Senior Dog Straining to Poop With Nothing Coming Out: What to Check

We understand how frustrating it is to spend money without seeing improvement. Straining with little result, especially right after eating, has several possible causes. One that’s easy to miss in long-coated dogs like Goldens is stool and fur matted over the anus, which can physically block it. Others include constipation, anal gland problems, colitis, and a mass or narrowing in the rectum.

Also notice whether she’s straining to poop or to pee, since urinary straining can look the same and is more urgent. Blood work won’t show most of these. The key test is a rectal exam, which can find anal gland problems, masses and narrowing quickly and inexpensively. Ask your vet for one if it hasn’t been done, and gently check under her tail for matting.

If you find matted fur, carefully trim it away with blunt-tipped scissors or ask a groomer or vet to clip it, and keep that area short. Don’t give enemas or laxatives at home unless your vet shows you exactly what to do. Go to a vet promptly if she can’t pass anything for more than a day or two, strains constantly, vomits, stops eating or seems in pain. Vet school clinics and low-cost clinics can be a more affordable option. See our guides to constipation in dogs and senior dog fecal incontinence.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.