My new puppy hasn't pooped. Is this normal? When to see a vet?

Question

I just brought home a new puppy yesterday. His parents were a mini dachshund and a chiweenie. I have taken him out every hour, and we spend and hour outside trying to "Go potty." However, he has had 0 bowel movements. When should I be concerned and take him to the vet? We lost our cat recently to a bowel obstruction, we still don't know what she got into, and I am so nervous about this little furbaby. I've tried belly rubs, lots of exercise, play time, more water... Could it be new surroundings? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 6 months and 22 days old

Jessica Keay, DVM · Accepted Answer

Congratulations on Samwise! (love the name). It is possible your pup could be nervous in new surroundings, or it is possible he didn't eat very much yesterday due to his transition to a new home and so he doesn't have as much stool in his colon to poop out. If he is active/playful and eating and drinking, doesn't have abdominal pain, and isn't straining to poop I wouldn't worry just yet. I would continue to take him outside regularly and try walking him or playing with him when outside because the activity may stimulate his GI tract. If he still hasn't had a bowel movement by tomorrow and he is eating food then you may consider calling the vet for an appointment. Another way to stimulate a bowel movement would be to take a rectal temperature. We do this by lubricating a thermometer and inserting an inch or two into the rectum (normal temperature for a dog is 100.5 to 102.5). The act of taking the temperature will sometimes stimulate some dogs to have a bowel movement.

My new puppy hasn't pooped. Is this normal? When to see a vet?

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