How to Make a Dog Poop Quickly? Here are 10 Effective Ways!

Last Updated on April 22, 2023

Is your pet struggling to poo? Is he constipated or simply too distracted when you’re out and about to go about his business?

If he is sniffing around and just not doing his business, much to the frustration of both you and your furry friend, then you may be looking for effective ways to make your dog poop quickly.

Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place as we have some foolproof ways to get your dog to poop. Keep reading to learn more.

We’ll also cover what might cause your dog’s problems and if you need to be concerned about any underlying medical conditions. 

What is a Canine Constipation?

If it takes a long time for your dog to poo, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he is constipated.

He could be unsure about his surroundings, maybe looking for the perfect spot to do his business, or perhaps he is too busy investigating or having fun. Your dog may need a little encouragement.

On the other hand, severe forms of constipation, known as obstipation, could signify a severe health problem.

In most cases, constipation in dogs is a temporary issue; however, if there is a medical reason and it is left untreated, this could be dangerous for your pet. 

What Causes Constipation in Dogs?

Unfortunately, constipation is one of the most common health problems in dogs, and it’s more often than not related to your pet’s diet. This is often due to a lack of fiber in the diet and not enough nutrients in your pet’s meals.

Some other causes of constipation in dogs include:

• Internal blockages
• Medication
• Lack of exercise
• Hairballs
• Kidney failure
• Hypothyroidism
• Prostate problems
• Blocked anal glands
• Dehydration
• Back problems
• Tumors

On the other hand, some dogs don’t like going to the loo in new or unfamiliar locations, which puts them in a very vulnerable position. 

What are the Symptoms of Canine Constipation?

It usually is relatively easy to see if your dog is constipated. Some of the most common symptoms of constipation include:

• Straining or whining while trying to defecate
• Infrequent pooping
• Hard or dry poo
• Liquid poo
• Bloody poo
• Mucus discharge
• No poops for 48 hours

Treatments for Dog Constipation: How Can I Help My Dog to Poop Quickly?

If you think your dog is struggling with constipation, the good news is that there are several things that you can do to help your pooch.

The first thing is to keep track of your pet’s pooping habits to quickly and easily determine when he last went to the loo and if he needs to go. 

Before you give it a go yourself, check out this video of a professional vet relieving a constipated dog: 

1. Feed Him Canned Pumpkin Dog Food

Canned pumpkin is high in water and fiber. This will encourage your dog to poop. However, stay away from pumpkin purees or pumpkin pies with too much-added sugar and salt for your dog.

The correct amount of pumpkin dog food to give your pooch is one teaspoon per ten pounds of body weight. 

2. Give Him Leafy Vegetables, Coconut Oil, and Ginger

Spinach, green beans, zucchini, and broccoli are all high in fiber and will encourage your dog to go to the loo. One teaspoon of green leafy vegetables per 10 pounds of your dog’s weight should help encourage pooping.

Coconut oil and olive oil are also great for relieving constipation because the GI tract instantly absorbs these medium-chain fatty acids; however, these oils are high in calories, so be sure to consider this when feeding your dog so he doesn’t put on too much weight.

Ginger is also a great natural ingredient for relieving your dog’s constipation and is perfectly safe for your dog to consume in moderation. Along with easing digestion, ginger can help prevent cancer and heartworm.

3. Switch to Canned Diet

Some dogs may struggle with constipation if their diet consists only of kibble. The high water content of a canned diet can help to relieve these problems.

A fiber-rich canned diet is a good solution for dogs with chronic constipation problems.

Learn more about the best canned dog food for small, medium, and large dogs here.

4. Make Sure that his Dog Food Has Fiber and Probiotics

Fiber and probiotics encourage a healthy gut and help stimulate regular bowel movements.

You can find probiotic formulas at the vet, which can be added to your dog’s regular kibble, or make them at home by adding yogurt or goat’s milk to your pet’s diet. You can also look for doggy treats that work as probiotics.

One way to increase fiber in your pet’s diet is to add natural, unfavored psyllium husk to his regular kibble. Some other fruits and vegetables high in fiber and pet-safe include apples, carrots, and papaya. 

5. Hydration Method

Moisture and water are good for the digestive system and help soften stools and reduce constipation.

You can encourage your dog to drink more water by offering him a delicious tasting chicken broth or including water-rich vegetables in his diets, such as zucchini and cucumber. 

You might also try giving your dog an electrolyte supplement to try and encourage him to poop and maintain his hydration. 

6. The Water Squirting Method

Squirting water up your pet’s bum can help to stimulate bowel movements and work to stimulate pooping quickly. You can use a squirt bottle to do this but be warned that your dog probably will not like it.

Just make sure the temperature and pressure aren’t hurting your pooch. You may also need to repeat it a few times until your dog eventually goes.

7. The Ice Cube Technique

This is another easy way to try to get your dog to poo. You’ll want a pair of surgical gloves to do this, and you’ll need to keep your dog very still while gently inserting an ice cube into his rectum.

Your dog will automatically want to push the ice cube out of his bum, which should help force out some poop in the process.

