There’s nothing like the feeling of having a healthy, thriving dog. But if your poodle is having trouble pooping, it can be frustrating—and confusing. Why is your dog constipated? How do you fix it? What can you do to prevent the problem in the future?
In this article, you’ll find all of the answers to these questions and more!
What Are the Signs of Constipation in a Poodle?
Constipation is a common problem for poodles. It can cause discomfort and pain, and it can sometimes lead to more serious health issues.
If your dog isn’t defecating on a regular schedule or seems uncomfortable when they do, it’s important to take note of the following symptoms:
- Lack of defecation for the past few days. If your poodle hasn’t pooped in a while, it’s time to take action!
- Hard stool. If your poodle is straining without producing much stool, they might be dealing with constipation.
- Straining without producing much stool. If your poodle is straining without producing much stool, they might be dealing with constipation.
- Discomfort and pain during defecation. If your poodle is uncomfortable or in pain when going to the bathroom, it could be due to constipation.
- Difficult defecation and mucus with stool or bloody stool (rare). If these symptoms are present, it’s time to reach out to your veterinarian ASAP!
The symptoms of constipation in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the issue. Some are more serious than others, so it’s important to keep an eye on them and take your pup to the vet if you see any serious signs.
If you notice blood or mucus in your poodle’s stool, or if they haven’t been able to poop for several days, it’s time to take them to the vet.
Why Do Poodles Get Constipated?
For the most part, poodles are a healthy breed of dog. But they do have some health issues that can arise from time to time. One of these is constipation.
Many dog owners who have poodles have had this issue pop up at one point or another. So what causes it? Why do poodles get constipated?
Here are nine common reasons why your poodle might be constipated:
- The most common reason for poodle constipation is ingesting items such as toys, dirt, grass, or fabric pieces (clothing, rugs, clothes, or towels). This can happen when your pup gets bored and starts chewing on things around the house—and not just their toys! If you’ve ever left a pair of shoes out in the open too long and then come back later to find them covered in teeth marks and drool…well then you’ve probably had this problem yourself!
- Another possible cause is an abscessed or blocked anal sack. This is caused by an injury or infection in your dog’s rectum or anus area which can lead to swelling and pain in this area as well as difficulty moving bowels due to inflammation caused by infection/scarring from injury.
- Elderly poodles are more likely to experience constipation than younger dogs.
- Constipation in poodles can also be caused by dietary reasons. Your poodle might get constipated if there is insufficient fiber in their diet. Many commercial dog foods contain little fiber which can lead to constipation because their stools become too stiff instead of firm and formed as they should be. Adding more fiber into their diet can help prevent this problem from occurring again in the future.
- Another factor could be dehydration. If your poodle doesn’t drink enough water or is dehydrated due to heat or exercise, it can lead to constipation. A good rule of thumb is to keep an eye on how much water your pup drinks each day. If you notice that he hasn’t been drinking as much as usual, then it might be time to encourage him to drink more water!
- Enlarged prostate gland in older male poodles can also cause constipation. This condition causes difficulty urinating and can contribute to constipation by making it difficult for your pup’s body to pass stool through his rectum due to blockage caused by enlarged prostate tissue pressing against his urethra.
- Another factor is that poodles often don’t get enough exercise each day. Even though they’re athletic dogs, they don’t need hours on end to run around outside—just walks or play sessions daily will keep them happy and healthy.
- When passing a bowel movement, your poodle may feel the pain caused by an orthopedic issue. If your dog is having trouble getting those hard stools out, it could be due to arthritis or other joint problems that make it difficult for him to squat down and strain.
- If your dog has any type of mass on their anus or near their tail area (like tumors or matted hair), they may have trouble passing stool because they cannot reach their anus with their paws or tail. In addition, if there is any kind of mass present on your dog’s anal area that is causing discomfort or pain when trying to pass stool.
To summarize,
Here are 10 common reasons why your poodle could be constipated,
- Ingesting items such as chew toys, furniture, shoes, etc
- Blocked or abscessed anal sacks
- Age
- Not enough fiber in their diet
- Dehydration
- Their prostates may be enlarged
- Ingested hair while grooming themselves
- Not enough exercise
- Orthopedic issues such as arthritis and hip dysplasia
- Tumors, lumps, or mass growth around the anus
How Can You Help A Constipated Poodle?
Constipation can be a very uncomfortable and painful experience for your dog. If your dog is constipated, it means that they are unable to pass stool normally. This can lead to a number of problems including bloating and pain.
This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, but it’s important to identify the underlying cause so you can treat it and help your dog feel better.
Luckily, there are many things that you can do to help your poodle have an easier time passing stools.
- Access to fresh water – You probably already know this one but it bears repeating: Make sure your pup always has access to fresh water! Not only does this help keep their system moving smoothly but it also prevents dehydration which could make things worse for them if they’re already having trouble pooping.
