A dog not pooping or peeing is always concerning, especially when the change comes on suddenly or is paired with discomfort, restlessness, or straining.
Because both urination and defecation are essential bodily functions, any disruption can signal a medical issue that needs prompt attention.
This guide explains the most common causes of a dog not pooping or peeing, what you can do at home, and when it’s best to involve your veterinarian.
Dog Not Pooping or Peeing: Why It Happens
A dog may not be pooping or peeing due to urinary obstruction, severe constipation, dehydration, pain, stress, or an underlying medical condition affecting the digestive or urinary system. These issues can interfere with normal body function and prevent your dog from eliminating comfortably.
In some cases, the dog may try to go repeatedly but produce little or nothing, while in others, they may avoid eliminating entirely due to discomfort or fear.
Because both systems are vital to your dog’s health, any sudden change deserves attention to rule out serious conditions such as blockages, infections, or organ dysfunction.
Dog Not Pooping or Peeing: Common Causes
Urinary Obstruction
Urinary obstruction is one of the most urgent causes of a dog not peeing. This happens when something physically blocks urine from passing through the urethra. Stones, urethral plugs, tumors, blood clots, and inflammation can all cause obstruction.
A dog with this condition may strain repeatedly with no urine coming out, pace or cry, or continuously lick their genital area. You may also notice a bloated or firm abdomen.
This is a medical emergency because a blocked bladder can lead to kidney failure, electrolyte imbalances, and even rupture of the bladder. Any dog that cannot pass urine should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
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Constipation or Fecal Impaction
Constipation occurs when stool becomes dry, hard, and difficult to pass. If not treated early, it can progress into fecal impaction, where the stool becomes so lodged that the dog cannot defecate at all.
Dogs may attempt to poop but produce nothing or only small, hard pellets. They might strain repeatedly, show discomfort around the abdomen, or walk stiffly.
Constipation can be caused by dehydration, low-fiber diets, swallowing foreign objects, lack of exercise, or pain around the hips and spine. When both pooping and peeing decline, dehydration is often part of the problem, reducing moisture in stool and decreasing urine output at the same time.
Dehydration
Dehydration naturally reduces both bowel movements and urination because the body attempts to conserve water.
A dehydrated dog may pee less frequently, produce very concentrated urine, or not urinate at all if severely dehydrated. Their stool becomes dry and difficult to pass, leading to constipation.
Causes of dehydration include heat exposure, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, reduced drinking, or underlying illness. Because hydration is necessary for all body functions, dogs that suddenly stop drinking or eliminating need prompt evaluation to prevent worsening complications.
Related: Dog not pooping and not eating (Causes explained)
Pain or Mobility Issues
Pain can cause a dog to avoid eliminating simply because the posture required is uncomfortable or intolerable. Dogs with arthritis, back pain, hip dysplasia, or neurological issues may refuse to squat or lift their leg.
You may notice stiffness, hesitance to move, or whining when attempting to go outside. They may circle repeatedly or seem restless but never successfully eliminate.
Untreated pain can disrupt both bowel and urinary habits, leading to constipation or urinary retention, which can then worsen discomfort and escalate into a dangerous cycle.
Stress, Anxiety, or Environmental Changes
A dog may suddenly stop peeing or pooping because they feel stressed or unsafe in their environment. Moving to a new home, loud noises, unfamiliar surfaces, presence of other animals, or previous negative associations can all lead to elimination avoidance.
A stressed dog may hold their urine or stool for long periods, pace, hide, or refuse to go even when taken outside multiple times. Prolonged holding can create medical problems, so behavioral causes still require attention if the issue persists.
Neurological Disorders
Neurological conditions affecting the nerves that control the bladder and bowels can prevent a dog from eliminating normally. Causes can include intervertebral disc disease, spinal injuries, degenerative conditions, or trauma.
Dogs may lose the ability to recognize the need to eliminate or lose control of the muscles responsible for urination and defecation. Weakness, difficulty walking, dragging legs, or abnormal posture may accompany these symptoms.
Neurological causes are serious and require immediate veterinary care to prevent permanent damage.
Read more: Dog pooping mucus but acting normal (What it means)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Not Pooping or Peeing
If your dog is not pooping or peeing, the first step is to monitor them closely and look for signs of discomfort, straining, or bloating.
Allow them multiple opportunities to go outside in a calm and familiar environment, as stress or distractions can sometimes interfere with elimination.
Encourage hydration by offering fresh, cool water or adding water to their food. Hydration can often help stimulate both urine production and softer stools.
If your dog appears constipated, gentle movement such as short walks may stimulate bowel activity. Avoid giving human laxatives or medications unless directed by your veterinarian, as these can be dangerous for dogs.
For dogs that seem uncomfortable, restless, or vocal, keep them calm and avoid forcing them to move excessively. Pain or urinary blockage may be the cause, and delaying treatment can worsen the condition quickly.
If your dog has not urinated or defecated in 24 hours, or if they show signs of distress or repeated unsuccessful straining, veterinary attention is necessary. Early intervention prevents complications like bladder rupture, impaction, or systemic illness.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog has not peed or pooped within 24 hours or is showing symptoms of pain or distress.
Urgent signs include repeated straining with no results, pacing, crying, vomiting, loss of appetite, bloated abdomen, or blood in the urine or stool.
These signs suggest a potentially serious issue such as urinary obstruction, fecal impaction, or infection that requires prompt treatment.
If your dog has difficulty walking, appears weak, or shows neurological symptoms, this is an emergency and requires immediate evaluation. Holding waste for too long can cause the bladder to overfill, damage internal organs, and lead to life-threatening complications.
Timely veterinary care ensures proper diagnosis through examination, imaging, or lab tests, and allows for safe treatment tailored to the cause.
Read more: Dog Not Pooping (What It Means)
Key Takeaway
A dog not pooping or peeing is always a sign that something isn’t right, whether due to urinary blockage, constipation, pain, dehydration, stress, or a more serious underlying condition.
Monitoring your dog closely, encouraging hydration, and offering a calm environment can help in mild cases, but any prolonged inability to eliminate requires veterinary care.
Acting quickly ensures your dog receives the support they need to stay healthy, comfortable, and safe.