amounts to feed your dog.

Is more of these ingredients better? Actually no, a diet with too much fibre can lead to diarrhoea and flatulence. Diets formulated to help with constipation will have the right composition of fibre with highly digestible protein and quality ingredients. Please speak to your veterinarian, who will be able to advise which diet will suit your pet best.

Home remedies and treatment for constipation in dogs

Remember, it's crucial to consult your veterinarian before trying any home remedies, especially if your dog's constipation is severe, prolonged, or accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or abdominal pain. Your vet can provide tailored advice and ensure that there are no underlying health issues causing the constipation.

Water intake: Dehydration can contribute to constipation. Make sure your dog has access to clean and fresh water at all times. Increasing wet food content in the diet is another great way to increase your dog's water intake. Another way to encourage pets to drink more water is through pet fountains, with running and filtered water.
Change the diet: feeding a prescription diet which contains higher fibre content, or feeding a low-residue, highly digestible diet. As with many gastrointestinal conditions, dietary management can make a big difference to their quality of life.
Pumpkin or psyllium husk: these high fibre additives can help add bulk to the stool and ease passage through the body.
Exercise: Regular physical activity can stimulate the digestive system and help with bowel movements. Exercise improves giant migrating contractions (GMCs), combined with increased motor activity within the colon, can assist with defecation.
Stool Softeners: There are many types of stool softeners or laxatives available both through your veterinarian and over the counter. Laxapet is a paraffin based laxative, which moves through the digestive tract as a lubricant to ease passage for faecal material.
Avoid bones: eating bones or other foods which are more difficult to completely digest could potentially cause constipation. It is good idea to speak to your veterinarian about the pros and cons of bone feeding. There are plenty of safer options like dental chews.

Help Manage Your Dog's Constipation

Stool Softeners

Psylium Husk

Water Fountains

Wet Food

Vet Prescription Digestive Care Diets

Constipation can have many causes, but in most cases and with the appropriate intervention, the prognosis is quite good. In reccuring cases, further diagnostics are required to address the cause of the constipation. Following your veterinarian's treatment plan and making dietary and lifestyle changes can help dogs who suffer constipation live happy, comfortable lives.

History

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Oct 2023

Written by Dr Nicole du Plessis BVSc (Hons)

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About the Author

Dr Nicole du Plessis BVSc (Hons)

Author, BVSc (Hons)

Dr. Nicole du Plessis is one of Pet Circle's qualified veterinarians and passionate pet care enthusiasts. Dr. Nicole graduated from the University of Queensland in 2016 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and worked for a number of years in small animal clinics across South East Queensland before joining the Pet Circle team. Over the years, Nicole has developed special interests in preventative medicine, infectious diseases, small animal medicine and ultrasound.