My bottle-fed puppy isn't pooping. What should I do for constipation?

Puppies can sometimes become constipated especially when they are being bottle fed formula. If he otherwise seems comfortable and is eating well you could try diluting the formula with water 50:50 (remember to offer twice as much so he gets enough calories). If he still doesn't produce stool in the next 12-24 hours I would recommend seeing a veterinarian - he may need to have an enema or could have another medical problem that is making him constipated.

Make sure you are simulating her to poop. Puppies this young cannot defecate without this. (Rub the anus gently for 10-20 seconds with a warm wet cloth/paper towel.) This needs to be done before or after every feeding (about every 2 hours). If that is not working within 8 hours, you need to see a vet. Do NOT attempt an enema on a puppy this small. Also make sure you’re feeding the puppy mild replacer EXACTLY as directed on the can. Diluting it or feeding too little can cause problems. Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Topani!

Thank you for the clarification. Puppies often get constipated when they are on formula. It is best to dilute the formula a bit more with water and usually that helps. You can also give the puppy a drop or two of mineral oil or olive oil (NO other types of oil) on her tongue. DO NOT force it down her throat. Only do it once, don't keep giving it to her. These things should help. If they don't, you may need to take her back to the vet for an enema.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Kachie! Constipation is serious in pediatric puppies and kittens. Since it has been a week I urge you to take Katchie to the Vet and see if an enema is needed. Kitten milk replacer/formula commonly causes GI problems, either diarrhea or constipation. After every bottle feeding the kitten needs to be stimulated with a warm wet soft washcloth over the anus and genitals. I always recommend bottle fed kittens be weaned sooner, around 3 weeks. So I would start offering canned kitten food mixed with formula and decrease bottle feeding. By 5 weeks she should be off formula and eating kitten food 100%. I wish Kachie the best!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Roxzy is adorable! What are you feeding him? At 5 weeks I would be sure he is eating canned kitten food (or dry if he can) and that you aren't still giving him kitten formula. Formula can be very constipating. If you are feeding him kitten food then he may need another day or 2 to get comfortable in his new environment to have a bowel movement. Get him on canned kitten food otherwise. If he still hasn't pooped by Monday night he should be seen by a vet Tuesday. Sooner if he becomes lethargic and stops eating. Constipation can be serious in young animals. Good luck!

I would start her on gruel which will help form bigger stools. Often as puppies age they do not defecate as often so she may not go after every meal. As long as she’s eating and feeling normal with no bloating she should be fine. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your puppy.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Acil, she is super cute! It sounds as though Acil may be constipated. If she is a bottle fed kitten that is sometimes a side effect of the Kitten Milk Replacer. I usually recommend starting bottle fed kittens on kitten food as early as 3 weeks to help prevent constipation. The safest and best thing for her is for you to bring her to a Vet today. She is very young and constipation can be very uncomfortable. There are no safe human medications to give her. Cats do not handle human medications due to their metabolism. I hope this helps and good luck!