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Why isn't my dog pooping?

There are several reasons why a dog might not be pooping:

  1. Constipation: If a dog is constipated, they will be unable to pass stool. Some dogs may also show signs of straining, painful howling, vomiting, and more.

  2. Insufficient food intake: If a dog does not eat enough, they will produce less feces and therefore not need to poop.

  3. New environment: After moving to a new environment, dogs often feel scared and unsupported, so they hold it in.

  4. Intestinal blockage: If a dog accidentally eats foreign objects like bones or stones, it can cause an intestinal blockage, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, painful defecation, abdominal distension, and more.

  5. Constipation

When a dog isn't pooping, it's usually due to constipation. Besides not pooping, symptoms of dog constipation include straining, painful howling, lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal distension, vomiting, and even hind limb spasms. Therefore, when a dog owner notices that their dog hasn't excreted in a long time, they should take appropriate measures. If it's just mild constipation, the dog can be given oral probiotics to regulate the intestinal environment. If the constipation is severe, the dog will need to be given laxatives, softeners, or enemas to promote bowel movements.

  1. Insufficient food intake

It should be noted that a dog will only poop after eating a sufficient amount of food. If a dog hasn't eaten for a long time, they may also experience a lack of bowel movements due to insufficient food intake. In this case, it's recommended to feed the dog with food they like. If the dog shows no appetite, it's advised to seek medical attention promptly.

  1. New environment

Some dogs hold their poop when they are scared or unsupported in a new environment. In this case, it's helpful to take the dog for more walks to relax them and encourage bowel movements.

  1. Intestinal blockage

Additionally, dogs might not poop if they accidentally eat objects like bones or stones, causing an intestinal blockage. It's advised to take the dog to a pet hospital for a DR examination, which can determine if the dog has eaten foreign objects and their location. If the object is confirmed to be eaten, surgery is usually required to remove it from the intestine.