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New Dog Not Going to The Bathroom?

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February 24, 2006

Poodle standing on top of a closed toiletMy husband and I just rescuded a Border Collie/Chow mix yesterday. She had a sore on her bottom, I am guessing it was from the wet floor in the kennel at the shelter. We plan to take her to the vet this weekend to see what the sore is about. She has a hard time sitting because obvisously it hurts.



She refuses to go to the bathroom during walks. I'm not sure if she's holding it because of the sore on her bottom or she thinks that walks are for exercise only. She will sniff the grass but won't go. Last night after dinner she went to the door we put the leash on her took her out walked for 45 minutes wouldn't go. My mom took her for a long walk outside for about two hours or so earlier in the afternoon wouldn't go. She hasn't gone since she left the shelter. I started to worry.
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When we came back from the walk she urinated on her dog pillow. You could tell she felt bad about it. I am not sure if she is confused as to where to go or is she holding it due to the sore on her bottom? We can't just let her outside due to the fact we are condo owners. I took her out for a walk this morning and she didn't go and my husband tried to take her in the middle of the night as well and nothing either. Please help!

Melissa from HI

Answers

By Patti (Guest Post)
February 24, 20060 found this helpful
Best Answer

Yes, there is a problem here, but it may have multiple origins. The sore on her bottom could be the problem, or she could have a urinary infection. Be sure to get her to the vet ASAP, and if you can't get an appointment right away, call the vet's emergency phone number. Don't be shy about it.

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Our rescue Springer Spaniel, Magic, did not poop for three days after we got him. We were worried, but finally discovered that he really needs to run free for a few minutes before he poops. In other words, you'll discover her preferences and "mental problems" over time, but I would have this checked out immediately.

I think potty problems are typical of a lot of rescued dogs. She has been through so much trauma, and this may be her way of expressing the anguish.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

Patti

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By sandra johnson (Guest Post)
February 26, 20060 found this helpful
Best Answer

As everyone advised, get your dog to the vet ASAP. The sore isn't her only issue though. Because you don't know her history you don't know if she was ever housebroken. Begin with the vet then either hire a trainer to help you train your dog or research obedience training including housebreaking. It is possible that her previous owners may have traumatized her by rubbing her nose in her feces or pee if she had an 'accident' on the floor. When this happens, the dog will not eliminate in front of the owner any longer, instead, will hide somewhere and 'go'. She may be afraid to 'go' in front of you or anyone else. If the vet gives her a clean bill of health then you must begin to potty train her as if she were a puppy. You didn't say how old this dog is but if she is a pup, she can only hold her bladder for as many hours as she is months old plus one. If she is six months old, she can hold it for seven hours. If she is an adult, she can hold it up to 12 or 13 hours. If she is only a pup, she needs to be in a crate and put on a regular potty schedule.

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Make sure she is also on a regular feeding and water schedule as well. Training will go much faster and easier if you are consistent and reward her for 'going' in the designated potty area, meaning, take her to the same location out the same door each time. She will get the idea that when she needs to 'go', she will always use the same area. I strongly recommend crating your dog but never use a crate for punishment and if your dog has an accident in the house, do not scold her. Just say something like, "oops!", clap your hands to stop her in midstream and immediately take her to her potty area. Praise her lavishly and you might want to give her a little treat after she goes. This training may take you awhile but please be patient. This poor dog probably has suffered at the hands of some stupid owner and it's obvious, otherwise, the dog wouldn't have wound up in a shelter. You can love her all you want but training and consistency is the key. Good luck with your new 'baby'.

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13 More Questions

Ask a QuestionHere are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community or ask a new question.

October 14, 2019

My dog, a Labrador cross is not going to the bathroom or eating his food that the animal Humane Society gave us. We got him yesterday and we are worried.

New Dog Not Going to the Bathroom or Eating - man with a black Lab mix
 

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July 16, 2018

Yesterday my rescue dog Gracie arrived at 13:40. She's a smooth haired Collie almost 4 years old. My concern is that, so far, she hasn't pooped and has only peed once, this morning at 7:15. She didn't attempt any toilet functions on her walk last night. I have a garden and the door is open, because of the good weather, but even though if she needs to go she can, she isn't if that makes sense.