- Try changing their diet – If your poodle is eating something that doesn’t agree with them, it could cause constipation. Switching slowly to a different fiber that has more fiber contents or a canned dog food could help your poodle.
- Make sure they get plenty of exercise every day – Exercise helps keep the bowels moving and prevents them from getting back up from being too full. If your dog doesn’t get much exercise, try taking them for walks more often or playing fetch in the yard after work instead of just letting him lay around all day while you’re gone at work.
- Try adding Canned Pumpkin to their food – Pumpkins are high in fiber and will help move things along. If your poodle is constipated, canned pumpkin is a great way to get things moving. Its high water and fiber content will help bulk up the stool and make it softer, acting as a natural laxative that makes it easier to pass. This is what we recommend: Farmer’s Market Foods Canned Organic Pumpkin Puree
- Canned dog food – Canned dog food has added water and dietary fiber, both of which can help with constipation. It’s best to avoid giving your pup too much fiber too quickly, however—you can work up to larger amounts over time to prevent bloating. This is what we recommend: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Adult Wet Dog Food
- Dietary fiber supplements – If you don’t want to feed your pup canned food or pumpkin puree on a regular basis, consider giving them dietary fiber supplements instead. These usually come in liquid form but are also available in pill form. This is what we recommend: Perfect Poop Digestion & Health Supplement for Dogs
- Give them a massage to make them poop more easily – If your dog is having trouble pooping, try giving him a few gentle massages. Along with keeping them hydrated, feeding them a healthy diet, and exercising regularly, giving your poodle a massage for at least 30 seconds daily or weekly can really help if your poodle is constipated. (More on this later)
- Give them a warm bath – The warmth may help relax them and open up their muscles.
- Check for other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea – Before assuming that he has a problem with his bowel movements; these symptoms may indicate another issue entirely!
If these changes don’t seem like they will work for your dog, then it may be time to talk with your veterinarian about other options.
Your veterinarian may recommend over-the-counter medications or prescription medication for dogs with constipation problems.
What Foods Can Cause Constipation in Poodles?
Constipation can be a very uncomfortable and potentially painful experience for your dog. It is important to understand what foods can cause constipation in dogs so that you can avoid it.
Constipation can occur when your poodle’s diet lacks moisture. Fiber (or a lack thereof) is one of the main reasons for constipation. In many cases, an increase in fiber will help relieve constipation.
However, if your dog has been diagnosed with chronic constipation or bowel disease, you should speak with your veterinarian before making any changes to their diet or adding more fiber than they are used to consuming on a daily basis!
Fiber (or a lack thereof) is one of the main reasons for constipation. The most common sources of fiber are vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Unfortunately, these foods are often removed from commercial dog food because they don’t taste good when processed and stored at high temperatures for long periods of time. As a result, there isn’t enough fiber in commercial dog food for healthy digestion!
Your veterinarian may recommend that you add psyllium husks or other types of fiber supplements to their diet if they suspect that it was caused by an underlying health condition. It’s also important to monitor how much water your dog drinks each day since dehydration can lead to constipation as well!
One thing to consider is whether or not there has been any change in diet recently—for example, if maybe you’ve given them some table scraps from your own meal and now they aren’t pooping as much as usual? Table scraps do not sit well with dogs, some may tolerate it while others may not.
What Can I Give My Poodle for Constipation?
So what foods can you give your poodle for constipation?
Let’s take a look at some options:
- Yogurt
- Pumpkin
- Milk
- Flaxseed
- Coconut Oil
Here’s why you should consider adding these foods to your poodle’s diet.
Yogurt – Yogurt has been used in traditional medicine as far back as ancient Egypt. It’s still used today by many people who have digestive issues, and it can be helpful for dogs too! You can give yogurt to your dog by mixing it with water or food (depending on their preference).
Pumpkin – Pumpkin is a high-fiber food and is perfectly safe for a dog to ingest, as long as nothing else has been added to it. This can be found in the canned version or fresh form, but if you’re unsure about whether or not your dog will like it, start with canned. It’s easy to find at most grocery stores, and it’s also inexpensive.
Milk – While it might seem counterintuitive, milk can actually help to relieve this issue in your pup. Milk contains a lot of calcium and magnesium, two minerals that are essential for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. When you feed your dog milk (and only small amounts at a time), it will help to soften their stool and get things moving along again.
Flaxseed – Flaxseed is also used in traditional medicine as an aid against constipation. It works as a lubricant and helps move things along smoothly within your dog’s digestive tract. You can give flaxseed in the form of capsules or sprinkle it on top of wet food or dry kibble.
Coconut Oil – Coconut oil is a wonderful addition to your dog’s diet, and it can help them achieve optimal gut health. Coconut oil has been used to soothe digestive tract issues in humans for centuries, but it turns out that the same benefits apply to our furry friends! Coconut oil is especially beneficial for dogs with constipation.
How Do I Get My Constipated Poodle to Poop?
