My dog can't poop. Is Dulcolax safe for dogs, or what can I do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! She may be constipated. You can start by trying to use something to try to relieve her if she has constipation. You could start giving her 2 tablespoons of canned pumpkin with her meals which may help with cases of mild constipation. If that does not improve this, have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment though it is likely that this will resolve. Good luck and have a great day!

Hello. You can offer Maggie 2 tablespoons of canned pumpkin ( not pie filling ) twice a day. This is a very safe laxative. If she does not produce a stool in another 24-36 hours, or she seems bloated, starts vomiting or stops eating, please have her evaluated by your veterinarian. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) is often used as a laxative for dogs, so there should be no problem other than soft stool, maybe some loose stool. Side effects such as cramps, nausea and diarrhea are common, especially if your dog takes other medications. However these should pass relatively quickly. If those side effects appear severe, have your veterinarian examine your dog and make sure there is not another problem lurking.

Hello. You can feed Nicky a tablespoon of canned pumpkin ( not pie filling ) with each meal. Try & get her to take in more fluids too, by offering broths or soup stock in addition to fresh water. If Nicky refuses to eat, is straining constantly to have a bowel movement or vomiting, please have her seen as soon as possible. If she is truly constipated, only your veterinarian will be able to help her. Hope all is well & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I would definitely give Buksi another 24 hours. Any surgery, especially abdominal surgery, can cause an ileus, or slowing of gut movement. If not watched, it can lead to constipation, but I would not worry yet. If she is eating, you can give her about 1 teaspoon of canned pumpkin ( not pie filling ) a couple of times a day. The fiber will act like a natural laxative. If she has not had a BM by Tuesday evening, call your veterinarian. They may recommend a stronger laxative. Take care.

Poor Abbee! It sounds like she could be constipated. Dogs can become constipated from ingesting a foreign body, intestinal parasites, anal sac impaction, neurological problems, too little fiber in the diet, too much fiber in the diet, lack of exercise, or gastrointestinal tumors. Dehydration can also be a cause of constipation. As feces pass through the colon, water is normally reabsorbed via the colon. When a dog is dehydrated, the colon absorbs more water, leading to dry feces and causing constipation. Neurological problems can include injury to the spinal cord or the nerves leading from the spinal cord to the intestines. Exercise helps stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, and not having enough exercise daily can prevent a dog from passing feces normally. I would try adding a tablespoon of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) mixed in with her food to see if that helps her poop. Canned dog food will add moisture to a dog’s diet, and it may help with constipation. Taking her for a walk may stimulate her to pass feces as well. If it does not help after 24-48 hours, or she stops eating, drinking, becomes lethargic, or starts vomiting, then I would have her seen by a vet right away. Do not give her a human enema to try to help her poop. This can cause electrolyte imbalances in your dog, which can be fatal. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I would recommend adding 1 tbsp of canned pumpkin to his diet and see if this helps normalize his bowel movements. If by the bandage change he has not defecated, you can discuss other options with your veterinarian. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.