She ate perfectly well this morning, but no poop and she's not remotely interested in the fish or liver treats I offered her this afternoon as a reward for being in the garden. I thought encouraging her into the garden may help, but so far nothing. I don't want to overreact, but nor do I want to ignore it if it is a problem. I've only had puppies before so have never come across this issue with an adult dog. She definitely isn't doing the 'business' elsewhere so should I simply go straight to the vet? Any nuggets of wisdom greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

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Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks
July 16, 20181 found this helpful

Definitely talk to the vet. Good to establish a relationship from the start.

I would be more worried she is dehydrated, which can also make it harder for her to poop.

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My neighbors dog had surgery and didn't poop for a week, so while that was concerning, their vet said as long as she was eating and peeing, they were not worried. Obviously this is a different situation, the point just that the vet can give you a game plan and suggestions.

Not all pups like all snacks, so as long as she is eating her meals that is good.

Prayers that she gets less stressed and everything settles! Let me know how it goes!

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Anonymous
July 18, 20180 found this helpful

Thank you :)

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October 22, 2019

My new rescue is a 16 lb Chihuahua Dachshund mix and about 2-3 years old. I got her yesterday around 1 pm and it is now Monday at 7:30 pm. I've been outside with her for 30 minutes most recently, and all the other times I tried to take her outside she would just go to the bushes and circle and lay down. Every time I bring her out to the grass she either walks back to the bushes or lays down if they're too far.

She doesn't know how to walk on a leash either, so I carry her to the grass. I'm concerned that she's been eating and drinking, but hasn't done any of her business inside or outside. Any advice?

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January 6, 2019

We just brought home a new puppy yesterday and he hasn't peed or pooped (either inside or outside). He also has shown very little interest in food or water. When we take him outside all he does is climb up our legs.

The breeder appeared to be paper training the puppies, but we don't want to encourage peeing or pooping inside our apartment so we've been trying to take him outside every 2-3 hours. Any advice? He is 14 weeks.

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Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
January 6, 20190 found this helpful

If he doesnt go within 24 hours of getting him home, consult with the vet. Check around the house. He may have gone in a hidden spot.

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January 7, 20190 found this helpful

When our puppy was less than a year old he went through the exact same thing. Turns out he had a piece of sock stuck in his intestine. Vet, now!

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Anonymous
January 7, 20190 found this helpful

Err on the side of safety-VET VET VET when in doubt

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October 4, 2018

I am looking for some doggy advice. So we got our rescue dog 3 weeks ago and he's incredibly anxious. He's quite taken with my girlfriend and is completely comfortable around her. He is less so with me and very skittish with men in general. We've been making great progress, but it is still an ongoing thing. I'm permanently at home while my girlfriend goes to work so daily routine is my thing and we've always done it fine. Occasionally with a male friend of mine in tow. My girlfriend had the last 6 days off and was at home.

Today, he's not peed while walking at all. (He did this morning with my girlfriend). We went out late morning with my friend and it was a disaster. Monty had clearly forgotten who he was and wasn't happy at all so we cut that short and headed home. I took him out again mid afternoon and still no pee. Am I right in thinking it's just the change in routine that's got him stressed and we can expect Niagara falls when my girlfriend gets home or should I be worried?

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Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
October 4, 20180 found this helpful

He will probably urinate soon. Give him plenty of water. Call the vet if he does not go.

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Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks
October 4, 20180 found this helpful

It is possible he just didn't have to go and will have a longer pee when your girl friend takes him out. If he stops peeing for more than 12 hours call the vet ASAP! That is not normal!

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So, many rescue pups need strict routine and take longer to acclimate than dogs you have raised from a pup. We have done both, as have all of our dog owning friends, and we have had many the discussion over exactly what you described.

Some food for thought....

...You may want to introduce other people slowly and not on walk times or meal times until your pup after he has become fully comfortable with you, since he already seems bonded with your gf.

...Potty and meal times need to be a safe place for the pup. A stranger disrupts that.

One last thing is to develop a good relationship with your vet and the pup. Ask if he may need something to help him with the transaction to his forever home.

My sister dog was a rescue and needed a year or so of an antidepressant to help her trust our family! She is an amazing pup now...it just took time, routine and to get to that point.

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Prayers for all!!

