My new dog won't eat or poop. When is it time to call the 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!

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! His current anorexia is likely why he has not been defecating. Anorexia for 3 days is concerning given the possible diseases that could be causing it such as pancreatitis, foreign body ingestion, inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases and even cancer, especially in an older dog. I highly recommend that you have Batista evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment of this. Diagnostic tests are likely to include bloodwork and abdominal radiographs though other tests may be recommended based on the physical examination findings. You may try to offer Batista a palatable diet including things like boiled chicken, ground beef and white rice to entice his appetite though it is extremely important to figure out what is causing it to be able to help him. Keep water available at all times to prevent dehydration. Good luck with your boy! Will keep my fingers crossed for a speedy recovery!

Hello and thank you very much for your question. I am jealous that you live in Australia. It seems great. As long as your poodle is eating, drinking, and playing normally, I would not be concerned yet. In fact, many older animals don’t have as many bowel movements daily as younger dogs do. I have even heard situations about completely normal animals not defecating for an entire week. But, If your pet has not defecated in another 48 hours, you may want to call the veterinarian just to see if they will prescribe a laxative or a fiber supplement to help the bowel movements along. If your dog, however, starts to feel lethargic or if they do not eat as much as they normally do, I encourage you to contact the veterinarian sooner than the 48 hour waiting period. I hope I have given a satisfying answer to your question. Have a great day.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I wouldn’t worry yet at just 36 hours. Some dogs are particular about their pooping habits. As long as she is eating, playful and not straining give her more time. If she can urinate in her own she can poop on her own. You can also call the person you got her from to double check what she did with them. Since you are seeing your vet tomorrow she should be fine. Have a good day!

It certainly is concerning that Loki’s appetite has been decreased for so long, and if he is also losing weight there is probably a medical reason for why he doesn’t want to eat. When a dog isn’t eating much it also doesn’t produce as much stool, and I would guess this might be why Loki has not defecated in three days. Of course there are many other possibilities as well, and I would recommend seeing a veterinarian for a physical exam to start. They might recommend checking blood work as a first step.

Thanks for using Pet Coach! Sometimes after not eating and having severe diarrhea, it can take time for a solid stool to reach the "end of the pipes" so to speak. I would say that 4 days is on the long end of what I expect so if she does not defecate in the next 12 hours, I would recommend seeing your vet to make sure she is not constipated (which could happen with serious dehydration). Overall, I'm happy because the playing and eating is a great sign. Best wishes to you and Hannah!

It is not entirely clear from your post whether Chase has had diarrhea or if you are concerned he is constipated. If he has been having diarrhea for the past three days you should consider seeing your veterinarian. There are many, many potential causes ranging from stomach upset, eating non-food items, to intestinal parasites or even more serious diseases. Your veterinarian might recommend testing a stool sample to start, and depending on Chase's physical exam may then recommend prescription treatments. I would continue with the bland diet until he can be examined and make sure he has access to plenty of water. I typically don't get too concerned about a lack of bowel movements unless a dog is straining without producing stool. That being said it is a little concerning that Chase's appetite is decreased so if this behavior continues or you are concerned he is straining and may be constipated you should again see your vet. He could have ingested a foreign object causing constipation or might have electrolyte changes that lead to decreased motility in the bowel. I hope this answers your question - feel free to repost and clarify if necessary!