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Puppy Care
How to Make a Puppy Poop Quickly: 11 Effective Tips Download ArticleExplore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Take your dog on a walk. 2 Exercise your pup. 3 Rub your puppy’s belly. 4 Return to wherever your puppy normally poops. 5 Give your pup pumpkin. 6 Squirt water on their rear end. 7 Express their bowel manually. 8 Give your puppy a break in the crate. 9 Feed your dog a diet high in fiber. 10 Try switching to canned dog food. 11 Provide positive encouragement once they go. 12 Take your dog to a vet if they go 24-48 hours without pooping. + Show 9 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Co-authored by Dominik Feichtner and Eric McClure
Last Updated: February 14, 2025 Fact Checked
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This article was co-authored by Dominik Feichtner and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Dominik Feichtner is a Professional Dog Trainer and Behaviorist and the Owner of The Dog Behaviorist NYC out of New York, New York. With over eight years of experience working with dogs, Dominik specializes in general obedience, behavior modification, and puppy training. His commitment to a balanced, common-sense approach led to his recognition as one of the “Best Dog Trainers in Brooklyn” and one of the “Best Dog Trainers in NYC” by Pooch and Harmony in 2020. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 135,384 times.
Worried that your pup isn’t pooping? Take a deep breath. The odds are this is just some normal constipation, and there are plenty of ways that you can encourage your pup to relieve themselves outside. Your puppy is extremely likely to be fine, and you’ll get used to their schedule in no time. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting your pup to poop.This article is based on an interview with our professional dog trainer and behaviorist, Dominik Feichtner, owner of The Dog Behaviorist NYC. Check out the full interview here.
Steps
1
Take your dog on a walk.
Download Article
This is a key part of getting a pup to poop. If you’ve just been taking your dog out on the patio or in the alley, they’re going to be less likely to go poop. Take them on a proper walk to some grassy areas where they can sniff around and find a good spot to go. Routine is extremely important for a puppy, so take them out at regular intervals every day.[1]X Expert Source Dominik FeichtnerDog Trainer & BehavioristExpert Interview
Puppies typically need to go out every 2-3 hours. If they don’t poop after a long walk, take them on another one in a few hours. Do not stress yourself out if it takes 3-4 walks to get them to poop.
Don’t rush your pup! All that sniffing may seem like they’re just wasting their time, but it’s important when it comes to finding the right spot to do their business.
Advertisement 2
Exercise your pup.
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Physical activity helps activate your dog’s gastrointestinal system. If a walk alone isn’t enough and your pup still has some energy in them, play some fetch or run around. After 15 minutes of play time or so, try taking them out on another walk. They may suddenly have to poop.[2]XResearch source
Regular exercise is extremely important for a puppy. Play with them regularly throughout the day—preferably before going on your walks.
3
Rub your puppy’s belly.
Download Article
Give your pup some belly rubs to encourage a bowel movement. Outside, try rubbing your dog’s belly gently in a circular motion. If your puppy is a little constipated, rubbing their belly can help things along and encourage their digestive track to “get moving” so that they feel the urge to have a bowel movement. Try doing this for a few minutes to see if it helps.
Try doing this every few blocks or so on a walk. It may take multiple belly rubs to get your dog to go.
Some people believe that rubbing clockwise is ideal, while others believe counterclockwise is better. Try both if you aren’t getting any results.
Advertisement 4
Return to wherever your puppy normally poops.
Download Article
If your puppy has a normal pooping spot, go there if you haven’t yet. Taking a puppy on brand new routes with every walk can be confusing for them, and your pup may not know they’re supposed to poop if they’re in a new space. If your puppy tends to go in a specific area, take them there and keep returning. They’ll eventually associate the spot with pooping.[3]X Expert Source Lauren NovackCertified Dog Behavior ConsultantExpert Interview
If possible, keep returning to a quiet, secluded area where your pup can relieve themselves without getting distracted.
5
Give your pup pumpkin.
