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My dog can't poop, and her back legs give out. What's happening?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dalmatian | Female | spayed | 9 years and 11 months old

My dog hadnt gone to the toilet for 3 days and when she tries her back legs give in. What can this be ?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 28th, 2016

This could have various reasons : your dog has severe arthritis of the hips, defecating (squatting and pressing) hurts, so she does not go. This in turn makes constipation and then when she wants to go it hurts so much she collapses or it presses on a vital nerve that enervates the rear legs. You will need to add fiberr to your dog's feed (canned pumpkin, not the pie filling0 and you will need to take him to your vet for an exam of his hips and possible prescription NSAIDs. Also go for regular walks with your dog, which helps loosen the feces.

5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Severe constipation, possibly intestinal blockage even. I advise you to take her to the vet urgently. It could very well be a life threatening condition if it is left untreated.
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Ladd, DVM
Veterinarian
The hind limb weakness could be due to osteoarthritis and pain, although not being able to urinate or defecate in combination with hindlimb weakness could indicate a neurology deficit. I would bring her in right away for a neuro exam. Not being able to urinate is much more urgent than not being able to defecate but either should be addressed right away
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
I'm not sure if she's not peeing or pooping, so I'm going to give advice not pooping. This is because if she wasn't peeing, you'd likely see other signs, such as extreme lethargy. It could be that your dog is very constipated. She could have a foreign body that is preventing her from pooping, her anal glands could be impacted, she might not have enough fiber in her diet, or she's not drinking enough water. It sounds like from your description she is trying to poop so hard that her legs are collapsing. I'd recommend taking her into your vet as soon as possible. She may need an enema to relieve the constipation. Your vet can also diagnose the cause of the constipation, and treat it. For example, if it was caused by impacted anal glands, your vet can expresses them.
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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