Why is my senior dog pacing, straining to poop, and has runny stools?

Question

We have noticed our 11+ lab pacing as in not being able to have a bowel movement but eventually does. She has always been very regular & the easiest to do her business. This has only just become noticeable but very out of character. She was also diagnosed with Kidney Disease 2 yrs ago but doing fabulous for 18 mo. Her stools are now also runny. She gets plenty of exercise & still active. Should I worry about Bowel cancer? Her sister passed 2 1/2 yrs ago from spleen cancer. Thank you so much. Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 11 years and 7 months old | 82 lbs

Daniel Fonza, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If Hannah is having difficulties defecating, this could be dietary related or something going on in her GI tract. Her anal glands may also be full making it difficult for her to defecate and there may also be a tumor in her colon causing this problem. I would recommend having her examined by a veterinarian. The veterinarian can perform a rectal exam and check her anal glands at the same time to see if a cause is identifiable. Abdominal x-rays / ultrasound would also help determine what the cause could potentially be. In the meantime, I would suggest adding canned pumpkin into her food to see if this helps her defecate. I would add in 2 tbsp to each meal. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Why is my senior dog pacing, straining to poop, and has runny stools?

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