Download Article
Buy some plain, canned pumpkin and add it to your dog’s food. Pumpkin is incredibly high in fiber, and it’s actually really good for your dog’s stomach. Add 1-4 tablespoons (about 15-60 g) of canned pumpkin to your dog’s normal food. Take them out for a walk an hour or so later.[4]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
Dogs also tend to really enjoy the taste of pumpkin, so they’ll be in for a treat!
You can use pumpkin powder designed specifically for dogs if you prefer.
Never use canned pumpkin pie. The pie filling contains ingredients that are toxic for dogs.
Advertisement 6
Squirt water on their rear end.
Download Article
Cold water on a dog’s rear end may trigger a bowel movement. Fill a spray bottle with cool water and spritz your dog’s anus 1-2 times using a wide nozzle setting. The cold water should make your puppy’s sphincter to contract, which is actually what happens when they make a normal bowel movement. Once your dog flexes their anal muscles, they may start to defecate.
Take the bottle with you on a walk and try doing this a few times whenever you go to their normal pooping spot.
Alternatively, you can hold an ice cube up against their backside.
Wipe your pup’s backside when they’re done. Your puppy likely won’t appreciate a damp backside.
7
Express their bowel manually.
Download Article
This one might be a little gross, but it should work if they’re constipated. Throw on some latex gloves. Hold your puppy’s stomach with your nondominant hand and then use your gloved, dominant hand to gently press on the sides of your dog’s anus. If you feel something firm, they’re probably constipated. Gently push in a bit towards your dog’s stomach and then pinch inward like you’re picking up a penny. Do this 3-5 times and your puppy may poop.[5]XResearch source
People traditionally do this with paralyzed or chronically ill pets who struggle to relieve themselves on their own, but you can try it with a pup if you can get them to stay still.
Alternatively, you can gently wipe around the dog’s anus with a baby wipe to try and stimulate their muscles.[6]XResearch source
Do not insert any fingers into your puppy’s anus or force them to stay still if they’re in discomfort.
Advertisement 8
Give your puppy a break in the crate.
Download Article
If your pup is crate trained, this may give them time to digest. If your puppy isn’t fully housetrained and they just aren’t relieving themselves on a walk, give them a little time in their crate.[7]X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United StatesNational organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source A puppy won’t urinate or defecate where they eat or sleep, so if you simply think they just need a little more time to need to go, this is a safe move.[8]X Expert Source Dominik FeichtnerDog Trainer & BehavioristExpert Interview
It can take time for a puppy to figure out that they’re supposed to poop on a walk. If you want to ensure that they relieve themselves outside, a short break in the crate may help.
Only do this if your puppy is crate trained. You don’t want to force a pup into their crate or cause them distress.
9
Feed your dog a diet high in fiber.
Download Article
Read the label on treats and kibble to see if it contains insoluble fiber. When it comes to food, constipation tends to have more to do with a lack of fiber than the inclusion of any specific ingredients. Feed your dog a high-quality diet containing organic sources of insoluble fiber to encourage regular bowel movements.[9]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
Ingredients that are high in fiber include pumpkin, flaxseed, beets, apples, carrots, brown rice, and salmon.
On a high-quality diet, a puppy may poop up to 4-5 times a day. At 12 weeks of age, a puppy may go 2-4 times a day. There can be a lot of variation though, depending on your puppy’s metabolism, activity levels, and digestive abilities.[10]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
Advertisement 10
Try switching to canned dog food.
Download Article
If this is a consistent problem, swap your dog’s food to the canned stuff. Canned dog food has way more moisture than dry kibble, which typically makes it easier to digest. If your puppy has been struggling to poop with any kind of consistency, talk to your vet about changing their diet. Canned food will likely be an optimal choice.[11]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
Make this switch slowly over time. Use 3-parts kibble and 1-part wet food for 1-2 days. Then, go for a 50/50 split for 3 to 4 days. On days 5 and 6, use 1-part kibble and 3-parts wet food. After a week, cut the kibble out entirely.[12]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
Any natural dog food that’s low in processed ingredients will work. Chicken and rice are extremely easy for puppies to digest.
