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My 17-year-old Pomeranian is constipated and hunched. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pomeranian | Female | unspayed | 17 years old | 5 lbs

I have noticed that My 17 yr old Pomeranian has been having a hard time pooping. She's been straining for a few days. She would have a little nugget but nothing more and it would be hard. She also has a hunch back and ive noticed it being a little more hunched since I've noticed her not being able to poop. What should I do to make it easier for her? Could it be more that just constipation? She's been hunched over for a little while could it be arthritis?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 20th, 2016

Poor Alexia! This constipation could be due to impacted anal sacs, not enough exercise, GI tumors, a foreign body, intestinal worms, not enough fiber in the diet, or a neurological disorder among other causes. I would try taking her for a short walk to see if that helps her poop, and mixing in a tablespoon of canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) in with her food to see if that helps her poop. Because this has been going on for a few days, should these methods not work, I would take her into the vet tomorrow. She may need a laxative or an enema to help her pass feces, and the vet can diagnose what is causing the constipation in order to treat her appropriately.

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 17th, 2018

    Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Not pooping for 4 days can be due to constipation, or could be due to not having any poop to poop out. Has she been eating well? Also, if constipation is the problem, usually there is an underlying cause, including kidney disease, diabetes, or other conditions that cause dehydration. If she isn't eating well, or if she is either not drinking, OR drinking and peeing A LOT, then I would have her seen by a vet for some blood tests to check for underlying disease. If her bloodwork is normal, an x-ray can show the extent of constipation if it is present, and a repeat and more extensive enema might be required. Best of luck with Sasha, I hope she feels better soon!

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Hello and welcome to Boop by Petco. Not pooping for 4 days can be due to constipation, or could be due to not having any poop to poop out. Has she been eating well? Also, if constipation is the problem, usually there is an underlying cause, including kidney disease, diabetes, or other conditions that cause dehydration. If she isn't eating well, or if she is either not drinking, OR drinking and peeing A LOT, then I would have her seen by a vet for some blood tests to check for underlying disease. If her bloodwork is normal, an x-ray can show the extent of constipation if it is present, and a repeat and more extensive enema might be required. Best of luck with Sasha, I hope she feels better soon!
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