TL;DR: While a 48-hour gap in bowel movements is often low urgency if your dog is acting normally, you should seek immediate veterinary care if they show signs of distress, vomiting, or unproductive straining.
What are the signs and causes of constipation in my dog?
When a dog has not had a bowel movement for two days, it is typically experiencing constipation. This occurs when stool remains in the colon for too long, becoming dry and difficult to pass. This can be caused by a variety of factors including:
- Lack of fiber
- Dehydration
- Lack of exercise
- Stress
Is my dog's constipation a veterinary emergency?
The urgency level for this situation is currently Low if your dog is still acting like themselves, eating well, and drinking water. However, you should transition to a higher urgency if you notice signs of distress, such as:
- Frequent unproductive straining
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- A bloated abdomen
Why should I provide a photo or video for my dog's veterinary triage?
Providing a photo or video can be very helpful for a professional assessment. These visuals allow us to better determine the severity of the issue by evaluating the following:
- A photo of any small amount of stool passed can show consistency and color.
- A video of the dog attempting to go helps a professional see if they are straining or in pain.
- Visual evidence helps differentiate between simple constipation and a more serious physical obstruction.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In dogs presenting with constipation, defined as infrequent or difficult defecation, a thorough physical examination should be performed to determine the presence of perineal hernia, foreign material, pain, or masses. Abdominal radiographs may help identify inciting factors of fecal retention and the contents of the feces (e.g., bones). A complete blood count, biochemical profile including a serum T4 level, urinalysis, and detailed neurologic examination should be completed in cases of chronic or recurring constipation. Mild constipation can often be managed with dietary adjustments such as readily available water, high-fiber diets, and suppository laxatives, though long-term laxative use should be discouraged unless absolutely necessary. Pediatric rectal suppositories like dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, glycerin, and bisacodyl can be used. Mild to moderate or recurrent constipation may require enemas with warm tap water or isotonic saline, or manual extraction of impacted feces.
Chapter: Gastroenterology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 381)