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My dog hasn't pooped. How often should dogs poop and when to worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 8 years and 7 months old | 12 lbs

My Shih Tzu Romeo normally poops after eating breakfast in the morning. He did not poop this morning though nor tried to. He did poop 3 times yesterday but his last bowel movement yesterday was different, it was a very small piece but was firm not hard. Do dogs need to poop everyday or should I be concerned? Thanks

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Penelope Graben, DVM

Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 6th, 2021

If Romeo has had recent excessive stool production, it may be normal to have less for a day or two. It's fine for a dog to go a day without pooping, especially with that history. If he begins to strain unproductively, become painful, uninterested in food, or vomiting, contact your veterinarian.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 26th, 2017

    No, I wouldn't be worried just yet. Sometimes dogs will only poop once a day and that's normal. It's good that Anne did poop once, and I would be more concerned if she hadn't pooped at all. You can try adding a teaspoon of canned pumpkin puree to her food to give her more fiber and see if that helps. If she stops pooping altogether, then I would take her into the vet for an exam. I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 26th, 2023

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, this can be completely normal. Given that Romeo's poop is normal looking and not runny means you don't need to be worried. Humans can also vary the amount of times they poop each day, and it's usually not something to worry about as long as everything else is normal. I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 6th, 2023

    Hello! This is a great question. Yes it can be completely normal to skip a day of pooping. This happens with humans sometimes as well. Since Romeo pooped twice yesterday, he may not have to poop today. You would know if he was constipated if he didn't poop for a few days, had pebble-like stool that was hard, was straining to poop with very little coming out, and appeared to be in discomfort. Since he seems fine, I do not think he's constipated and I would not worry. I hope this helps!

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Health & Wellness
My dog isn't pooping daily after diarrhea. Is it normal? What helps?
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Romeo. You can see a period of not pooping after having diarrhea, so this can be normal. I wouldn't be too worried about it as he's otherwise normal. I would take him for a couple of walks a day, as this can stimulate pooping, and make sure he drinks plenty of water. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog hasn't pooped in 30 hours. When is it time to see a vet?
Excellent question. Some pets can go 48 hours before they have a bowel movement and this can be completely normal, as long as you don't notice your dog straining to defecate. If you see your pet straining to defecate, that can indicate your pet is constipated, and he should then be seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible to relieve this issue. Best of luck with your pet and I hope he goes soon!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog hasn't pooped since this morning. Is this normal for dogs?
Dogs are much like people in this regard. Anywhere from 3 times a day to every other day can be normal. If Ozzy is happy, eating, playing, and urinating normally, don’t worry about it. As long as he poops within 24-36 hours I’m not panicking. Do watch for straining, blood, or any other concerning signs. If you see any of these, it’s time to see the vet.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
Why is my Shih Tzu's poop smaller than usual? Should I be concerned?
Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If Romeo has good appetite and regular bowel movements, most likely there is nothing to worry about. His stool size should get back to normal soon. If you see your vet tomorrow, please make sure that he/she fully examines Romeo to ensure everything is OK.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My Shih Tzu is pooping less, has hard, dry stool. Is this normal?
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Romeo. Constipation is an extreme form of constipation. This occurs when the dog is not able to pass any feces at all. Based on your description, this does not currently seem to be his problem. However, you do not want this to occur. Feeding more moisture such as canned food or warm water over the dry kibble can help to soften stool. You can try a low dose of his lactulose, but beware that it can cause diarrhea. I hope this information helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why isn't my dog pooping after a trip or staying in a new home?
It is probably from stress and change of environment. I would not be worried about no stool production for one day. Dogs can go days without pooping and they are still OK. Just get her back to her normal routine and feeding regimen and then if she hasn't produced any stool within 4 days or so then get her examined by your vet.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
Is it normal for my dog to poop once a day on Royal Canin GI diet?
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Romeo. This is fine, as long as he is pooping at least once a day and otherwise acting normally, there is no need to worry. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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