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My dog is constipated for 24 hours. When should I worry and what to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 9 years old

My dog has not had a bowel movement in about 24 hours. I gave her an enema, and nothing happened so I gave her Pedialyte and I don't know what to do.

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 14th, 2016

Poor Alice! Not having a bowel movement in 24 hours isn't normal, but it may not be a cause for concern just yet. If she has been eating normally with no bowel movements, then I would try adding a tablespoon of canned pumpkin puree mixed in with her food to see if that helps relieve the constipation. I would not give her another enema, as you may accidentally do harm to her. If feeding her the canned pumpkin puree for 24 hours does not produce a bowel movement, then I would take her into the vet as there may be something more seriously wrong with her, such as a blockage from a foreign body. If she develops other symptoms in the next 24 hours, such as anorexia, vomiting, and/or extreme lethargy, I would rush her into a vet immediately.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Constipation can be a very serious condition, it can be caused by a physical blockage (foreign body like a bone) or a functional peristalsis deficiency of the intestines. In order to treat simple constipation, you should increase the fibers in the food (e.g. canned pumpkin) and can add a little mineral oil to the diet. I strongly advise taking Alice to the vet in order to check if there is a serious condition causing the constipation first.

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    Answered By Lotus Altholtz

    Veterinarian, Board-Certified Lab Animal Medicine Specialist

    Published on March 16th, 2019

    As long as Basty doesn’t appear lethargic, is eating well and isn’t vomiting, there is likely nothing to worry about. These symptoms may be a sign of a foreign body obstruction which can be life-threatening. Adding 1/4 cup of pumpkin purée to his food twice daily may help him to go if he hasn’t pooped because of constipation. Good luck!

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on December 5th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Normally we expect dogs to be able to have bowel movements at least once daily especially puppies who tend to go more frequently. If it has already been more than 24-36 hours, have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment. They may have you feed her a bit of canned pumpkin depending on his weight which may help with constipation if that seems to be the issue. They may be able to determine why she has not been able to defecate. Good luck!

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 10th, 2018

    You can feed him canned pumpkin to help him go. If there is vomiting, no appetite or he is straining to go with no production or diarrhea, i would worry and take him in to be seen. If there is no bowel movement after 48 hours I would get him checked.

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