How can I help my 4 week old puppy with constipation? Here’s What to Do Next

How Often Should Puppies Poop?

Your puppy will often let you know when something is wrong with their behavior, but then it is up to you to divine the problem and discover a solution.

This is why you should always keep an eye on your puppy’s daily routine, including their bathroom routine, as noticing changes is usually the quickest way to make a diagnosis.

Growing puppies in the first six months or so of their lives need to poop a lot. You can expect them to defecate four or five times a day.

As they grow, the frequency with which they do their business should decrease, and most adult dogs might only go once or twice a day.

Puppies poop so often because they haven’t yet learned to control their bowels and “hold it” until an appropriate time. They also tend to eat more frequently, which means more frequent trips to the loo.

Small puppies, less than a month old, often can’t poop on their own. They need their mothers to lick their backsides in order to stimulate the need to go.

But after about four weeks, they should be able to go independently and usually get the urge shortly after eating.

Even when they start on solid foods at about 8 weeks of age, they will still probably poop 4-5 times a day. It is only around 12 weeks that they start to be able to hold it and go less often.

But, of course, all of this information comes with the caveat that “normal” is different for every dog, just like it is for every person.

So, you should get to know your dog’s routine so you can spot any worrying changes.

If your dog poops a lot more or less than the averages that we have suggested above, this is probably not a problem as long as they are consistent.

Constipation in Adult Dogs

Adult dogs can suffer from constipation for all the same reasons as a puppy, plus a few more. So if your pup has problems now, be aware of these issues in the future as well.

  • Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) can develop in unneutered males. The prostate swells and blocks the colon in the pelvic region. Rectal exams should be part of the annual exam for intact males over 5 years of age.
  • Tumors of the prostate or rectum or perianal region also can cause constipation.
  • Constipation can also be a sign of kidney disease or diabetes; with either condition, theres excessive urine production that prompts the colon to conserve water. This causes dry stool that can lead to constipation.
  • Elderly dogs commonly suffer bouts of constipation, which may be due to a combination of weak abdominal muscles, reduced exercise, or improper diet.
  • See your veterinarian right away if your puppy hasnt defecated in more than two days or if the dog strains, crouches, or whines when its trying to defecate. Your vet will want to rule out issues that look similar like diarrhea, intestinal obstruction, urinary tract infection, or back pain. A thorough physical exam will help guide the appropriate diagnostic tests and course of action.

    Help from the Veterinarian

    Your veterinarian may perform enemas or prescribe suppositories; ask for a demonstration on inserting suppositories before attempting to administer them yourself, but leave enemas to the vet or you risk injuring the puppy. Many times, evacuating a puppys colon requires a veterinarians help, and often the puppy must be sedated. At home, your dog’s pain could translate into snaps or bites even though you’re only trying to help. If dehydration is contributing to the problem, your veterinarian may recommend fluid therapy.

    Constipation treatment must address the specific cause to be effective, but in general, treatment for canine constipation is the same as for people. Feeding your puppy a diet containing 7 to 13 percent fiber (read the pet food label), encouraging it to drink lots of water, and initiating a regular exercise regimen, such as multiple 20-minute walks each day, are beneficial, as is increasing the puppy’s playtime. Additional tips include:

  • Adding natural fiber: Psyllium-based fiber supplements or canned pumpkin are sources of fiber that also work well, and puppies seem to like the flavor. To promote regularity, add 1/2 teaspoon to your small puppys food or about 2 tablespoons to a big puppys diet each day. Get the canned (plain) pumpkin, divide it into appropriately-sized doses on a cookie sheet or in an ice cube tray, and freeze. Then you can thaw the tasty chunks and offer them as treats when needed.
  • Giving your puppy healthy chews: For pups that relish vegetable snacks, offer a stick or two of carrot or celery. The fiber and liquid help to reduce constipation, and the crunchy vegetables also give your puppy an outlet for its chewing urges. Dont give your puppy bones or rawhide treats.
  • Vet Minute: How to Help a Constipated Puppy