Evening strolls with your pup can be the highlight of your day. But these bonding moments can quickly turn sour when you’re stuck waiting upwards of 10 minutes just for your furry friend to do their business.

At a Glance

• Constipation is when it becomes difficult or even impossible to have a bowel movement.
• Anything from stress to lack of exercise to dehydration can cause constipation for your dog. Sometimes, it can even be indicative of underlying health concerns.
• Your pup’s constipation can look like difficulty pooping, discomfort or pain, and behavioral changes. Watch out for your BFF, and pay attention to your dog’s stool!
• These eight home remedies can help your pup if he/she is having trouble pooping.

If your canine companion struggles to pass stool, it’s not just frustrating and time-consuming. This can be a sign of constipation or underlying health conditions. As gross as it may sound, it’s important to pay attention to your dog’s poo!

Keep reading, and we’ll share eight natural ways that you can help encourage bowel movements for your dog.

See Related: How Often Should A Dog Poop?

Why Won’t My Dog Poop?

Healthy bowel movements are something that many of us take for granted. And at one point, your pup likely did, too. But at one point or another, passing stool may become something of a challenge for them.

Though constipation in dogs is more common for older pups, it can happen to your furry friend at any point in their life. Anything from lack of fiber to excess stress can cause your dog to be backed up.

Here are some of the most common culprits behind dog constipation:

• Stress or anxiety
• Changes in diet
• Poor diet
• Lack of exercise (one of the many reasons daily walks are so important!)
• Ingesting a foreign object
• Self-grooming
• Too little fiber or too much fiber
• Renal issues
• Enlarged colon
• Dehydration
• Injury or physical trauma
• History of constipation
• + more!

What is Constipation?

If your dog’s digestive system is plugged up and they’re having trouble dropping a deuce, they might be constipated. Constipation is when waste becomes stuck in the gut or digestive tract and won’t come out easily.

If your pup is straining to pass stool or their poo is small, rock-hard pieces, it’s likely that they’re constipated. In that case, it’s a good idea to pay a visit to your local vet.

If your furry friend simply needs a little boost to get their BMs back on track, you might be able to rely on a home remedy to get them feeling A-OK again. Keep reading, and we’ll tell you how!

What are the Signs of Constipation in Dogs?

You might think it’s easy to spot constipation in a dog. But sometimes, it’s not that noticeable. Regardless, it’s up to you as a pet parent to pay attention to your dog’s bowel movement schedule, no matter how disgusting it might be.

Difficulty Pooping

There are a few key symptoms that you can look out for if you want some insight into your dog’s digestive health.

For example, if they take longer than usual to defecate or even if they don’t have any BMs at all, it could be an indicator of constipation. Rock-hard poos and bloody stools can also be symptoms of dog constipation.

Bonus: How To Train Your Dog To Walk On A Leash

Changes in Appetite

Changes in diet or a poor diet overall can cause your dog to have trouble pooping. Similarly, changes in your pup’s appetite can reveal if your dog’s digestive tract is blocked up.

Discomfort or Pain

Constipated dogs are often unhappy dogs. The inability to go number two isn’t just frustrating – it can be uncomfortable or even painful.

If your BFF starts to whimper or cry when attempting to poo, it can be a sign of distress and pain. Tail tucking or licking at their rear end can also be a potential sign of your dog’s constipation.

Behavioral Changes

Like humans, dogs have their own personalities. And that’s likely something that you love about your pooch! You truly know your pup better than anyone else.

So, if you happen to notice any other abnormal behaviors, consider the possibility that they are indicative of a more significant issue. Even a subtle lack of energy can be a sign that something is amiss.

How To Get Your Dog’s Digestive System Moving

All pet parents want what’s best for their fur baby. And it’s likely that you do, too. So, if your pooch is a little backed up, it might be time to look at ways to stimulate bowel movements. It might sound gross, but it’s necessary if you want to keep them happy and healthy!

#1. Take your Canine Companion to the Vet

This should go without saying, but the vet should be your first stop.

If you’re concerned for your pup’s health, you should turn to the professionals. They know what they’re doing, and can help give you the peace of mind you deserve.

