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My dog is straining to poop and licking his bottom. Is he constipated?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 20 lbs

Hello, what should I do when my dog keeps licking his bottom and has been straining to poop for the last 12 hours? I've looked at his bottom and it looks fine the only thing I can think of is that we gave him some turkey at Thanksgiving dinner. Help?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on November 25th, 2017

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

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ann Dion, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 5th, 2017
Hello. If he is straining (trying) to poop but nothing is coming out, he could have constipation. Often you get diarrhea around constipation. If he is very frequently trying to poop and only small volumes of liquid coming out each time then he could also just have a gastritis. I would recommend continuing with chicken (boneless/skinless/boiled) and rice(boiled) diet as long as he is happy and bright and eating. If he has a sore abdomen, doesn't want to eat, or is vomiting I would get him to a vet ASAP. Good luck with Higgins.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 30th, 2018
You can try to add some fiber to his diet such as canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) or psyllium seed husk. This should help with retaining fluid in the feces and bulk them up and help eliminate them. Also make sure Zephyr drinks plenty of water and is fed a good quality puppy food for large dogs.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 16th, 2017
It sounds like Mya could be constipated. Constipation can be caused by anal sac impaction, intestinal parasites, a foreign body, too little fiber in the diet, lack of exercise, or even tumors in the GI tract. I recommend giving her a tablespoon of canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) mixed in with her food to see if that helps. If she is still constipated in 24-48 hours, she will need to see a vet as she will likely need a laxative or an enema. Your vet can diagnose the cause of the constipation as well.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog isn't pooping and licks her rear. Anal sacs? Can pumpkin help?

I'm sorry Bella isn't doing well! Yes, licking her back end can be a sign something is wrong, such as impacted or infected anal sacs. Those could be preventing her from passing feces. Certainly you can try adding a tablespoon of canned pumpkin puree to see if that helps, but if she still hasn't passed feces by Monday morning, I would take her into the vet. I hope this helps!

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My dog strains to poop, but nothing comes out. Is she constipated?

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!

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I would definitely not add salt as this can cause him to have salt poisoning and subsequent neurological problems. I would suggest adding 1-2 tsp of canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) to his food daily which will add fiber and hopefully allow him to go #2 a bit easier. If he is still having issues then I would have his prostate examined to check if it is enlarged and possible the underlying problem as to why he can't go easily. An enlarged prostate will push up on the colon, making the hole narrower so that poop can't easily pass through. The cure for this is to have him on a laxative through your vet and ultimately getting him neutered can resolve this issue for good. I hope everything works out for your pet Kitty. Take care.

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My dog whines when pooping. Is he constipated? Should I change food?

Why don't you just try giving him some canned pumpkin for a few days. Dogs usually eat it readily. I suggest 1/4 cup twice a day. Used only pure pumpkin puree - not the pie filling. If he won't eat that the you can use canned dog food. I wouldn't change the diet unless this becomes an ongoing problem.

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Why is my dog constipated with a tight tummy and trouble sitting?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You can add about 1 tablespoon of canned pumpkin to his meals which may help with constipation. If that does not help, I recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They can at that point check on that and recommend therapy accordingly. This would be especially important since he is having trouble seating which may be seen with discomfort for example. Best of luck!

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My puppy is constipated, retching, and straining. Is it serious?

It looks like there may be some rectal swelling/possible prolapsing if your puppy is straining hard to go to the bathroom and can't. If he is unable to pass stool at all and the swelling is still there or growing in size, it would be best to seek veterinary care in person ASAP. If he is able to pass some stool and is a little constipated, some pureed pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) or plain yogurt can help, but if he is straining to the point of causing rectal swelling/protrusion or is retching like there is something stuck preventing him from going potty, veterinary care is needed.

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Puppy constipated after new kibble? Pumpkin not helping, what now?

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Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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