Do dogs get sick if they don't poop?
Olaf Hartmann
2025-05-26 13:34:44
Count answers: 3
If your dog is having difficulty passing feces but is otherwise acting normally, it’s generally okay to wait a day to see if the issue resolves on its own. However, if your dog is experiencing pain, lack of appetite, lack of thirst, vomiting, or lethargy, call a veterinarian promptly for an appointment. Similarly, if your dog has not passed feces for two to three days, it’s important to see a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause. There is no general guideline regarding how long a dog can go without passing feces. Sometimes dog constipation is temporary and resolves on its own without treatment, however, this is largely dependent on the underlying cause. Many cases, such as those where a dog has ingested something inappropriate, will require treatment. Dog constipation can be considered a medical emergency because it's extremely uncomfortable for dogs and may increase in severity if left untreated. The longer the feces sit in the intestines, the more water is absorbed, leaving the feces dry and hard. Dogs will experience discomfort when trying and may pass only small, hard pieces of feces—or none at all.
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