If you've noticed your dog straining in the garden or skipping their usual toilet routine, you might be wondering whether they're constipated. The good news? Most cases of dog constipation sort themselves out with a few simple changes at home. But knowing when it's time to ring your vet is just as important as knowing what to try first. 

Let's walk through everything you need to know about spotting, treating, and preventing constipation in dogs.

What Is Dog Constipation?

Constipation occurs when your dog has difficulty passing stools or passes them less frequently than normal. Most healthy dogs poo at least once a day, often two or three times. If your dog hasn't been in 48 hours, seems uncomfortable when trying, or is producing small, hard pellets, they're likely constipated.

It's worth noting that constipation is usually temporary and fairly easy to sort out. But in some cases, it can signal something more serious, like a blockage or an underlying health condition. That's why it's always better to err on the side of caution.

Sarah from Manchester learned this firsthand with her eight-year-old Labrador, Max. "He'd always been regular as clockwork, but one weekend he just stopped going. I thought maybe he was being fussy about the rain, but by day three, I knew something wasn't right. A quick trip to the vet revealed he'd been eating grass obsessively at the park, and it had compacted in his system."

Signs Your Dog Is Constipated

Your dog can't tell you they're uncomfortable, so you'll need to watch for these telltale signs:

Common Symptoms of Constipation

Emily from Bristol noticed something was off with her Cocker Spaniel, Bella, during their morning walk. "She kept circling and squatting but nothing was happening. Then she'd look at me with these pleading eyes, like she was asking for help. That's when I knew it wasn't just her being picky about where to go."

What Causes Dog Constipation?

Understanding why your dog is constipated can help you prevent it from happening again. Here are the most common culprits:

Diet-Related Causes

• Not Enough Fibre
  Just like in humans, fibre keeps things moving through your dog's digestive system. Low-fibre diets can slow everything down. If you're feeding a high-quality food that's designed for digestive health, you're already on the right track.
• Too Much Bone
  Bones are a controversial topic in the dog world, but one thing's certain: too much bone consumption can lead to chalky, hard stools that are difficult to pass. If your dog's been having recreational bones lately, that might be the issue.
• Sudden Diet Changes
  Switching foods too quickly can upset your dog's tummy and lead to constipation. Always transition gradually over 7-10 days, mixing the new food with the old.

Hydration Issues

Not Drinking Enough Water
Dehydration is one of the leading causes of constipation in dogs. When your dog doesn't drink enough, their body absorbs more water from waste in the colon, making stools harder and drier.

Tom from Leeds keeps multiple water bowls around the house and garden for his German Shepherd, Bruno. "After a bout of constipation last summer, my vet explained that Bruno wasn't drinking enough during his long walks. Now I take a collapsible bowl and water bottle everywhere we go, and we haven't had problems since."

Physical and Medical Causes

• Blockages
  Dogs are curious creatures. Socks, toys, stones, grass, and other foreign objects can cause intestinal blockages. This is a veterinary emergency and requires immediate attention.
• Lack of Exercise
  Movement stimulates the bowels. If your dog's been less active lately due to weather, injury, or age, their digestive system might have slowed down too.
• Medication Side Effects
  Some medications, particularly painkillers and antihistamines, can cause constipation as a side effect.
• Age-Related Changes
  Senior dogs are more prone to constipation. Their digestive systems slow down, and they're often less active than younger dogs.
• Underlying Health Conditions
  Conditions like hypothyroidism, enlarged prostate (in unneutered males), and neurological issues can all contribute to constipation.
• Pain or Discomfort
  If your dog has arthritis or a pelvic injury, the act of squatting to poo might be painful, causing them to avoid going.
• Anal Gland Problems
  Impacted or infected anal glands can make defecation uncomfortable or difficult.

Causes of Dog Constipation at a Glance

Home Remedies for Dog Constipation

Before you panic and rush to the vet, there are several safe things you can try at home. These remedies work best for mild, occasional constipation in otherwise healthy dogs.

1. Increase Water Intake

Water is your first line of defence. Make sure fresh water is available at all times, and try these tricks to encourage drinking:

• Add a splash of low-sodium chicken broth to their water bowl
• Place multiple water bowls around the house and garden
• Try a pet water fountain (some dogs prefer running water)
• Add water to their meals

2. Add Canned Pumpkin

Pure canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) is a classic remedy. It's high in fibre and moisture, helping to soften stools and get things moving. Start with one teaspoon per 5kg of body weight, mixed into their food.

Charlotte from Manchester swears by this method for her Springer Spaniel, Molly. "I keep a tin of pumpkin in the cupboard at all times now. At the first sign of trouble, I mix a spoonful into her breakfast, and it usually does the trick within 24 hours."

3. Switch to Wet Food Temporarily

If you normally feed dry kibble, adding some wet food can increase moisture intake and help soften stools. Look for high-quality options in our dog food collection that support digestive health.

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4. Add Exercise

A good walk can work wonders. Physical activity stimulates the bowels and encourages regular toilet habits. Try taking your dog for several shorter walks throughout the day rather than one long one.

5. Include Probiotics

A healthy gut microbiome supports regular bowel movements. Consider adding a probiotic supplement designed for dogs, especially if your dog has sensitive stomach issues or has recently been on antibiotics.

6. Try a Small Amount of Olive Oil

A teaspoon of olive oil mixed into food can act as a gentle lubricant. Start small and increase gradually if needed. Too much can cause diarrhoea, which creates a whole new problem.

