Symptoms of constipation in dogs

There are various signs of canine constipation including:

Irregular bowel movements

The most common sign of constipation in dogs is the lack of poo for a few days or a noticeable change in bowel movements. Being aware of the number of times a day your dog poos makes it easier to spot if your dog has constipation.

Straining or mucous

Straining to go to the toilet without producing much poo is a common symptom of constipation. Sometimes this straining produces some ‘slime’ – this is mucous from the bowel.

Hard stools

Hard or pebble-like poo is another common sign of constipation in dogs and one of the easiest signs to spot.

Discomfort or pain

If your dog is constipated they may be clearly uncomfortable or appear to be in pain when trying to pass a poo. Some dogs may also appear bloated around the abdomen or may cry or growl if their stomach or lower back are touched.

Lack of appetite

If a dog is unable to have a poo they may lose their appetite which can cause weight loss if this goes on for a prolonged period of time.

Many of these symptoms can also be signs of other conditions and constipation itself can be a symptom of other underlying diseases. Some of these can be serious so it is always important to visit your vet promptly for a diagnosis if your four-legged friend’s toilet habits are amiss. It is also important for your vet to diagnose and treat constipation swiftly as the longer the stool remains in the large bowel
the bigger and drier it can become which can potentially lead to further problems.

To help with the diagnosis your vet may need to do additional tests such as blood tests x-rays or an ultrasound exam.

Dog constipation guide.