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Why is my dog still not pooping after an enema and vet visits?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 6 years and 10 months old

We've been to the vet 3 times in 4 days. Today is day 5. My dog won't poop. Last time He pooped was Friday afternoon after he was given an enema.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 3rd, 2016

It's not been 2 days yet, I wouldn't be too worried yet, after an enema a dog can go without pooping for 2-3 days and it is considered normal, as the enema has emptied all his intestines. If he is eating and overall himself- continue monitoring him.

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22Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on

    I'm sorry to hear your dog is having so much trouble. If he is severely constipated, he may need to have an enema under anesthesia to thoroughly clean out the bowels and get things moving again. I would also be concerned about the underlying reason that he is having trouble pooping - it is not normal for dogs to become this severely constipated. You can try to increase his water intake by feeding canned dog food, beef or chicken broth, or canned pumpkin which can also help because it is high in fiber. If your vet cannot determine a reason for the constipation, I would ask for a referral to an internal medicine specialist for further testing to try and get a diagnosis.

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    8Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I'm sorry your dog is having this problem. He may need another enema or stool softening medications. You can also add canned pumpkin to his diet to increase the fiber. An X-ray of his abdomen should be done to evaluate his intestines and look for potential causes of constipation in dogs, like enlarged prostrate/lymph nodes or masses.

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    5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 11th, 2018

    Yes it is quite normal, an enema empties the intestines and it can take several days until you see some solid stools again, it obviously depends how much he is eating as well and what was the reason for the enema in the first place.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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