We all know that panicked feeling when our furry friend just can’t seem to poop. Our poor pup whimpers and strains, but nothing comes out. Constipation in dogs is no fun for anyone involved. As pet owners, we want to help our dogs get that backed-up bowel relief fast.

The trick is knowing the right remedies to get those bowels moving more smoothly. Adding fiber like canned pumpkin to their kibble can help soften and add bulk to their poop. Making sure your dog is well-hydrated prevents dehydration from worsening their constipation. Massaging their tummy gently can also stimulate movement. And getting Fido up and active with walks, playtime, and exercise is key too.

For severe cases, stool softeners or liquid enemas may be needed, but always check with your vet first. While frustrating, canine constipation is usually temporary and treatable at home. With some tried and true tricks, you can get your constipated pup pooping happily again in no time. Just stay calm, be patient, and help them let it go!

Signs Your Dog is Constipated

Constipation is defined as infrequent, difficult, or incomplete bowel movements. Here are some signs your dog may be backed up:

Straining or pain when trying to poop
Crying or whining during elimination
Lack of bowel movements or small, hard stools
Loss of appetite or lethargy
Bloated or firm belly
Scooting rear end on the floor

If your dog shows these signs for more than a day or two, it likely indicates constipation versus just “taking their time” to poop. But when in doubt, call your vet.

What Causes Constipation in Dogs?

There are several possible causes of constipation in canines:

Dehydration – Not drinking enough water can lead to dry, hard stools.
Diet – Low fiber kibble or sudden food changes may bind up stool.
Lack of exercise – Sedentary dogs have slower moving bowels.
Stress – New environments or anxiety can disrupt normal pooping.
Medical conditions – Diseases like diabetes or neurological issues can be factors.
Obstructions – Foreign objects, tumors, or feces packed too tightly can block the colon.
Side effects – Some medications like diuretics or anti-convulsants may cause constipation.

Identifying the cause will help determine the best treatment approach. Most cases of canine constipation are temporary, but call your vet if it persists.

Home Remedies to Make a Dog Poop

For mild cases of constipation, here are some remedies to try at home to get your dog to poop:

Increase Fiber

Adding more fiber to your dog’s diet can stimulate bowel movements. Mix a tablespoon or two of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling!) into their regular kibble. The extra fiber softens and adds bulk to stool.

You can also add a spoonful of plain yogurt with active cultures or a bit of soaked psyllium husk to their food. Just introduce high fiber items gradually to prevent gas or diarrhea.

Boost Hydration

Dehydration is a common cause of constipation in dogs. Make sure your dog has constant access to fresh, clean water. Change water frequently and wash bowls regularly.

Add more moisture to their diet by mixing some low-sodium broth, canned food, or warm water into their regular kibble. This creates softer stools easier to pass.

You can also try products like doggy electrolyte ice pops to encourage licking and hydration. Just watch for added sugars.

Exercise and Playtime

Lack of physical activity slows down the bowels. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and playtime each day to get their digestive system moving.

Long walks and swimming are ideal activities. But even playing fetch in the yard or going up and down stairs helps stimulate bowels contractions. Just tailor activities to your dog’s health and abilities.

Tummy Massage

Gently massaging your dog’s abdomen can help relax the intestinal muscles and coax poop out. Use your fingers to massage in a clockwise circular motion around the navel area.

Be very gentle, sticking to the surface. Never press into the belly. If your dog seems uncomfortable, stop immediately. Massage for 5-10 minutes max at a time.

Stool Softeners

For more stubborn constipation, your vet may recommend a stool softener like polyethylene glycol 3350. This draws moisture into the colon to soften and loosen stool.

Only give dog stool softeners under your vet’s guidance regarding dosage and timing. Overuse can cause diarrhea. These should be temporary until underlying issues are addressed.

Enemas

For severe cases not resolved through other methods, vets may administer an enema. This injects liquid into the rectum to mechanically flush out compacted feces.

Most constipated dogs don’t require enemas if other remedies are tried first. But enemas provide fast relief when needed. Your vet will demonstrate proper technique to avoid injury.

When to Call the Vet

Contact your vet if your dog’s constipation lasts more than 24-48 hours or they show signs of distress like:

Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Lethargy
Abdominal swelling or tenderness
Inability to pass any stool
Straining for over 10 minutes without results

These may indicate an obstruction, infection, or other medical emergency requiring veterinary treatment. Prolonged constipation can even risk toxic buildup in the bloodstream. So don’t hesitate to call for help.

Preventing Constipation in Dogs

Once your dog’s constipation clears up, keep their bowels regular with these proactive tips:

Feed a high quality diet with adequate fiber
Provide constant access to fresh water
Stick to a consistent feeding schedule
Ensure daily walks and playtime
Add probiotics to support healthy digestion
Ask your vet before changing food or medications
Learn signs of constipation and treat promptly
Have annual vet checkups to identify potential health issues early

Avoiding constipation altogether is ideal. But even with the best care, dogs can get backed up. Using these quick home remedies, you can get that poop flowing in no time and keep your pup comfortable until their system gets back to normal. Here’s to happy, healthy poops!