My dog is constipated, straining to poop, and shaking. Is he sick?

The constipation may be the result of an anal sac infection or rectal tumor. It sounds like Roscoe is in pain also. Please take him in for an exam and an enema to relieve the constipation and they can also check his anal glands and do a rectal palpation to check for a mass. Roscoe may need pain medication and antibiotics if they find an infection. They can then discuss his diet and whether he needs additional fiber added to his diet. I like to add a tablespoon of plain canned pumpkin to each feeding for added fiber. This does sound like a painful and possibly serious problem so please take Roscoe in soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Roscoe.

Why don't you just try giving him some canned pumpkin for a few days. Dogs usually eat it readily. I suggest 1/4 cup twice a day. Used only pure pumpkin puree - not the pie filling. If he won't eat that the you can use canned dog food. I wouldn't change the diet unless this becomes an ongoing problem.

You could try giving him some canned pumpkin or medical grade liquid parafin as laxatives but if the straining does not resolve after a further 12hours he should be seen by a vet to rule out a complete obstruction - xrays may be required and in some cases enemas or even surgery is required, especially if fragments of bone become lodged

I am sorry to hear about your pup! I would look at her rear end and check to be sure she doesn't have a matted area of hair/stool covering her anus and preventing her from pooping, as this can sometimes happen in long haired dogs. In mild cases of constipation, adding a teaspoon of canned pumpkin to their food to provide fiber can sometimes relieve constipation. If, however, she is lethargic, not eating, does not stop straining/cannot relax, or is vomiting then she needs veterinary care today. If she does have a fecal mat covering her anal area she will likely need to see the vet to have the area shaved and cleaned. You can read more about constipation at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951509

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You can add about 1 tablespoon of canned pumpkin to his meals which may help with constipation. If that does not help, I recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They can at that point check on that and recommend therapy accordingly. This would be especially important since he is having trouble seating which may be seen with discomfort for example. Best of luck!

It sounds like your dog is very uncomfortable or even painful, probably in his belly from your description of his symptoms. The diarrhea could be caused by any number of things; intestinal parasites, a bacterial infection, even being constipated will sometimes manifest as diarrhea because liquid feces is all that will get by the impacted fecal material. It could be as simple as a dietary indiscretion, meaning he might have gotten into the trash and eaten something that didn't agree with him. If he continues to have loose stool, or starts vomiting, loses his appetite, acts lethargic, and/or develops a fever, get him in to be seen by your vet right away as this could indicate a more serious problem.

It looks like there may be some rectal swelling/possible prolapsing if your puppy is straining hard to go to the bathroom and can't. If he is unable to pass stool at all and the swelling is still there or growing in size, it would be best to seek veterinary care in person ASAP. If he is able to pass some stool and is a little constipated, some pureed pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) or plain yogurt can help, but if he is straining to the point of causing rectal swelling/protrusion or is retching like there is something stuck preventing him from going potty, veterinary care is needed.