Senior Dog Constipation: What to Do and When to Call the Vet

No poop in 48 hours, or straining with little coming out? How to help a constipated senior dog at home, what to avoid and when to call the vet.

A senior dog is constipated when they strain to poop, pass small, hard stools or go 48 hours without a bowel movement. Start with more water, some wet food, gentle walks and, if your vet agrees, plain canned pumpkin. Call your vet if nothing passes in 48 hours, or sooner if your dog vomits, seems in pain, strains with nothing coming out or has blood in the stool.

Quick take: Hydration fixes many mild cases. A PetSafe Drinkwell fountain can tempt a senior who drinks too little.

Why older dogs get constipated

• Drinking less, or illness that leaves them dehydrated
• Less exercise, which slows the gut
• Arthritis or hip pain that makes squatting hard
• Medicines such as some painkillers, antihistamines and diuretics
• Hormone problems such as hypothyroidism
• Swallowed bones, grass or hair
• Matted hair around the anus
• An enlarged prostate, a tumor or an old pelvic injury narrowing the passage

Constipation or something else?

What you see	What it may mean	What to do
Small, hard, dry stools	Constipation	Water, wet food, walks; vet if it lasts
Straining, then a little liquid	Liquid leaking around hard stool, or colitis	Call your vet
Straining with nothing coming out	Severe constipation, a blockage or trouble urinating	Same-day vet visit
No poop plus vomiting or a tight belly	Possible obstruction	Emergency vet

What you can do at home

• Put fresh water in more than one spot
• Add warm water to kibble, or swap some meals for canned food
• Take two or three short, easy walks a day
• Ask your vet about plain canned pumpkin or a fiber supplement and how much to give
• Trim matted hair around the rear end
• Ask your vet whether any current medicine could be the cause
• Keep a simple poop log: date, size and how hard

Use 100% plain pumpkin only. Pumpkin pie filling has sugar and spices, and the AKC warns some products contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

What not to do

• Do not give human laxatives, stool softeners or enemas unless your vet prescribes them. Some human products can seriously harm dogs.
• Do not add a lot of fiber without more water, which can make stools harder.
• Do not wait days hoping it passes if your dog is straining hard.

When to call the vet

VCA advises a vet visit if your dog has not had a bowel movement within 48 to 72 hours, and the AKC says to call sooner for straining, pain, vomiting or blood. Seniors with kidney disease or other illness should be seen earlier. Your vet may prescribe a laxative such as DSS or PEG 3350, give an enema safely in the clinic or suggest a special diet.

Shop the picks

• Fruitables Pumpkin Digestive Supplement: canned pumpkin blended with fruit and vegetable fibers, which the maker says supports regular stools. Ask your vet how much to add.
• PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Fountain: filtered, moving water with a raised upper bowl.

FAQ

How long can a senior dog go without pooping?

Most dogs go at least once a day. If your senior has not gone in 48 hours, call your vet, and do not wait if they strain, vomit or seem in pain.

How much pumpkin can I give a constipated dog?

It depends on your dog's size and health, so ask your vet. Use plain canned pumpkin only, never pie filling.

Can I give my old dog a human laxative?

No, not unless your vet prescribes it. Some human laxatives and enemas can harm dogs.

Why is my old dog straining but nothing comes out?

It can be severe constipation, a blockage or trouble urinating that looks like straining to poop. Your dog needs a vet the same day.

Sources: VCA: Constipation in dogs, AKC: Dog constipation.

Related guides: Hydration for seniors who drink less, Probiotics and senior gut health, Old dog diarrhea: when to worry.

Educational only, not a substitute for your veterinarian. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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