My Pet Has Not Pooped:
When Should You See a Vet?
Here is how urgent it usually is, what may be causing it, and what to do next.
Your rabbit, cat or dog has not pooped?
In rabbits, fewer or no droppings is an emergency, because it often means the gut has slowed down or stopped. In cats and dogs, straining with nothing coming out can be constipation, but it can also be a urinary blockage, which needs urgent care.
- Your rabbit has passed no droppings for 12 hours or more
- Your rabbit is not eating, is hunched or has a swollen belly
- Your cat is straining in the litter tray with little or nothing coming out
- Your dog is vomiting, has a swollen belly or seems in pain
- Your pet may have swallowed something it should not have
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ExoCare is not a 24-hour hospital. Outside these hours, please contact the nearest 24-hour veterinary hospital.
What to do in an emergencyRabbit Not Pooping
Why it is serious
Rabbits normally pass droppings all day. Fewer, smaller or no droppings usually means the gut has slowed, which can lead to a painful condition called GI stasis.
Common causes
- Not eating enough hay
- Dental problems that make eating painful
- Stress or pain
- Not drinking enough
- A gut that has already started to slow down
Signs that often come with it
- Not eating, or eating less
- Very small, dry or misshapen droppings
- Sitting hunched or grinding teeth
- A bloated or hard belly
What to do now
- Contact us straight away
- Bring any droppings from the last day, even small ones
- Keep your rabbit warm and quiet, with hay and water nearby
Please do not give laxatives, oils or home remedies to your rabbit. Some causes of a slow gut can be made worse by the wrong treatment.
Cat Not Pooping
Why it matters
A cat that is straining in the litter tray may not be constipated at all. Male cats in particular can get a urinary blockage, which looks very similar and is an emergency.
Common causes
- Not drinking enough, or a very dry diet
- Hairballs
- Swallowed objects
- Pain that makes squatting uncomfortable
- Long-term bowel problems in older cats
Signs that often come with it
- Straining with little or nothing passed
- Small, hard stools
- Crying, or going in and out of the tray
- Vomiting or eating less
What to do now
- Check whether your cat is passing urine as well as stools
- Contact us and describe what you are seeing
- Bring a stool sample if there is one
Not sure if it is poop or pee? If your cat is straining and you cannot tell what is coming out, treat it as urgent and call us. A blocked bladder can become life-threatening.
Dog Not Pooping
Why it matters
Dogs can miss a day now and then, but straining, pain or vomiting alongside it needs to be checked, as it can point to a blockage.
Common causes
- Eating bones, toys or other objects
- Not drinking enough
- Too little fibre in the diet
- Not enough exercise
- Prostate problems in older male dogs
Signs that often come with it
- Straining or crouching without passing anything
- Hard, dry stools
- Vomiting
- A tense or painful belly
What to do now
- Note when your dog last passed a normal stool
- Contact us if there is straining, pain or vomiting
- Tell us about anything your dog may have chewed or swallowed
Please do not give human laxatives to your dog unless a veterinarian has advised it.
What to Bring to Your Visit?
A secure carrierFor rabbits, line it with a towel and keep it covered.
Recent droppingsEven a few small droppings help us see how the gut is working.
Diet detailsWhat your pet usually eats, and any recent changes.
Last normal stoolA note of when your pet last passed a normal stool.
Anything swallowedPackaging or a photo of anything your pet may have eaten.
Medicines givenAny medicines or supplements, even if they are over the counter.
Dr. Asma Fariha
Veterinary Surgeon · MVC Reg. No. 3362
Dr. Asma monitors valve disease over time, because staging is what determines when treatment should begin.
What People Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Please do not wait to find out. If your rabbit has passed no droppings for 12 hours or more, contact a veterinarian straight away.
Smaller or fewer droppings can be an early sign that the gut is slowing down. Please contact us the same day.
It may be, but straining can also be a urinary blockage, especially in male cats. Please contact us straight away if you are unsure.
Please only do this if a veterinarian has advised it. Some causes, such as a blockage, can be made worse by the wrong treatment.
Most dogs pass stools once or twice a day, but this varies. A change from your dog’s usual pattern, especially with straining or vomiting, is worth checking.
Bring any recent droppings or a stool sample, details of your pet’s diet, and a note of when it last passed a normal stool.