Want more tips from real readers on how to help your pup? Check out wikiHow's "My dog is constipated. What do I do?" forum.
11
Provide positive encouragement once they go.
Download Article
When your puppy does poop, celebrate them like crazy. Give them a treat, shower them with praise, and dance around with an upbeat voice to really let them know you’re super happy about what they’ve just done. This will get your puppy to associate pooping outside with fun and joy, which will reinforce their behavior and encourage them to go outside in the future.[13]X Expert Source Dominik FeichtnerDog Trainer & BehavioristExpert Interview
You may feel a little silly dancing around with your dog after they poop, but it’s important! This is a key part of housebreaking your dog.
Caryl Wolff, Dog Training Specialist
Patience and consistency are key — accidents will happen as your puppy learns. Stay positive through the process, using treats and praise to reinforce desired behaviors. In no time, your furry friend will be happily doing his business outside.
Advertisement 12
Take your dog to a vet if they go 24-48 hours without pooping.
Download Article
Your puppy may have a medical complication keeping them from pooping. A little occasional constipation is no big deal, and dogs can actually hold their bowels for a surprisingly long time. However, if it has been over a day without your dog taking a bowel movement, take them to a vet. There are a variety of diseases or disorders that may make a puppy constipated and while it’s usually no big deal, it’s worth getting a checkup.[14]XResearch source
Try not to worry. It can take a while to get used to your puppy’s needs and constipation isn’t normally the end of the world. The odds are high that this is just a dietary issue.
A vet may prescribe a stool softener, or perform an enema to relieve your pup. They’re likely going to suggest a change in diet, as well.
Join the Discussion...
My dog is constipated. What do I do? WikiCheetahGlider673 This is my first time owning a dog and my 6-month-old retriever is constipated. He normally poops 1-2 times a day, but he hasn't gone in about 36 hours now and I’m sort of freaking out. I did call my friend who is a vet student and she sort of said that it should be okay but that if nothing changes it’s an emergency. Is that true? When do I need to go to the ER? My dog seems like he’s trying to go, but nothing comes out. I feel so bad for him but at the same time I don’t want to go spend a bunch of money on the vet if this is just a normal thing that happens to dogs sometimes. Read More WikiButterflyWhisperer301 In addition to canned pumpkin, other foods you can try giving your dog are cucumbers, green beans, sweet potatoes, or even a teaspoon of coconut oil. Don't try to self medicate! Human laxatives and medications don't work the same on dogs as they do on us. Read More WikiIbisCaster694 Is your dog getting enough water? If they're not hydrated, that can contribute to constipation problems. Make sure their water source is fresh. You can also gently rub their belly around their anus to physically stimulate a bowel movement, just make sure you wash your hands or use a wet wipe to keep everything sterile. Read More See all 4 Replies and Read Discussion
Expert Q&A
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Question How do I get my puppy to use a puppy pad? Lauren Novack Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Lauren Novack is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant at Behavior Vets NYC where she helps fearful, anxious, and aggressive pets and their owners. She has completed coursework for her MS in Applied Behavior Analysis at Hunter College. Lauren’s research explores the intersection between training practices and animal welfare. She currently serves on the Editorial Advisory Board for Daily Paws and has appeared on Fox & Friends, Rachael Ray, and various news outlets with her dog Grayson. Lauren Novack Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Expert Answer Like with regular potty training, you'll need to teach your pup to use the puppy pad. It won't realize right away that you intend for it to go potty there. Start by keeping track of your puppy's potty schedule. For instance, it'll likely need to potty in the morning. When you first start using a puppy pad, take your dog to the puppy pad at its normal bathroom time and encourage it to go. Then, praise your dog when it uses the puppy pad to reinforce the behavior. Additionally, monitor your dog throughout the day so it doesn't have an accident. If an accident happens, just clean it up with an enzymatic cleaner. Soon, your puppy will learn that the puppy pad is where they should go potty. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 6
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Tips
Puppies have a tendency to eat anything that even vaguely smells like food to them. This might include hair, children’s toys, garbage, or even kitty litter. All of this stuff can constipate a puppy, so don’t let them wander around without supervision.[15]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Warnings
Never rub a dog’s nose in their poop if they have an accident inside. Not only is it cruel, it’s unproductive. Your dog won’t understand why you’re doing it, and they may develop anxiety about relieving themselves around you in the future—even if you’re outside.[16]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about puppy training, check out our in-depth interview with Dominik Feichtner.
