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Dog not pooping 2 days after bloody diarrhea & meds. Is it normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 6 years and 3 months old

My dog hasn't pooped in 2 days after having bloody diarrhea. Vet put him on antibiotics and he hasn't pooped since. I'm worried something is wrong.

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5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on July 30th, 2016

Sometimes a dog will not "go" for 24 - 48 hours after anti-diarrheal medications have been started. Think of it like this: the system was essentially empty due to the [diarrhea](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/diarrhea-1/), and if the medication is effective, it will slow down the transit time of food through the GI tract and it will take a couple of days for him to actually need to poop again. As long as he is eating and drinking and feeling good, I would not immediately panic. I do often see dogs recovering from diarrhea go as much as 48 - 72 hours before having a bowel movement. If it's longer than this, or if he's not feeling well, get him rechecked immediately.

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Some dogs may not have a bowel movement for a few days after a bout of diarrhea. The diarrhea empties things out and it can take a few days for normal stool to form and work its way through the intestines. If your dog is eating, drinking, and otherwise acting normally, it's best to give them a bit of time before worrying. If your dog still hasn't pooped in another day or two, he should be taken back to your vet for follow-up care.

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    165Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 15th, 2019

    Yes, this is normal. You can see a period of not pooping after having diarrhea. Bailey should poop again soon, but if it doesn't happen in another 24 hours, then I would be concerned. At that point, give his vet a call.

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    6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on June 20th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! That is somewhat expected while on an anti-diarrhea medication like metronidazole. I would give it another 24 hours or so as he will most likely go to the bathroom eventually in that time period. You can try giving him about 2-3 teaspoons of canned pumpkin with his meals which may help with his current constipation. Good luck and have a great day!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 11th, 2020

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Romeo. Good on you for taking him into the vet! Yes, it is normal to see a period of not pooping after having diarrhea. Given that he is otherwise acting normally, I would not worry. He should poop soon. Keep an eye on him over the weekend and if he hasn't pooped by Monday, then I would worry and give his vet a call. I hope this helps!

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