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Puppy constipated, crying, and has a painful swollen rear. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 2 lbs

My new puppy is constipated. Our veterinarian is not in today. His rectum is concerning--like he has a hemorrhoid. He cries when he tries to poop but has pooped a little today. What can I do to help him?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 31st, 2019

It looks like he might have a little rectal prolapse. If your vet isn’t available, you can try to treat this at home as follows: This will sound weird, but bear with me. ;) Get some table sugar, dissolve it in a little water (say maybe 3 tablespoons of sugar and just enough water to dissolve it. Soak the corner of a washcloth, paper towel, or a piece of gauze with the sugar water and then apply it directly to his bottom. Let it be in contact for 10-15 minutes. (Be PATIENT here.). The osmotic pull of the sugar will reduce the swelling in the prolapsed tissue and it may got back in on its own. If it does not, using a gloved hand, use some KY jelly and VERY GENTLY try to push it back in. Be aware that it may pop back out. If it’s a recurrent problem, he may need to see a vet to have a temporary “purse string” suture placed. Make sure he’s been dewormed. Add a little fiber to his diet, about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of canned pumpkin daily may help “regulate” him, and a dog probiotic would also be a good idea. I hope that’s helpful! Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello, thank you for your question about Chipper. Constipation and straining to defecate can be a sign of many different problems in puppies. Intestinal parasites are the most common cause of straining to defecate. I would recommend having Chipper seen by another veterinarian in the area so that they can perform an examine and discuss the need for other testing (potentially including fecal testing for GI parasites). In the meantime you could try offering him a small amount of canned pumpkin with his food or adding water to his food. Hope this helps, good luck!

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