My new Shih Tzu puppy hasn't pooped. When should I be concerned?

Congratulations on your new puppy! If Bella is acting completely normal otherwise and defecated a large amount yesterday, I wouldn't be too concerned. It is common for puppies to take some time to regulate their bathroom habits after changing homes and/or changing foods. If you do notice signs of illness (vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, poor appetite), then I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam.

Hello, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would not be concerned at this time. Sometimes a sudden change in environment can cause bowel movement irregularities. If Mia still has not had a BM by tomorrow, make sure to mention it to the vet. If she does, it is a good idea to collect in in a plastic bag so that they can use it to check for intestinal parasites, which are common in puppies. I usually recommend that you continue to feed the food she was on from the breeder to avoid digestive upset. Make sure she has access to clean, fresh water, which will help keep stools moist and easy to pass.

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!

If it has only been one day would give Leiya a little more time, she is likely just very scared and unsure of the new environment. If she has not passed faeces over the weekend or seems in discomfort I would take her to the vet to make sure she isn't constipated.

I wouldn't be too concerned about not passing stool unless Bowie goes more than 24 hours without going, or seems in distress/ill (trying to go but can't, vomiting, not eating or drinking, lethargic, etc.) A play session and some running around may help encourage his bowels to get moving as well!

Most puppies will poop once or twice a day. Not pooping for 48 hours is concerning. Ensure that Bambi is on a healthy diet (canned and kibble puppy food) and do NOT feed bones(can cause constipation and many other health issues) or raw meat. If Bambi is still eating/drinking and running around and playing, just get her on a healthy diet and give her another 24 hours to poop. Long walks can help. If she hasn't pooped in another 24 hours I recommend a visit to the vet. Best of luck with Bambi!

You can wipe her perianal area with hypoallergenic baby wipes every 2 hours to help stimulate her to poop. Mother dogs generally lick their puppies perianal regions throughout the day to simulate them to pee and poop. A 6 week old puppy generally should still be given puppy milk replacer via a bottle every few hours. Increasing drinking will improve hydration and help facilitate pooping as well. Cake is not recommended for puppies or dogs, and boiled rice and chicken is very easily absorbed compared to puppy chow. Many dogs on just boiled rice and chicken will not poop for 2 days at a time. I recommend adding puppy milk replacer (you can get this from most pet stores) to Gyspy’s daily diet and slowly adding a high quality puppy food (canned and dry) such as Royal Canin medium dog breed puppy chow. Good luck!