#2. Give Your Dog Canned Dog Food

More likely than not, your dog’s constipation is caused by their diet. If you normally give your pup dry dog food, try treating them to wet food or canned food. Wet dog food is easier for doggies to digest as it contains more moisture.

Canned dog food is often the best way to improve your pup’s health and get them on a regular BM schedule again. If canned food doesn’t do the trick, there are also high-fiber treats out there that can help promote regular bowel movements.

#3. Add Some Extra Fiber to Your Pup’s Diet

Most of the time, the culprit behind your dog’s blocked butt is fiber. If your pup’s diet is lacking in this essential nutrient, it can lead to difficulty pooping and prolonged constipation.

Try giving your pup human foods like green beans, spinach, bananas, strawberries, carrots, kale, or sweet potatoes. Human foods contain healthy bulk-forming fiber and are safe for your pup to eat.

This high-fiber diet can help prevent constipation and get your pup poopin’ if they’re a little backed up.

#4. Go for a Walk

There’s nothing like some movin’ and groovin’ to make a dog poop. Even mild physical activity is often enough to relieve constipation and encourage normal bowel movements. With that being said, it’s time to go for a walk!

And if that’s not motivation enough, you should know that walking is good for you, too.

People usually avoid taking their dogs for a much-needed stroll around the neighborhood because they’re low on time (so, if that sounds like you, keep reading.) And walking can be even more of a nuisance if your dog stops every five feet to drop a deuce. Luckily, you won’t need to pick up their chocolatey surprise when you hire a team of pooper scoopers to do it for you.

Even if it sounds disgusting to you, we’ve been picking up dog poop for pet parents for years. We’re here to help you regain your freedom and keep your hands clean. If your dog can poop it, we can scoop it!

#5. Use Wipes to Make a Dog Poop Quickly

Making your dog poop quickly isn’t a very pleasant task. And sometimes, you need to get your hands dirty (but not literally… ew.)

To get things moving, take a moist wipe and gently wipe your pup’s nether regions. This can help stimulate bowel movements and aid digestion. This action simulates what mother dogs and cats do to their young in nature, as many newborn pups can’t actually defecate on their own without this care.

#6. The Ice Cube Method

If you prefer an easier method, try this one. However, it can get pretty gross, so be prepared for that!

Start by grabbing a handful of spare ice cubes. You’ll need to lift your pet’s tail slightly and gently press a small piece of ice around their bumhole. This may help stimulate your dog’s bowel movements.

#7. Give Your Pup Some Apple Cider Vinegar

A small amount of apple cider vinegar can help get your pup’s system going. This sharp-tasting vinegar is a natural probiotic and helps recover healthy gut bacteria.

Just be sure you don’t overdo it – too much can irritate your pup’s tummy and potentially make their constipation worse. Simply add a touch to a bowl of warm water for your dog to drink.

#8. Feed Your Dog Canned Pumpkin

You don’t need to wait for autumn leaves and seasonal coffee drinks to bust out the pumpkin puree. If your dog is having some trouble pooping, this squash contains all the nutrients needed to promote healthy digestion.

Pumpkin is super healthy and is very high in fiber. Plus, it contains lots of moisture and is a natural probiotic. It’s good for stimulating bowel movement and treating constipation and is also downright delicious for your dog.

Only give your dog 100% canned pumpkin puree. Never feed him pumpkin pie filling, as it likely contains other ingredients that aren’t fit for canine consumption.

Final Thoughts

We know that reading about your dog’s BMs isn’t how you envisioned spending your afternoon. But hopefully, this article helped your pup feel a bit better. Now, all you need to do is book a team of poop-scooping pros so that you can feel better about your dog’s poo, too!

Keep Reading: 8 Ways To Keep Your Dog Warm Outside In The Winter

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Scoop Masters offers professional dog waste removal services in California, Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. Since 1988, we’ve saved dog owners across the country from the overly unpleasant task of picking up after their pets. Each poopy project we complete gives them the freedom, convenience, and sanitation they deserve! Contact us for a free quote, or simply stock up on enough dog poop bags to keep your pet’s number twos at bay. To stay in the loop, follow up on Facebook and Twitter/X. If your dog can poop it, we can scoop it!