My senior dog has cancer and can't poop. What can I do to help?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Female | 15 years and 9 months old | 22 lbs
Our bichon has TCC bladder cancer and we are not doing chemo since she is age 15. Her appetite is normal but has great difficulty in in deficating. What can we do to help her
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 10th, 2017
Hi. I'm so sorry about Bella's diagnosis. Be sure to talk with her veterinarian about palliative care and pain management. If she is straining try to differentiate if she is trying to urinate vs defecate. If she is having difficulties with defecation you can try increasing the fiber of her food with a bit of canned pumpkin and/or moisture content with wet/canned dog food. Make all diet changes slowly so as not to cause diarrhea. If this isn't enough ask her vet about stool softeners or laxatives she can have.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 10th, 2017
It could be that she is just constipated from the change in food or the lump could be blocking her colon making it difficult to pass stool. Have her rechecked by your vet to determine the cause of her problem. Your vet may be able to prescribe some medications to help her pass stool. She might also need some pain medications to help keep her comfortable. If the lumps can not be surgically removed then they will continue to grow and may cause additional problems. You could also take her to a veterinary oncologist to see if they have any recommendations for treatment. So Sorry that she has cancer.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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