Symptom: Straining to Poo – Why is my pet struggling to poo?
How would I recognise if my pet was straining to poop
When your pet is straining to poop, it means he/she is having difficulty passing stools, and this can manifest as:
Excessive squatting or circling
Vocalisation with whimpering and crying
Small or absent stools
Stools may be dry, hard, or contain mucus or blood
Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC
Published June 2025 | Review date June 2028
This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
My pet is struggling to poo - Frequently asked questions
What are the common reasons my pet is struggling to poo?
- Dehydration and lack of fibre in the diet
- Gut blockage, such as foreign objects or tumours, enlarged prostate in male dogs
- Blocked or infected anal glands
- Other medical conditions such as underactive thyroid or colitis (inflamed gut)
Further reading: Hypothyroidism in Dogs
DO’s – What can I do at home if my pet is struggling to poo?
- Ensure your pet has constant access to fresh, clean water
- Boost fibre intake
- Gentle exercises can help stimulate digestion and encourage a bowel movement
- Canned or wet food is often higher in moisture than dry food, which can help soften stools
- Keep an eye on the frequency, consistency, and appearance of your pet's stools
DON'Ts – What I shouldn't do at home if my pet is struggling to poo?
- Don’t give human medications
- Don’t administer enemas at home or laxatives without veterinary advice
- Don’t pull anything stuck in the anus
- Don’t assume it is a minor issue
- Don’t ignore symptoms
When should I consider taking my pet to the vet if they are struggling to poo?