My dog hasn't pooped. How often should dogs poop and when to worry?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 8 years and 7 months old | 12 lbs
My Shih Tzu Romeo normally poops after eating breakfast in the morning. He did not poop this morning though nor tried to. He did poop 3 times yesterday but his last bowel movement yesterday was different, it was a very small piece but was firm not hard. Do dogs need to poop everyday or should I be concerned? Thanks
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 6th, 2021
If Romeo has had recent excessive stool production, it may be normal to have less for a day or two. It's fine for a dog to go a day without pooping, especially with that history. If he begins to strain unproductively, become painful, uninterested in food, or vomiting, contact your veterinarian.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 26th, 2017
No, I wouldn't be worried just yet. Sometimes dogs will only poop once a day and that's normal. It's good that Anne did poop once, and I would be more concerned if she hadn't pooped at all. You can try adding a teaspoon of canned pumpkin puree to her food to give her more fiber and see if that helps. If she stops pooping altogether, then I would take her into the vet for an exam. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 26th, 2023
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, this can be completely normal. Given that Romeo's poop is normal looking and not runny means you don't need to be worried. Humans can also vary the amount of times they poop each day, and it's usually not something to worry about as long as everything else is normal. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 6th, 2023
Hello! This is a great question. Yes it can be completely normal to skip a day of pooping. This happens with humans sometimes as well. Since Romeo pooped twice yesterday, he may not have to poop today. You would know if he was constipated if he didn't poop for a few days, had pebble-like stool that was hard, was straining to poop with very little coming out, and appeared to be in discomfort. Since he seems fine, I do not think he's constipated and I would not worry. I hope this helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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