Last Updated: 31/07/2025
Is your dog straining to poop? Constipation can be uncomfortable and may signal underlying issues. Our guide covers the common causes, from diet and dehydration to lack of exercise. Learn how to spot the symptoms and discover effective treatments, including when it's time to call the vet.
Author: Dr Nicole du Plessis BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 8 minutes - short 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.
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.
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.
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?
Common high-fibre additives:
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.
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.
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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.
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.
