Why is my senior Great Dane in pain when having a bowel movement?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Great Dane | Male | neutered | 11 years and 1 month old | 120 lbs
Our 10 yr old Great Dane seems to be in pain while having bowel movements, he scoots away during and looks behind. Otherwise bowel movements look normal. Being a 10 yr old Great Dane, he doesn't have the mobility he used to, but for the most part he is otherwise in excellent condition. What could be going on? Thank you
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 10th, 2017
It could be that Rasta has pain in his back, hips, and/or joints due to arthritis or degenerative joint disease. This is common in giant breed dogs, and I would have him seen by a vet. He may benefit from pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Rimadyl (an NSAID) is a good drug to give to help with the symptoms of arthritis. I also recommend giving him glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate supplements. They provide the necessary nutrients for cartilage repair and function. Use of them helps relieve some of the symptoms of arthritis, and you can use it in conjuction with Rimadyl to help maximize relief from his symptoms.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on February 28th, 2017
He does sound like he is in pain, and this may be caused by arthritis. Arthritis is common in older dogs. I would take Moti into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose if he is suffering from arthritis, and can give him some pain meds for it. Rimadyl (an NSAID) is a good drug to give to help with the symptoms of arthritis. I also recommend giving him glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate supplements. They provide the necessary nutrients for cartilage repair and function. Use of them helps relieve some of the symptoms of arthritis, and you can use it in conjuction with Rimadyl to help maximize relief from his symptoms.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
I have a Great Dane, that’s 1 year old he has all a couple symptoms, for bloat like his back is arched, an you can till his in pain, also his hair on his back is kinda up an when you touch it he shakes it, an when he lays down he shakes like he’s col
My dog is 17 1/2 years old never has any chronic medical issue nor has been treated for any illness. However due to his age he's now experiencing difficulty walking as expected but also he's having trouble pooping what can I do beside changing his d
my 10 year old Great Dane is pooping in his cage while asleep almost every night for some time now. He has hip issues so I thought it was related. Poor fellow doesnt even know he does it until too late then he howls until we walk and take care of h
Tootsie's hips are going (chocalate Lab) and she poops the second she gets up off the floor and when in her crate at night( largest crate available). We have decided to leave the crate open at night so she doesn't get the poop all over her. What's go
My dog is 18 yrs old. He is not able to poop. He tries and hollars due to pain. Other than that he is normal. What should I do
Quinn, almost 12yrold dane mix, has started to leave accidental poop after a sleep.(3 times) Only small pebble (in comparison to his normal poop) am aware eyes and ears are fading (for 2 yrs). Has arthritis in hips 3.5yrs. (Issues up and down, and he
My 13 year old dane would rather lay down in house and go #2 we need to food bribe him to get up sometimes on his own or with some help How can i stop this
My dog is 16 years old and partially blind due to cataracts. Appetite and energy are normal. He has a new behavior - when he defecates, he keeps walking quickly backwards almost looking like he's in a panic. Feces seem normal. He's not on any medi
My dog is near the end of life, she has trouble with back legs especially the right one. She can't squat without falling so she hasn't been able to poop. We go outside and she pees and I can tell she wants to poop. How can I help her
I am having problems with my 7 year old Rotty. Since March 2019, she strains to go to the bathroom, has poop that hangs from her anus as she paces, dropping small pieces then has an explosive diarrhea-ish movement. We have tried a huge list of meds.
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
