Why Is My Dog Constipated? Causes, Signs & What to Do

If you’ve found yourself asking, “Why is my dog constipated?”, you’re not alone. Constipation is a relatively common digestive problem in dogs and can range from a mild, short-term issue to a sign that something else is going on.

A constipated dog may strain to poo, pass small, hard stools or go for longer than usual without a bowel movement. Fortunately, mild constipation can sometimes be helped with simple changes to hydration, diet and activity.

However, persistent constipation, significant pain or an inability to pass stools should always be discussed with your vet.

What Is Constipation in Dogs?

Constipation occurs when your dog has difficulty passing stools normally. As waste remains in the colon, more water can be absorbed from it, making the stool increasingly hard, dry and difficult to pass.

You may notice your dog repeatedly trying to poo without producing much, or passing small, dry pieces of stool.

Severe constipation can progress to obstipation, where a dog is unable to pass faeces. This requires veterinary treatment.

What Causes Constipation in Dogs?

There isn’t one single cause of dog constipation. Diet, hydration, activity levels and underlying health conditions can all play a role.

1. Not Drinking Enough Water

Hydration is important for healthy digestion. When your dog doesn't consume enough fluid, stools can become harder and more difficult to pass.

This can be particularly important during hot weather, after increased exercise or if your dog primarily eats dry food.

2. Diet

What your dog eats can affect the consistency and frequency of their stools.

Changes in diet, inappropriate amounts of fibre or eating difficult-to-digest materials can contribute to digestive problems. Dogs that swallow hair, bones or other non-food items may also experience difficulty passing stools.

3. Lack of Exercise

Movement helps support normal digestive function. Dogs that are less active may be more prone to sluggish bowel movements.

Regular walks and play don't just support your dog's physical and mental health – they can also help keep their digestive system moving.

4. Age

Older dogs may experience constipation more frequently. They may exercise less, drink less water or develop health conditions that affect their digestion.

5. Medication

Certain medications can affect bowel movements. If your dog has recently started medication and you've noticed a change in their stools, speak to your vet before making any changes to their treatment.

6. Stress or Changes in Routine

Just like humans, dogs can experience digestive changes during periods of stress.

Moving house, travelling, staying somewhere unfamiliar, changes within the household or a significant change in routine may temporarily affect their normal toileting habits.

7. An Underlying Health Problem

Sometimes constipation isn't simply a digestive issue. Pain, prostate problems, neurological conditions, dehydration and other medical conditions can make passing stools more difficult.

This is why persistent or recurring constipation should always be investigated by a vet.

Signs Your Dog May Be Constipated

One of the clearest signs is repeatedly attempting to poo without producing a normal stool.

Other signs can include:

• Straining when trying to poo

• Passing small, hard or dry stools

• Going longer than normal without pooing

• Repeatedly squatting without producing anything

• Discomfort when trying to pass stools

• Reduced appetite

• Low energy

• Abdominal discomfort

• Restlessness or changes in behaviour

It's also worth remembering that straining doesn't always mean constipation. Dogs experiencing urinary problems can sometimes appear to be trying to poo, so seek veterinary advice if you're unsure.

How Can I Help a Constipated Dog?

If your dog is otherwise bright, comfortable and experiencing only mild constipation, there are several things you can do to support normal digestion.

1. Increase Hydration

Start with water.

Make sure your dog has constant access to clean, fresh drinking water. You can also add extra moisture to their meals.

Another option is to offer a dog-friendly bone broth, which can be an easy way to encourage additional fluid intake while making meals more appealing.

Our dehydrated bone broth can be reconstituted with hot water and allowed to cool before serving, providing an easy way to add extra liquid to your dog's daily diet.

Always make sure any broth given to dogs is free from unsuitable ingredients such as onion and excessive salt.

2. Consider Fibre

Some dogs may benefit from additional dietary fibre.

Plain cooked pumpkin is commonly used as a source of fibre for dogs. However, more fibre isn't automatically better, and the right amount will depend on your dog's normal diet, size and the underlying cause of their constipation.

If constipation is recurring, speak to your vet or a qualified canine nutrition professional before making significant dietary changes.

3. Encourage Gentle Exercise

A good walk may be one of the simplest things you can try.

Physical activity encourages movement through the digestive tract and gives your dog plenty of opportunity to toilet.

If your dog has been particularly inactive, try adding some additional gentle walks or play into their day.

4. Support Their Gut

A healthy digestive system depends partly on the community of microorganisms living within the gut.

Fermented foods and appropriate probiotics can be incorporated into some dogs' diets as part of a wider approach to gut health.

Our Water Kefir for Dogs is a naturally fermented, dairy-free drink containing live cultures and can be introduced gradually alongside your dog's usual diet.

5. Review Their Diet

If constipation happens regularly, it may be worth looking at your dog's overall diet rather than treating each episode individually.

Ask yourself:

Is your dog drinking enough?

Are they getting enough moisture from their food?

Have you recently changed their diet?

Are they eating anything they shouldn't?

Have their stools changed since introducing a new food or treat?

Some owners choose a fresh or raw diet for their dogs. If you're considering making a major dietary change, introduce it carefully and consider discussing your dog's nutritional requirements with a suitably qualified professional.

6. Keep Long-Haired Dogs Groomed

Dogs naturally swallow some hair while grooming themselves. Regular brushing can help reduce the amount of loose hair they ingest, particularly in long-haired breeds.

Keeping the hair around the rear end clean and trimmed can also help dogs toilet comfortably.

Should I Give My Dog Oil for Constipation?

You may see recommendations online suggesting olive oil or coconut oil for constipated dogs.

Although small quantities of certain oils are used in some dogs' diets, adding oil isn't necessarily appropriate for every constipated dog and too much fat can cause digestive upset.

It's safer to focus first on hydration, appropriate nutrition and gentle exercise, and speak to your vet before using oils or other home treatments specifically as a laxative.

When Should I Take My Dog to the Vet?

Occasional mild constipation may resolve quickly, but you shouldn't continue treating a dog at home if they're clearly uncomfortable or unable to pass stools.

Contact your vet if your dog:

• Cannot pass a stool despite repeated attempts

• Appears to be in significant pain

• Has a swollen or painful abdomen

• Is vomiting

• Has blood in their stool

• Stops eating or drinking

• Becomes unusually lethargic

• May have swallowed a bone, toy or foreign object

• Has recurring episodes of constipation

• Doesn't improve within a short period

Puppies, elderly dogs and dogs with existing medical conditions may need veterinary attention sooner.

Supporting Healthy Digestion Every Day

Preventing constipation isn't about finding one magic ingredient. It's about supporting your dog's digestive health every day.

Fresh water, adequate moisture in their diet, regular exercise, appropriate nutrition and attention to changes in their normal toileting habits can all make a difference.

Adding extra liquid to meals with a dog-friendly bone broth can be a simple way to increase moisture while providing a tasty addition to your dog's food.

Most importantly, get to know what's normal for your dog. Changes in their stools can sometimes be one of the first signs that something isn't quite right.

If constipation becomes persistent, painful or keeps returning, speak to your vet so that any underlying cause can be properly investigated.