References
↑ Dominik Feichtner. Dog Trainer & Behaviorist. Expert Interview
Co-authored by: Dominik Feichtner Dog Trainer & Behaviorist This article was co-authored by Dominik Feichtner and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Dominik Feichtner is a Professional Dog Trainer and Behaviorist and the Owner of The Dog Behaviorist NYC out of New York, New York. With over eight years of experience working with dogs, Dominik specializes in general obedience, behavior modification, and puppy training. His commitment to a balanced, common-sense approach led to his recognition as one of the “Best Dog Trainers in Brooklyn” and one of the “Best Dog Trainers in NYC” by Pooch and Harmony in 2020. This article has been viewed 135,384 times. 31 votes - 81% Co-authors: 11Updated: February 14, 2025 Views: 135,384 Categories: Canine Digestive System Health | Puppy Care In other languages Portuguese Dutch Spanish Japanese
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Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Take your dog on a walk. 2 Exercise your pup. 3 Rub your puppy’s belly. 4 Return to wherever your puppy normally poops. 5 Give your pup pumpkin. 6 Squirt water on their rear end. 7 Express their bowel manually. 8 Give your puppy a break in the crate. 9 Feed your dog a diet high in fiber. 10 Try switching to canned dog food. 11 Provide positive encouragement once they go. 12 Take your dog to a vet if they go 24-48 hours without pooping. + Show 9 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Co-authored by Dominik Feichtner and Eric McClure 
WikiCheetahGlider673 This is my first time owning a dog and my 6-month-old retriever is constipated. He normally poops 1-2 times a day, but he hasn't gone in about 36 hours now and I’m sort of freaking out. I did call my friend who is a vet student and she sort of said that it should be okay but that if nothing changes it’s an emergency. Is that true? When do I need to go to the ER? My dog seems like he’s trying to go, but nothing comes out. I feel so bad for him but at the same time I don’t want to go spend a bunch of money on the vet if this is just a normal thing that happens to dogs sometimes. Read More 
WikiButterflyWhisperer301 In addition to canned pumpkin, other foods you can try giving your dog are cucumbers, green beans, sweet potatoes, or even a teaspoon of coconut oil. Don't try to self medicate! Human laxatives and medications don't work the same on dogs as they do on us. Read More 
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Co-authored by: Dominik Feichtner Dog Trainer & Behaviorist This article was co-authored by Dominik Feichtner and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Dominik Feichtner is a Professional Dog Trainer and Behaviorist and the Owner of The Dog Behaviorist NYC out of New York, New York. With over eight years of experience working with dogs, Dominik specializes in general obedience, behavior modification, and puppy training. His commitment to a balanced, common-sense approach led to his recognition as one of the “Best Dog Trainers in Brooklyn” and one of the “Best Dog Trainers in NYC” by Pooch and Harmony in 2020. This article has been viewed 135,384 times. 31 votes - 81% Co-authors: 11 Updated: February 14, 2025 Views: 135,384 Categories: Canine Digestive System Health | Puppy Care In other languages Portuguese Dutch Spanish Japanese 
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This is a key part of getting a pup to poop. If you’ve just been taking your dog out on the patio or in the alley, they’re going to be less likely to go poop. Take them on a proper walk to some grassy areas where they can sniff around and find a good spot to go. Routine is extremely important for a puppy, so take them out at regular intervals every day.[1] 
Physical activity helps activate your dog’s gastrointestinal system. If a walk alone isn’t enough and your pup still has some energy in them, play some fetch or run around. After 15 minutes of play time or so, try taking them out on another walk. They may suddenly have to poop.[2] 
Give your pup some belly rubs to encourage a bowel movement. Outside, try rubbing your dog’s belly gently in a circular motion. If your puppy is a little constipated, rubbing their belly can help things along and encourage their digestive track to “get moving” so that they feel the urge to have a bowel movement. Try doing this for a few minutes to see if it helps. 