Sometimes, your pooch is just too full of life to poop. That’s why we are here to help you get your constipated poodle to poop. Here are some tips:
- Give them a massage. Most dogs enjoy being massaged and it can help relieve their stomachs so they can go number two!
- Try feeding them more fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. This will help give them some extra bulk in their stool so it will be easier for them to pass through their system.
- Give them a warm bath—it’s relaxing for them, too, and helps stimulate the peristaltic movement of the bowels.
- Give them some exercise! A brisk walk or run will help move things along too!
- Try adding warm water to their food. This can help with the stool consistency, making it easier for them to pass when they finally do go.
If all else fails, it’s time to see the veterinarian!
How Much Pumpkin Should You Give a Constipated Poodle?
Pumpkins are high in fiber, and it’s one of the best things you can feed your poodle if they have constipation. The fiber helps move things along, and pumpkin also contains vitamins A and C, which are both important for healthy digestion.
If you’re wondering how much pumpkin to give your dog, it’s best to consult a veterinarian or local pet store.
According to sources online, to help your poodle with constipation, give them a tablespoon of pumpkin for every 10 pounds they weigh. So, if your poodle weighs 20 pounds, you should feed them 2 tablespoons of pumpkin. Cooked or pureed pumpkin works well!
One common question people have when using pumpkins is, “How Fast Does Pumpkin Work for a Constipated Poodle?”
Here’s the answer to that question.
If you’re using pumpkin for your poodle’s constipation, you should hopefully start to see it working in under 10 hours.
If you’re looking for a good pumpkin-based supplement for your constipated poodle, here’s what we recommend: Wild Acre Pumpkin Powder for Dogs. This supplement is available in powder form and can be used as a puree or food topper.
How to Massage Your Poodle to Make Them Poop
If you’ve ever been in a situation where you need to get your poodle to poop, then you’re not alone. It can be really frustrating and stressful to deal with an animal that won’t poop. If your dog is having trouble pooping or going to the bathroom, it can be difficult for both of you. The best way to help your dog poop is by giving them a massage!
If you’ve never given your dog a massage before, here are some tips that will help you get started:
- Run your hands from the top of the dog’s head to the tip of its tail, and down each leg. Your dog can reap the benefits of a full-body rubdown, whether it’s to loosen his or her muscles or help calm his or her mind.
- Stroke downward from the back of the neck to the lower back. A tense spine and back muscles can constrict a dog’s ability to poop.
- To stimulate your dog’s stomach muscles, first, make a clockwise circular motion with the palm of your hand on his belly. Dogs sometimes find this movement alone to be sufficient for stimulating their stomach muscles.
- When your poodle is lying on his or her back or side, place your palm on the middle of their exposed stomach. Keep repeating this motion for a few minutes.
What Oil Can I Give My Poodle For Constipation?
Coconut oil is great for poodles with constipation because it helps keep their digestive tract smooth, and has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. If your dog is constipated, they may be able to get their gut health back on track by including coconut oil in their diet.
Coconut oil is full of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are types of fatty acids that are easily digested by dogs and can help them pass stool more easily.
Just add half a teaspoon of coconut oil to their food, and they should be all set. For large dogs, you can add two teaspoons instead.
Why Is My Senior Poodle Not Pooping?
If your senior poodle isn’t pooping, don’t worry. It’s a common problem for elderly dogs and can be remedied relatively easily.
Elderly poodles seem more prone to constipation than younger dogs because their bodies just aren’t working quite as well as they used to. As a result of this, the food they eat doesn’t move through their digestive tract as quickly, and the stool becomes harder and takes longer to pass through.
When your dog stops pooping regularly (or refuses to poop at all), it’s important to take action right away—not only is it unpleasant for them (and for you!), but it can also lead to serious health problems if left untreated. So what can you do if you notice your senior poodle isn’t pooping?
First off, make sure that he or she has access to plenty of fresh water at all times.
Next, start feeding him or her smaller meals with plenty of fibers throughout the day rather than one or two larger ones at night; this will help regulate bowel movements and keep things moving along smoothly in there!
If you need help with choosing the best food for your senior poodle, check out this article where I covered the best dog food for senior poodles.
Finally (and most importantly), talk with your veterinarian about possible medications or other treatments they may prescribe that will help with constipation in dogs like yours who are suffering from age-related
How Long Can a Poodle Go Without Pooping?
Poodles can go 12-24 hours without pooping, so it’s perfectly normal to be concerned if they haven’t done so for two days.
However, if your poodle hasn’t passed stool in 48-72 hours, then you should have them checked by a vet to make sure everything is okay.
Conclusion
Constipation is a common problem in poodles, but it’s one that can be easily treated. If you’re worried your poodle may be constipated, talk to your vet about what steps to take. If your poodle has been diagnosed as having constipation, follow the treatment plan your vet recommends as closely as possible.
It’s important to keep a watch on your dog’s diet, exercise, and water intake, and use the bathroom as often as possible.
We hope this article has helped you learn more about poodle constipation and how to avoid it in the future.
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