Dog poop stuck to bum: Is it constipation? Should I use Lactulose?

Hi there. If your vet prescribed lactulose for him to help with this specific issue, then yes - you could definitely use that according to the instructions you were given, as it often helps to make stool softer and easier to pass. Feeding wet food only might also be helpful, as this can be a good way of increasing the moisture content in the diet and often helps to make hard stools softer.

Ah, gross pictures are part of our lives as veterinarians! This does look like a good poop to me. Remember that it can take 18-24 hours for new poop to form from food that was eaten, and if your vet removed most of the feces from the colon, there shouldn't be much left. The stool is also very soft, which is the purpose of lactulose. I would say you are ok staying at home tonight, but continue to monitor Georgie's bowel movements for the next week. If he isn't having at least 1 per day or if they seem abnormally firm, he may need to see the vet.

Poor Louis! This can happen in some long-haired dogs, when poop becomes matted in the hair and stuck over the rectum. In many cases, the skin underneath becomes irritated and infected, and very sore when touched. I would recommend taking Louis to a vet today if you can - he/she can sedate him to allow the poop and matted hair to be clipped away without hurting him, and can also prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication for the skin underneath if needed.

Do not discontinue the Lactulose without the advice of the prescribing veterinarian. This may lead to constipation again. The dose and/or frequency of Lactulose will likely be adjusted by the veterinarian. In the meantime, a short fast followed by a bland diet fed in small, frequent amounts may help to resolve the diarrhea. You can discuss the use of veterinary probiotics, such as ProViable, ProStora or FortiFlora, with your veterinarian. These may promote gut health and aid in resolution of mild diarrhea as well.

You can try moistening the stool with warm water or a lubricant jelly. Sometimes if it is very hard it will need to be digitally removed which can be uncomfortable for the pet and not so fun for you. It would require gloves, lubrication, and trying to gently pull the stool loose while lubricating the sides of the anus. If you do not feel comfortable doing this or your pet acts uncomfortable or painful it will be safer and quicker to see your vet. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Give Lilo some canned food and add water to it. You can also add a teaspoon of canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) to her food. I'd take her for a long walk, as exercise can stimulate the need to poop. If this doesn't help, then she will have to see a vet to get a laxative or enema. Please do not give her either of these at home, it's not safe. I hope this helps!

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