Our 3 year old medium sized mixed breed (a "Heinz 57", or perhaps more like 157!) came to us as a rescue quite some time ago. She not seem to defaecate in one spot. She goes just a little bit, then walks around all hunched up like she's trying to go but can't get it out. In fact, sometimes she actually does stop, it looks like she's trying to go, and nothing comes out.
She'll then walk a few more steps, or even a whole lot of steps, until she eventually does eliminate a little bit more. This strange hunch-walk-poop procedure is repeated several times over the course of 5-10 minutes until she's finally done going.
Her bowel movements seem normal otherwise, not too hard nor too soft. She is current on shots, so worms don't seem likely. Any (serious) ideas as to what could be causing this? Could someone have perhaps kicked her in the rear in her earlier years and harmed her somehow? Or maybe abused her for pooping and she's just afraid to go?
2007-05-31 17:57:43 · 15 answers · asked by mizicepickle 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Many dogs do this. It's most likely nothing to worry about.
If you're concerned, have a vet check her to be sure there is nothing wrong, then try adding a little fiber to her diet. Canned pumpkin (make sure you're getting plain canned pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling) is an inexpensive, digestible way to add fiber to a dog's diet. Dog people have been using this for decades to firm up a stool that is a bit loose, and to loosen up stool on a dog that is a bit constipated. For minor problems, it's much safer than medications and won't mask serious problems like medicine will. Start out with a tablespoon with each meal, and increase or decrease as needed. It might help, it might not, but it certainly won't hurt.
What food is she eating? Some of the commercial 'premium' foods like Eukanuba, Iams, etc. will actually add artificial ingredients to firm the dog's stools instead of using top-notch ingredients that won't cause problems in the first place. Over time, this can result in problems with the lower digestive tract. A diet change to something better like Canidae, Eagle Pack Holistic, Blue Buffalo or Innova may make all the difference.
2007-05-31 18:06:03 · answer #1 · answered by Beth K 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have a Lab/Pit mix that does that on occassion, usually after I feed him certain table scraps. I have noticed that when he does do that, it's cause his poop is too hard and won't come out all at once. That's why he walks around hunch-backed, to try and get it out. There were a few times he even thought he was done, come trotting up the steps only to stop and go back out to finish. Your dog needs more fiber in her diet is all. Talk to the folks at the pet store about your problem and they will help you decide on the right food for your dog. I wouldn't go to the vet about it cause then they will push you to buy their very expensive food which is much cheaper at the pet store.
2007-05-31 18:11:04 · answer #2 · answered by blackbriar2006 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Most dogs do this to some extent, but it sounds like your dog does it to the extreme. I really don't think it's an issue to be too concerned about though. You could try a higher fiber diet if it really concerns you, and if that doesn't remedy it, you could have a vet examine the dog, but it doesn't sound like an issue to be to worried over. Sometimes my dog does it more than usual and it seems almost like she just loses her balance and needs to get resituated. There are fiber supplements you can give your dog, so I'd invest in some of those.
2007-05-31 18:09:52 · answer #3 · answered by Shanna 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes it is. My dog used to do that too. She was just to busy to stay in one spot long enough to poop. lol
2016-04-01 08:24:37 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have one dog that does that. She always has, I think it's just how she poops. However, I had a German Shepherd that didn't and then started to and that is an indication of something going on in his back. He ended up having 2 back surgeries over his life time.
2007-05-31 18:03:47 · answer #5 · answered by WebPixie 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Take her in and have her examined. It sounds like she is having problems with constipation. I don't really want to scare you but my dog started to do the same thing and we found out that she had colon cancer and we had to put her down. That may not be what it is in your case but you can see the need as to why she should be examined. Good luck
2007-05-31 18:03:09 · answer #6 · answered by Alicia G 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
One of the reasons is dogs do it to get their bowels moving. I've noticed that if I give my dog some exercise before I let her relieve herself, she is able to relieve herself a lot easier.
2007-06-01 11:21:13 · answer #7 · answered by Belgariad 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many dogs walk around in circles in order to go to the bathroom. It seems too help them go. If I were you I would not worry about it or try to change it.
As far as her scared praise her when she goes and let her know how happy you are she went.
Good Luck
2007-05-31 18:34:42 · answer #8 · answered by whiterockpoodle 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
As funny as this is going to sound -- your dog is just like a human -- they need a certain amount of fiber. I would go to a pet store and tell them what you are dealing with. They will suggest a type of dog food that will help your dog (and you) with this problem.
great question!!!
Good luck.
2007-05-31 18:01:22 · answer #9 · answered by BShakey 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
ask the pound about her former owners but i think all is well i have a pom and she does the same thing she poops then walks around and smells the ground then goes again but also most dogs will not poop in the same spot they have to find diffrent spots ask your vet to check your dog out and to request your dogs papers from the pound to rule out anything that will be harmful good luck
2007-05-31 18:14:46 · answer #10 · answered by kambueno01 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