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My dog strains to poop, but nothing comes out. Is she constipated?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 1 year and 7 months old | 45 lbs

Hi there my dog is trying to poop and she keeps squatting to do so but nothing is coming out despite her attempts to try and push should I be concerned? She may have pooped this morning we aren’t sure and we don’t think that she ate anything that would be blocking her intestines

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on April 29th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! She may be constipated. You can start by trying to use something to try to relieve her if she has constipation. You could start giving her 2 tablespoons of canned pumpkin with her meals which may help with cases of mild constipation. If that does not improve this, have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment though it is likely that this will resolve. Good luck and have a great day!

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