If your puppy has a normal pooping spot, go there if you haven’t yet. Taking a puppy on brand new routes with every walk can be confusing for them, and your pup may not know they’re supposed to poop if they’re in a new space. If your puppy tends to go in a specific area, take them there and keep returning. They’ll eventually associate the spot with pooping.[3] 
Buy some plain, canned pumpkin and add it to your dog’s food. Pumpkin is incredibly high in fiber, and it’s actually really good for your dog’s stomach. Add 1-4 tablespoons (about 15-60 g) of canned pumpkin to your dog’s normal food. Take them out for a walk an hour or so later.[4] 
Cold water on a dog’s rear end may trigger a bowel movement. Fill a spray bottle with cool water and spritz your dog’s anus 1-2 times using a wide nozzle setting. The cold water should make your puppy’s sphincter to contract, which is actually what happens when they make a normal bowel movement. Once your dog flexes their anal muscles, they may start to defecate. 
This one might be a little gross, but it should work if they’re constipated. Throw on some latex gloves. Hold your puppy’s stomach with your nondominant hand and then use your gloved, dominant hand to gently press on the sides of your dog’s anus. If you feel something firm, they’re probably constipated. Gently push in a bit towards your dog’s stomach and then pinch inward like you’re picking up a penny. Do this 3-5 times and your puppy may poop.[5] 
If your pup is crate trained, this may give them time to digest. If your puppy isn’t fully housetrained and they just aren’t relieving themselves on a walk, give them a little time in their crate.[7] A puppy won’t urinate or defecate where they eat or sleep, so if you simply think they just need a little more time to need to go, this is a safe move.[8] 
Read the label on treats and kibble to see if it contains insoluble fiber. When it comes to food, constipation tends to have more to do with a lack of fiber than the inclusion of any specific ingredients. Feed your dog a high-quality diet containing organic sources of insoluble fiber to encourage regular bowel movements.[9] 
If this is a consistent problem, swap your dog’s food to the canned stuff. Canned dog food has way more moisture than dry kibble, which typically makes it easier to digest. If your puppy has been struggling to poop with any kind of consistency, talk to your vet about changing their diet. Canned food will likely be an optimal choice.[11] 
When your puppy does poop, celebrate them like crazy. Give them a treat, shower them with praise, and dance around with an upbeat voice to really let them know you’re super happy about what they’ve just done. This will get your puppy to associate pooping outside with fun and joy, which will reinforce their behavior and encourage them to go outside in the future.[13] 
Caryl Wolff, Dog Training Specialist 
Your puppy may have a medical complication keeping them from pooping. A little occasional constipation is no big deal, and dogs can actually hold their bowels for a surprisingly long time. However, if it has been over a day without your dog taking a bowel movement, take them to a vet. There are a variety of diseases or disorders that may make a puppy constipated and while it’s usually no big deal, it’s worth getting a checkup.[14] 
Lauren Novack Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Lauren Novack is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant at Behavior Vets NYC where she helps fearful, anxious, and aggressive pets and their owners. She has completed coursework for her MS in Applied Behavior Analysis at Hunter College. Lauren’s research explores the intersection between training practices and animal welfare. She currently serves on the Editorial Advisory Board for Daily Paws and has appeared on Fox & Friends, Rachael Ray, and various news outlets with her dog Grayson.