8. The Baby Wipe Method

A simple way to encourage bowel movements is to wipe your dog’s bum with baby wipes. Move the wipes around in a circular motion to try and encourage your dog to go number two.

Eco-friendly bamboo wipes that are unscented are best for your dog as your pet is unlikely to have an allergic reaction.

9. Manual Stimulation Method

This method isn’t very nice for you and your dog, but it works. The anal sphincter is very sensitive, and manually stimulating it can help your dog to poo.

Put on some clean rubber gloves and use some lubricant on your fingers before gently pushing the soft tissue around your pet’s anus. 

You’ll need to gently push inwards while holding your thumb and forefinger about an inch or two apart on either side of the anus.

This will force the rectum to open and can help your dog poop. You may need to enlist the help of a second person to hold your dog still while you perform this technique.

10. Have a Routine with Exercise

A daily routine where you take your dog out for a walk or to the park for his evening or morning exercise can help your dog understand your expectations.

He would then know that this is the time to relieve himself. This exercise routine should be done after mealtimes but not too close to meals to run the risk of bloat. 

You can even try adding commands for your dog to go to the toilet and using rewards like treats to know when he has been a good boy. 

What are the Remedies to Avoid for Dogs that are Constipated?

While the above methods have been proven to help prevent puppy constipation, there are some things that you’ll want to avoid doing when trying to get your dog to go.

This includes offering your pet human laxatives, trying to perform an enema at home, adding cereal to your pet’s diet, and giving your dog suppositories. 

How to Train Your Dog to Poop on Command?

Believe it or not, it is possible to train your dog to poop on command, but you’ll need to start with the training early for the best results.

You’ll need to recognize the signs that your dog needs to poop and start working this into potty training. Some good commands for this would be Poop, Get Busy, Doody, Empty, and Release. 

You’ll want to reward your dog with some yummy treats if he obeys your commands, so he starts to learn what is expected of him. This training will take lots of time, so you’ll need to exercise plenty of patience.

Why Should You Try to Teach Your Dog to Poop on Command?

Training your dog to poop on command can make your life easier in the long run, especially if you live somewhere where you need to take your dog out every evening to do his business before bed or if you live somewhere cold where you don’t want to stand outside in the rain or snow for too long. 

Pooping your dog to alleviate himself on command will also help when you take long road trips with your dog or take him on an airplane.

Dogs that work in therapy or as service dogs can also benefit from being trained to poop on command.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should a dog poop?

The exact number of times your dog will poop each day depends on his weight, size, energy level, and what breed of dog he is. It is, in fact, typical for a dog to relieve himself anytime between one and five times a day. 

It is a good idea to keep track of your pet’s movements so that you can see at any given time if he is on schedule. If your dog hasn’t pooped in two days or more, it could cause concern.

What does a normal, healthy dog poop look like?

Your dog’s poos are a good indicator of his overall health. Healthy dog poop should be compact and hold its shape when picked up but still have some moisture.

Watery or runny poos could signify an upset stomach, while dry, hard poos could signify dehydration or constipation.

A healthy dog’s poos should be about the same size as the portion of food he is consuming.

Pups fed a fresh diet will typically produce smaller, less smelly poos than dogs fed kibble, as there usually is less waste in their meals, and the ingredients are more efficiently absorbed into their bodies.

Do dog poop training sprays help?

Unfortunately, there is no conclusive evidence that poop training sprays will work for your pet.

Although these sprays are unlikely to hurt your dog, they could be a waste of money, and you might be better off with some water or an ice cube, as mentioned previously.

Should you give your dog a stool softener?

If your dog is struggling with constipation, your vet may recommend giving your dog a stool softener. This should always be done under the guidance of a vet, as they will be able to give you a stool softener specifically for canines.

Stool softeners bought at the pharmacy for human use should not be given to your dog. 

When should you get help for your pup’s constipation?

As you can see, some home remedies like feeding your dog a little bit of canned pumpkin can quickly help to relieve your dog’s constipation.

However, if your dog is in pain and has been struggling for several days or has recurring problems with constipation, then it is good to take him to the vet. 

Dogs with obstructions that aren’t treated within 48 hours could face serious problems, so it’s advisable to seek out professional advice sooner rather than later if you’re in any doubt. 

How can you prevent your pet’s constipation?

Many dog owners can prevent constipation for their pets by giving them a high-quality diet packed with fiber. Your dog’s daily diet should include fiber supplements, pumpkins, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. 

Regular exercise can also help prevent your pup from getting constipated. You’ll also want to make sure that your furry friend drinks plenty of water and stays hydrated.

Conclusion: The Best Way to Get Your Dog to Poop

As you can see, there are various ways to help prevent your furry friend’s constipation and make your pet go to the loo quicker.

These include long-term objectives such as adding more fiber to your dog’s diet to short-term solutions such as ice cubes or manual stimulation that work to encourage your dog to poop immediately. 

If your dog regularly suffers from constipation or you are worried about his health, be sure to consult your vet, who can determine the underlying cause of your pet’s poopy problems. 

Has your dog struggled with constipation in the past, and what methods did you find that helped provide some relief for your canine companion? Please do let us know in the comments below.