Causes of Dog Constipation
Understanding the reason why your dog is constipated is the first step in helping them poop. If you know what’s going on, you can take the necessary steps to fix the problem. Common causes of dog constipation include:
- eating too much bone or plant matter;
- lack of exercise;
- dehydration;
- eating a foreign object;
- ingesting toxins;
- certain medical conditions (e.g., hypothyroidism, diabetes);
- stress or lack of a comfortable place to potty.
If your dog is constipated, you may notice that they’re straining to poop, they have hard or dry stools, or they’re not pooping as often as usual. If you’re unsure whether your dog is constipated, talk to your vet. They’ll be able to help you figure out the cause and recommend the best course of action. Below, you’ll find tips on how to make a dog poop quickly yourself.
How to Make a Dog Poop Quickly – Home Remedies
There are a few things you can do at home to help your constipated dog poop. Use these tips with caution, and only if you suspect your dog is constipated and not sick or injured.
- Try a stool softener. You can buy canine stool softeners at the pet store or online. They work by adding moisture to the intestine, which makes it easier for your dog to poop.
- Feed your dog more fiber. Canned pumpkin, bran cereal, or cooked sweet potato can all help your dog poop.
- Increase your dog’s water intake by adding broth or water to their food.
- Give your dog a massage. Gently massage your dog’s abdomen in a clockwise direction. This can help stimulate the bowel.
- Take your dog for a walk. Exercise helps move things along the digestive tract and can get your dog’s system working again.
As you can see, these solutions are tied to the possible causes of your dog’s constipation. For example, if your pup is dehydrated, encouraging them to drink more water will likely solve the problem. Fiber will only help if your dog hasn’t eaten too much of it in the first place.
The quickest way to make a dog poop is usually with the help of a stool softener or by increasing their water intake. If these methods don’t work, or if your dog is showing other signs of illness, talk to your vet. You can also try the more immediate solutions below – see how to make a dog poop quickly.
Ice Cubes and Squirting Water to Make Your Dog Poop Fast
There are a few things you can do if you’re wondering how to make a dog poop quickly in an emergency. These methods may not be the most comfortable for your dog, but they will get the job done.
- Put on disposable gloves and press an ice cube on your dog’s sphincter for half a minute. The cold will help to stimulate the bowel and make your dog poop.
- Use a squirt bottle or hosepipe to squirt cool water onto your dog’s anus. The water should be cold enough to shock your dog’s butt, but not freezing cold.
These are external methods that can help to stimulate your dog’s digestive system. If you’re in a pinch and need to make your dog poop quickly, they may be worth a try. Never insert ice cubes or squirt water inside your pup’s bottom – this can be dangerous!
When to See the Vet With a Constipated Dog
If home remedies don’t work or if your dog is showing signs of distress (e.g., vomiting, bloating, pain), call your vet right away. These could be signs of a more serious problem, such as an obstruction in the intestine.
Your vet may recommend a laxative or enema to help your dog poop. They may also give your dog a physical exam and run some tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Leave it in the hands of the professionals and don’t try to give your dog an enema at home!
How Can You Prevent Constipation in Dogs?
The best way to deal with constipation is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Helping your dog have regular bowel movements starts with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise.
A high-fiber diet is important for dogs, just as it is for humans. Fiber helps add bulk to the stool and keeps things moving along the digestive tract. Good sources of fiber for dogs include:
- canned pumpkin;
- bran cereal;
- cooked sweet potato;
- fresh fruits and vegetables.
These products should constitute no more than 10% of your dog’s diet. You can slowly increase the amount of fiber you feed your dog if they’re having trouble pooping. Just be sure to do it gradually so that their digestive system can adjust.
In addition to a high-fiber diet, dogs need plenty of exercise to keep things moving along smoothly. A daily walk or run helps move things along the digestive tract and can relieve constipation.
If you’re unsure about how much fiber your dog needs or how much exercise is appropriate, talk to your vet. They’ll be able to recommend the best diet and exercise plan for your pup.
Switch to Canned Dog Food
If your dog is eating dry food, switching to canned food may help. Canned food has more moisture than dry food and can help keep your dog hydrated. It also tends to have more fiber than dry food. This can help add bulk to the stool and make it easier for your dog to poop.
Make sure you slowly transition your dog to canned food to avoid stomach upset. Start by mixing a small amount of canned food with their dry food. Slowly increase the amount of canned food until it completely replaces the dry food.
How to Differentiate a Bowel Issue From Injury?
One of the most difficult things about dealing with a constipated dog is differentiating between a true bowel issue and an anal gland or perineal injury. If you want to know how to make a dog poop quickly, you also need to know if it’s really what they need. There’s a key difference between the two:
- With a bowel issue, your dog will likely have straining and bloating in addition to constipation.
- Anal gland or perineal injuries usually cause your dog to yelp in pain when they poop. There may also be blood in the stool.
If you’re unsure whether your dog is constipated or injured, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and call your vet. They’ll be able to give you a definitive answer and help you get your pup feeling better.
Get Your Dog to Poop and Feel Better
No one likes dealing with a constipated dog, but it’s an unfortunately common problem. By following these tips, you can help your dog have a bowel movement in no time. And if home remedies don’t work, don’t hesitate to call a veterinary clinic for help. They’ll be able to get to the bottom of the problem and get your pup feeling better in no time.
Do you have any other tips for how to make a dog poop quickly? Share them in the comments below!
