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My dog has a stomach ache and might be constipated. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Pinscher | Male | neutered | 7 years and 5 months old | 17 lbs

My dog seems to have a stomache ache. Maybe constipation? What can I do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 21st, 2017

Poor Pita! If you are concerned he is constipated, I can give you a home remedy to try to help him. 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 him 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. If he is pooping normally, then I would try a bland diet to see if that helps his stomach. Withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. If Pita still isn't feeling better on this bland diet, or she develops other signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, or lethargy, then I would have him seen by a vet.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on

    I'm sorry to hear that Pita isn't feeling well! It would help to have a bit more information about what symptoms you are seeing, in order to give more specific advice - feel free to post another question with more details if you like, and we would be happy to try and help. Without more information, if he seems to have abdominal pain, the best thing I can recommend would be to take him to the vet to be checked - some causes of abdominal pain in dogs can be quite serious, such as pancreatitis or an intestinal obstruction. Your vet can palpate his abdomen to check for any abnormalities, and may also recommend blood work or x-rays to help determine what's wrong so that Pita can get started on appropriate treatment.

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