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My dog had diarrhea, now he's not pooping much. Is he constipated?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 25 lbs

My dog has been having diarrhea. I started to give him chicken and rice. The last time he pooped was yesterday afternoon. It was soft but but completely liquid as it was previously. He didn't poop very much though and I'm worried he is constipated and it's all just stuck in there. What do I do? He hasn't had a normal, sound poop issue Saturday afternoon.

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 25th, 2020

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m sorry to hear Duncan isn’t feeling well. It doesn’t sound like he’s constipated, it sounds like more of the diarrhea. There just isn’t a lot left because he emptied his bowels. Since this has been going on for a few days and the diet change didn’t help I recommend taking Duncan to a vet for an exam and stool sample check. He could have intestinal parasites, a virus, a bacterial problem, or many other problems. Once the vet does an exam they can discuss testing (microscopic stool exam, blood work, radiographs). Once the cause is determined, they can discuss the best treatment options. Good luck and kisses to Duncan!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Duncan. It is rare for a dog to become constipated following a bout of diarrhea. Most dogs will not defecate for a period of time or will have small bowel movements as the diarrhea resolves. It can take a few days after the diarrhea has resolved to start having more normal bowel movements. However, if you are concerned, Duncan can see his veterinarian for an examination and x-rays to see if he is truly constipated or not. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on September 14th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Constipation in dogs is not common. It is common in cats. Usually when owners think their dogs are constipated they are actually having diarrhea. The few times I've seen true constipation in dogs it's after eating a bone and the stool is hard from bone particles or in intact make dogs with perineal hernias.

If it has been several days with out stool I would take Abby to the vet to perform a physical exam, a rectal exam and possibly a belly X-ray.

Usually when an animal is constipated they have a decrease appetite, they strain to defecate and sometimes vomit.

You can try canned pumpkin 1 tablespoon with each meal. Also try a nice long walk to get things moving.

I hope this helps. Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on April 26th, 2019
Diarrhea and constipation are two opposites, you need to make sure which one it is before we can help you. it would also be helpful to provide some more information such as if there is blood in the stools? is he vomiting? is he eating normally? is he lethargic?
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on May 28th, 2019
Constipation can be a very serious condition, it can be caused by a physical blockage (foreign body like a bone) or a functional peristalsis deficiency of the intestines.
In order to treat simple constipation, you should increase the fibers in the food (e.g. canned pumpkin) and can add a little mineral oil to the diet.
I strongly advise taking your dog to the vet in order to check if there is a serious condition causing the constipation first.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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