Why does my dog yelp when his tail is touched and seem constipated?

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!

Usually with constipation they will try to go to the bathroom but nothing will come out - and they are straining (pushing hard). it doesn't sound like the issue to me. It is more likely that she got injured somehow while you were gone like jumping down off the couch or something similar. They will often do this and get a sore back. I suggest you get her to your vet for an exam - if she did injure her back the vet can give you some medication to help her feel better.

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.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Neiko. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian as he sounds painful. He may be experiencing joint pain. This would make it difficult for him to hold the posture to defecate which would explain why he has not gone recently. Based on his exam findings, x-rays may be recommended and pain medication will likely be prescribed. Do not give over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lily. There are two common causes for a dog struggling to defecate. The first is constipation which I suspect you are hoping to remedy by adding the pumpkin to her diet. This can be helpful, but she needs to eat it. With constipation, the dog can become so uncomfortable that she will refuse to eat. The second common is scenario is actually diarrhea. The dog can strain to pass very small amounts of liquid stool. It is easy to miss and most people will assume they are not defecating at all. The treatment options are different for the two causes. Since she is refusing food, she is not feeling well. She will need to see her veterinarian. In the meantime, continue to give her water so that she does not become dehydrated. I hope this information helps!

Your dog could have hip or back problems that make it painful to posture to defecate and would also make it hurt when her tail is manipulated. It could also be infected or inflamed anal glands. This condition is very painful and makes it difficult to defecate or even move. Without treatment, the gland may rupture, causing a open wound on your pet's rear that will require wound care and antibiotics as well as some pain relief. I recommend getting your pet seen by your vet. They will examine your pet, possibly do some x-rays and labwork and be able to give you a better idea of what is going on and how best to treat it.

Hello. If Nero was severely infested with intestinal parasites/worms, it is possible that the dead worms are causing a blockage. You can try feeding him a teaspoon of canned pumpkin with each meal as this can act as a mild laxative. Make sure there is no accumulation of feces at the rectum that can literally plug him up. Sometimes sitting in a warm bath of Epsom salts can help relieve a blockage, too. If he is still having problems passing feces tomorrow, please have him seen by your veterinarian. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.