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Why does my 1-year-old dog have loose stool, gas, and constipation?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 1 year and 2 months old | 60 lbs

My 1 year old dog has had loose stool and now constipation for a week he also has gas but he is acting completely normal eating and drinking normal with high energy what could be wrong with him?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Amber Da Silva, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 27th, 2017

Based on your description, Wade may have a condition called colitis. This is an inflammation in the large intestine most often caused by a change in diet, eating something they are not used to or a stressful event. It can be secondary to many other things. It often results in diarrhea/loose stools and straining to defecate. If he's acting normal otherwise, you can start by withholding food for 12-24 hours, then introducing a bland diet of plain boiled chicken and white rice. You can also add some canned pumpkin puree as the fiber can help to firm up the stools. As long as the stools normalize, you can then start mixing in his regular dog food. If the diarrhea continues despite these things, I would recommend taking him to a veterinarian for an exam. They will most likely recommend a fecal exam to look for parasites and sometimes when colitis doesn't resolve on it's own, they are treated with an antibiotic.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on September 5th, 2020
You can give Koda some canned pumpkin puree. I would give him a tablespoon with each of his meals. Make sure he is drinking plenty of water, and take him for an extra long walk. Exercise can help stimulate pooping. If these methods do not help, I'd have him seen by his vet to get medication. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on January 4th, 2017
He may be eating his stool to make up for a nutritional deficiency, boredom or even plain hunger. Review his diet and make sure he is being fed a balanced diet in adequate amounts. Restrict access to areas where there is stool. This can be done via leash walks or supervision when he goes outside. Pick up stool when he is done and before he gets a chance to eat it. Dispose of it in a secure container. Provide exercise and psychological enrichment to keep him occupied. This can include runs, playing fetch and having appropriate chew toys available. You may be able to purchase food additives in your local pet store that may discourage this behavior. FOR-BID is a product used for this purpose.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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