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My dog can't poop. What are home remedies for dog constipation?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

How to unstop my dog he can't poop

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 13th, 2017

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You can try administering several teaspoons of canned pumpkin ( not pie filling ), as this is a natural laxative. Repeat twice a day for several days, & if no BM is produced, please have your friend evaluated by a veterinarian at your earliest convenience. Take care.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 5th, 2017

    Constipation can be caused by anal sac impaction, intestinal parasites, a foreign body, too little fiber in the diet, lack of exercise, or even tumors in the GI tract. I recommend giving Kado a tablespoon of canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) mixed in with his food to see if that helps. If he is still constipated in 24-48 hours, he will need to see a vet as he will likely need a laxative or an enema. Your vet can diagnose the cause of the constipation as well.

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 23rd, 2019

    Hi, and thanks for your question. Mild constipation that lasts no more than two days can usually be resolved at home with increased fiber and hydration. Canned pumpkin (not pie filling, just the straight-up pumpkin) or liquid paraffin can be used, and should work straight away in the following 8 hours from administration. DO NOT TRY to give an enema as it could be dangerous and cause electrolyte imbalances and colon perforation. If constipation lasts more than 24 hours from administration of those or 48 hours in general, a check up at your local vet is required. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 2nd, 2019

    Try giving Pooch a teaspoon of canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) with his food. Or give him canned food and add water to it. If this doesn't work, have him seen by a vet. One cause of constipation in intact dogs is prostate problems, and those remedies I mentioned above will not treat those.

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