Puppy Constipation: How To Relieve A Constipated Puppy in 7 Easy Steps

puppy constipation

Dog constipation is common, especially in newborn puppies. While mild constipation often goes away on its own, chronic constipation doesn’t, and in many cases can be detrimental to your puppy’s health. Here are x simple tips on how to relieve a constipated puppy at home. 

First things first,

What is puppy constipation?

It is when a puppy is unable to eliminate normally or regularly. Ideally, puppies usually go right when they wake up or after eating. Puppies eat a lot so you would expect them to poo more often than older dogs. 

Constipation happens when waste from the small intestine slows down in the large intestine or the colon. The large intestine absorbs some of the water from the waste back into the body. Thereafter, the waste should move from the colon and passed out as stool

The problem comes in when waste matter stays in the colon too long. The large intestine absorbs too much water from the waste causing it to harden. This is why a constipated puppy expels dry hard stool. 

If your puppy’s bowel movement is irregular, it could be a sign of constipation. But how can you tell if your puppy is constipated? Below are common reasons that cause puppy constipation.

What causes puppy constipation?

Lack of enough fiber in the diet

A diet that is not rich in fiber will cause puppy constipation. Puppies need moist food that is easy to swallow and digest. This is why we do not recommend dry foods for puppies unless it is high quality or necessary for the pups. The best puppy food is high-quality wet canned foods with all the fiber your puppy needs. 

Dehydration/ electrolyte imbalance

Dehydration is a sign that your puppy is not getting enough water to drink. In addition, an electrolyte imbalance can trigger constipation in dogs. Electrolytes are minerals that help balance water content in the body.

Excess fiber in puppy’s food

Ironically, too much fiber is also not good for your puppy. Dry or wet foods with an imbalanced nutritional value may have too much fiber in them. Also, puppies may get too much fiber from being fed too many scraps at the dinner table. 

Matted fur

Matted fur is loose dead fur that clumps together on your dog’s coat. If your puppy is not regularly groomed the matted fur will find its way into their mouths while they groom themselves. Matted fur around the anal region often ends up in your dog’s dried poop. 

Enlarged anal glands

Dogs secret anal fluids to lubricate stool as it passes out. Complications like anal sac impaction can hinder the puppy from secreting anal fluids. The puppy ends up straining to eliminate and can be in lots of pain. You can read about other anal sac complications on our blog about Dog But Smells and How To Cure Them. 

Swallowing foreign objects

Puppies tend to eat all manner of things when playing or exploring their environment.  The puppy ends up swallowing foreign objects like sticks, tiny plastic toys, or rocks. Also, a teething puppy may swallow chunks from its favorite chew toy. The swallowed bits end up causing puppy constipation. 

Sedentary lifestyle

Yep, inactivity slows down physiological processes like bowel movements. Lack of exercise means food is digested and absorbed slower and waste matter is not passed as frequently. 

Signs of constipation in young dogs

Puppy holding in poop

Puppies need to go as often as possible to keep their bodies healthy. If a puppy does not do a number two in 24 hours, monitor its bowel movements carefully. If the puppy is still holding in poop after two days, it could be a sign of constipation. 

Straining to eliminate

If you notice a puppy crouching to poop but then walks around and tries to crouch again, it is straining to eliminate. The puppy may also whine in distress, also a sign of puppy constipation.  

Wincing when pooping

Yelping in pain while pooping is an indication that the dog is constipated. The stool may be extremely hardened or the puppy may not be secreting enough anal fluids. The strain on its anal region while trying to go will cause a lot of pain.

Hard and compacted poop

The normal poop of a puppy should be brown, solid, and moist. It should also be proportionate to how much the puppy ate. If the poo comes out in dry hard pellets, your puppy is constipated. 

7 Easy Tips For Relieving A Constipated Puppy

Feed your puppy enough fiber

Your puppy should eat a balanced diet that is rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fiber helps in keeping stool soft. Always read the labels on dog food to understand what nutrients go into your puppy’s plate. Avoid low-quality kibble which has little fiber content. 

We also recommend switching your puppy to a raw diet when weaning them. A raw diet with meaty bones like chicken legs is not only nutritious but wet enough for a puppy to 

Fortunately, we at Bullyade have a dog recipe book tailored for both puppies and older dogs. Our Raw Diet For Dogs Ebook has 10 brilliant recipes from us specifically designed for dogs of all ages. Each recipe is balanced with enough nutrients for your pup’s growth and development. There is also enough fiber in there to ensure your puppy never struggles with a number two. 

Replace morsels with puppy treats

While at it, avoid feeding your dog table morsels. Dogs rely on a strict diet to keep optimal body weight and maintain their physiological functions. Instead of feeding scraps, get your puppy our new pet supplement, Bullyade 4-in-1 Soft Chews for dogs. 

Our soft chews for puppies are formulated with organic ingredients and nutrients that are healthy for dogs and can alleviate symptoms of puppy constipation. Each bottle comes with 120 doggy treats that are easy to chew and digest. You can also use our 4-in-1 soft chews as training treats for your puppies. Bullyade 4-in-1 Puppy chews have a chicken flavor that no pup will resist. 

Hydrate your puppy

Keeping your puppy hydrated is good for their bowel movements. Granted, some puppies can be too fussy about drinking their water. Luckily we have a solution for that with our Bullyade Electrolytes and Supplements for dogs. 

Bullyade has a chicken and beef flavor that will entice your dog to drink. Two scoops of Bullyade powder mixed in their drinking water packs all the amino acids, vitamins, and minerals puppies need for their growth and development. In addition, Bullyade replenishes lost electrolytes in your puppy’s body, ensuring they do not lose the water balance in their bodies. 

Groom your puppy regularly

Brushing your puppy’s coat regularly helps keep the coat smooth and shiny. Also, frequent grooming gets rid of matted fur and pet dander from your dog’s coat. Bathe your puppy at least twice a month to get rid of odors and dead skin cells as well. 

Address diseases and complications fast

If your puppy suffers from anal impaction, rush them to a vet immediately. One way to detect impaction is when you notice a weird dog but smell. Generally, a professional vet should address the cause of your puppy’s constipation. Chronic constipation can be a sign of a serious underlying disease like anal or colon cancer. These are life-threatening diseases that should be detected and treated early. 

Exercise your puppy

Puppies need exercise to grow strong bones and maintain a healthy body. Our article on Dog Muscle Building shares more insights on why it is important to exercise a dog. A simple exercise like walking your puppy each day is enough to keep them fit and healthy. Also, it helps with their bowel movements.

Invest in puppy toys

Get your puppy safe toys to keep it busy. Do your research on the best chew toys for puppies and how safe they are. Ideally, a good chew toy should be made from durable material that is free from toxins and can withstand the pressure of your puppy’s teeth constantly biting into it. 

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