Puppy Whimpers and Stops While Pooping After Vomiting and Diarrhea
by Brooke
(Minneapolis, MN)
I have a 5 month old aussie/chocolate lab mix named Arbor.
This week she had a day of vomiting and diarrhea while we were away at work. Her stool has come back into a more "normal" soft stool form over the last few days. The concern is that she is acting as if it is painful to have a bowel movement. She will get into position, start going, and then begin to whimper and stop. Afterwards she will sit, or walk to the sidewalk and quickly lay down. She's still having regular bowel movements with soft stool, which would leave me to believe it's not an obstruction. But, it's still very atypical for her. Prior to this we had a very regular bathroom break schedule without any problems, and of course without pain.
Her energy levels seem fine, she's eating, and drinking water just as before. She get's regular exercise (2-3 walks a day) and seems her normal self throughout the day.
Any advice on what the next best step would be? I'm not sure of the severity of something like this?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may be able to provide!
Brooke
After a bout of vomiting and diarrhea, the large intestine and the area around the anus can stay inflamed and sore for a few days, so it's not unusual for a puppy to find pooping uncomfortable even once the stool firms up. Anal gland irritation is another common cause of pain when going.
If she's eating, drinking and playful and the stool is normal, you can watch for a day or two. Have her checked if the pain continues beyond a few days, or sooner if you see blood, mucus or straining with nothing produced, or if she starts vomiting again or stops eating. Your vet can check her rectum and anal glands and test a stool sample for parasites, which are common in puppies.
See dog constipation symptoms for the warning signs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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