Dog constipated for days, straining, and peeing inside. What to do?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 11th, 2018

  I am sorry to hear about Diller. If she is straining to have a bowel movement and nothing is coming out it is possible she is constipated, which can be due to a variety of causes including dehydration, ingestion of foreign substances, blockage due to a mass or swelling of another organ in the abdomen, and more. Due to her age I would recommend bringing her into the vet for an exam. They will palpate her belly, do a rectal exam, and may recommend additional testing such as an x-ray. If she is still energetic/eating then you can try giving her a tablespoon or two of canned pumpkin with her food which can help with mild constipation and ensure she is drinking water. If she starts vomiting, becomes weak, or painful if you touch her belly/goes down into a prayer position with her front end down and hind end up in the air, these would be reasons to seek emergency/urgent vet care.

  

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  Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

  Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

  Published on May 21st, 2018

  If Lil Girl is straining to defecate and is not producing any stool, then she is constipated. I am attaching a link to a handout below with more information on constipation including treatment options. https://www.vin.com/veterinarypartner/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951509 If you are noticing Lil Girl straining without any stool being produced, then I would recommend having your veterinarian examine her to figure out what might be causing the problem. If you simply have not seen her attempt to pass any stool in a couple of days, it may not be a problem. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

  

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  Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC

  Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

  Published on March 10th, 2017

  The straining to defecate may indicate constipation but often that is a symptom of another disease. Because she is a female, you should note that it can be easy to misinterpret straining to urinate for straining to defecate. Often we see this when a patient has urinary bladder stones. Additionally, straining to defecate can be observed secondary to an intestinal blockage, enlarged lymph nodes or even a mass. You should have her evaluated by a veterinarian and request a rectal exam and urinalysis. The veterinarian may need to perform an x-ray or ultrasound to make a definitive diagnosis.

  

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