7. Gentle Tummy Massage

Some dogs respond well to gentle abdominal massage. Using slow, circular motions, massage your dog's belly in a clockwise direction for a few minutes. This can help stimulate the digestive tract.

Important: Never give your dog laxatives, enemas, or human medications without consulting your vet first. What's safe for humans can be toxic to dogs.

Safe Home Remedies vs. What to Avoid

When to Call Your Vet

While many cases of constipation resolve on their own, some situations require professional help. Contact your vet if:

• Your dog hasn't had a bowel movement in more than 48-72 hours
• They're straining and crying out in pain
• You see blood or mucus in their stool
• Their abdomen is bloated, hard, or painful to touch
• They're vomiting repeatedly
• They've stopped eating or drinking
• They seem lethargic or depressed
• You suspect they've eaten something they shouldn't have
• Home remedies haven't helped within 24 hours

Rachel from Bristol rushed her Terrier, Charlie, to the vet when he started vomiting after two days of constipation. "I'd been trying pumpkin and extra walks, but when he started throwing up, I knew it was time for professional help. It turned out he had a partial blockage from eating part of a tennis ball. I'm so glad I didn't wait any longer."

What Your Vet Might Do

If home remedies aren't working, your vet will conduct a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause. This might include:

Physical Examination
Your vet will feel your dog's abdomen and may perform a rectal exam to check for blockages, impacted stools, or anal gland problems.

Diagnostic Tests
Blood tests can reveal dehydration, infection, or underlying conditions like hypothyroidism. X-rays or ultrasounds help visualise the digestive tract and identify blockages or abnormalities.

Treatment Options
Depending on the cause, your vet might recommend:

• Enemas (performed by a professional)
• Stool softeners or laxatives designed for dogs
• Intravenous fluids for dehydration
• Manual removal of impacted stools
• Dietary changes
• Medications to stimulate bowel movements
• Surgery (in severe cases of blockage)

James from Leeds' French Bulldog, Winston, needed veterinary intervention after home remedies failed. "The vet gave him fluids and a gentle laxative, and we had to switch to a prescription for a few weeks. He's been regular ever since."

How to Prevent Constipation in Dogs

Prevention is always better than cure. Here's how to keep your dog's digestive system running smoothly:

Feed a Balanced Diet

Choose a high-quality food with appropriate fibre content for your dog's age and size. Our dog food collection includes options designed to support digestive health.

Ensure Constant Access to Fresh Water

Change water bowls at least twice daily and wash them regularly. Some dogs prefer running water from a fountain.

Provide Regular Exercise

Daily walks and playtime keep your dog's metabolism active and their bowels regular. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity daily, adjusted for your dog's age and fitness level.

Gradual Diet Changes

If you need to switch foods, do it gradually over 7-10 days to give your dog's digestive system time to adjust.

Monitor What They Eat

Keep an eye on what your dog gets into. Supervise them in the garden, avoid giving too many bones, and dog-proof your home to prevent them eating socks, toys, or other dangerous items.

Regular Vet Check-ups

Annual health checks can catch underlying issues before they cause problems. This is especially important for senior dogs.

Address Stress and Anxiety

Changes in routine, moving house, or new pets can stress dogs out and affect their bowel movements. Try to maintain consistency and consider calming supplements if needed.

Prevention Checklist

Special Considerations for Puppies

Puppies can get constipated too, but it's usually less common than in adult or senior dogs. If your puppy is constipated, it's especially important to act quickly. Their smaller size means dehydration and blockages can become serious faster.

Common causes in puppies include:

• Eating things they shouldn't (puppies are notorious for this)
• Sudden diet changes
• Stress from rehoming or separation
• Not drinking enough water
• Intestinal parasites

If your puppy hasn't had a bowel movement in 24 hours, or if they seem unwell in any way, contact your vet straight away.

Special Considerations for Senior Dogs

Older dogs are more prone to constipation for several reasons:

• Slower metabolism
• Less physical activity
• Age-related health conditions
• Medications with constipating side effects
• Arthritis making squatting painful

For senior dogs, prevention becomes even more important. Consider:

• Feeding a senior-specific diet with appropriate fibre
• Shorter, more frequent walks
• Adding a probiotic supplement designed for digestive health
• Regular vet check-ups to monitor for underlying conditions
• Joint supplements if arthritis is making toileting difficult

Constipation vs. Other Digestive Issues

It's easy to confuse constipation with other problems. Here's how to tell the difference:

• Constipation: Straining with hard stools or no stools, infrequent bowel movements, firm abdomen
• Diarrhoea: Frequent, loose, or watery stools (though sometimes dogs with severe constipation pass small amounts of liquid around impacted stools)
• Bowel Obstruction: Severe straining, vomiting, no stools at all, painful abdomen, lethargy. This is an emergency.
• Anal Gland Problems: Scooting, licking rear end, discomfort when sitting, sometimes difficulty or pain when pooing

If you're not sure what's going on, it's always best to check with your vet.

The Bottom Line

Constipation in dogs is common and usually nothing to panic about. Most cases respond well to simple home remedies like increasing water intake, adding canned pumpkin to meals, and ensuring your dog gets regular exercise. The key is knowing when home care is enough and when professional help is needed.

If you're ever in doubt, ring your vet. They'd much rather you check in about something minor than wait until it becomes serious. And remember, prevention is the best medicine – a balanced diet from our dog food collection, plenty of fresh water, regular exercise, and routine vet visits go a long way towards keeping your dog's digestive system happy and healthy.