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🐕🐈 Dogs & Cats
Constipation in Pets
Constipation — infrequent, difficult, or absent bowel movements — is common in pets. Mild cases often respond to dietary changes, but severe or prolonged constipation (obstipation) can become a medical emergency, especially in cats.
Use the Interactive Triage Tool
Answer a few quick questions to assess urgency for your pet's specific situation.
🚨 Seek Emergency Care Immediately If:
- ! No bowel movement for 3+ days
- ! Vomiting with inability to defecate (possible obstruction)
- ! Visible distress or crying when attempting to defecate
- ! Blood in stool or around the anus
- ! Male cat straining in litter box (could be urinary blockage — EMERGENCY)
ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
When to See Your Vet
- !No bowel movement for 3+ days
- !Straining with no output
- !Recurring constipation
- !Blood in stool
- !Constipation in senior cats (may indicate megacolon)
- !Any doubt about whether straining is urinary vs. fecal
Home Monitoring & Care
- ✓Add plain canned pumpkin to food (1 tbsp per 10 lbs — fiber and moisture)
- ✓Ensure constant access to fresh water
- ✓Increase exercise and activity
- ✓For cats: ensure litter box is clean (some cats refuse dirty boxes)
- ✓Monitor for improvement within 24–48 hours
Common Causes
DehydrationLow-fiber dietLack of exerciseHairballs (cats)Megacolon (cats)Intestinal obstructionPelvic injury narrowing the canalMedication side effects (opioids)Neurological diseaseEnlarged prostate (intact male dogs)
Related Tools & Guides
Disclaimer:This guide is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian for your pet's specific health concerns.