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October 6, 20180 found this helpful

he will.indeed go soon , just comfort him as much as possible thats all you really can dk you have no idea what kinda home he was at before you always be aware in case he changes for the worse but always give him patients and guidance

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Silver Post Medal for All Time! 267 Posts
October 8, 20180 found this helpful

When my dog was a puppy, she wouldn't go potty unless she was in our yard. We went on a vacation and I didn't see her go for a couple of days. At one point, we were at a park with a small stream and she trotted right in and relieved herself. I think it was the running water that clicked something in her brain. It might be something to try when walking him.

Things will probably work out as your dog acclimatizes to his new home. If he is going with your girlfriend, it's probably not a medical concern.

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June 13, 2017

My mother and I just bought a a dog from a nice lady. She said her friend's ex left her tied to their fence. She is a 7 year old Shih Tzu mix (probably poodle as well). That being said she got fleas pretty badly which we are taking care of. When I walk her she goes pee, but she won't poop.

I've had her for just two days. I'm sure she's still stressed with all the moving. I just want to make sure there isn't more I can do before her vet visit; she drinks enough water. Is there anything else I can do?

New Rescue Dog Not Pooping - dog in someone's lap
 

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Diamond Post Medal for All Time! 1,246 Posts
June 13, 20170 found this helpful

My friend swears by pumpkin for her dogs when they don't poop. Pumpkin is high in water content and a great source of fiber. You can either puree fresh pumpkin or use canned pureed pumpkin but not the sweetened "spice" type.

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Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
June 14, 20170 found this helpful

You can rub her belly gently. You can also give her coconut oil (1T for 45 lb dog).

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April 7, 2020

I adopted a 3 year old Pit/Collie mix from a friend of mine. He was/is house and crate trained. He is adapting very well so far. He eats and drinks normally and loves to go on walks and car rides and has grown very attached to me. The only problem is he hasn't urinated or pooped in nearly 3 whole days! Since I've gotten him. I know it can take a while for them to adjust, but it can't be good to go this long without!

His previous owner is a friend of mine and she said he hasn't had any issues with going to the potty or anything, so we chalked it up to anxiety. But he's adjusting well in all areas except for going to the bathroom. I don't want to freak out or anything, but I am really worried. Any advice? Taking him to the vet is my last option, but I am nearly to that point. I want him to be happy and healthy!

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December 11, 2018

I just got a 1 1/2 year old dog and she has not gone to the bathroom yet. Should I be concerned?


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February 27, 2020

I have a 9 year old dog that came from a multiple dog home of a disabled owner. She was newspaper trained and never walked outside. I've had her for 3 weeks and was doing pretty good with potty training, as she would consistently go back to the pad, but would pee right on the edge so half would go on the floor and half on the pad.

I thought I would try litter box training her so I tried to introduce one, but instead she got very anxious and now can't figure out where to potty and instead starting just going on the floor. I tried confining her to the area with the entire floor covered in pads, but she refuses to go. It's been about 18hrs since she's peed or pooped. She ate breakfast as usual and I have spent the last 8 hrs either confining her to the area of the pads or crating her and bringing her back to the pads or just letting her relax with me on the couch and periodically bring her back to the pads and ask her to potty but she won't.

I don't know what to do and am worried she will rupture her bladder if she refuses to go. She will sleep comfortably right next to me, but when I bring her back to the pads she just sits there and looks and me no sniffing, no walking around, and won't go pee or poop. I've tried pads with attractant, newspapers, attractant sprays, and have tried taking her outside she won't go at all. I'm at a loss?

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May 12, 2019

I bought a 5 month old male Chihuahua 3 days ago from a private owner and I am beginning to think that he was abused. This is my 3rd day with him, and he won't use the restroom at all. He will not pee or poop at all. I take him out often and he refuses to go. He doesn't even have accidents in the house.

I know this, because I watch him. He won't even drink water unless it comes from my hands. He refuses to drink or eat unless I give it to him straight from my hands. I never had this kind of situation with my Min Pin. This is why I think he was abused. Am I right? What should I do to help him?

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March 31, 2019

We brought home a new shelter dog earlier today, and he's been very good for us. He hasn't barked or bitten or scratched anyone and he is very affectionate and loving. He seems tired so we tried our best to let him sleep throughout the day. He hasn't drank any water, eaten any food, or eliminated at all since he got to our house.

It is now 8 pm and he refuses to even leave his closed off area to go outside. He is very stubborn on the leash and sits there until we go the direction he wants, (in this case, back to his bed). He seems afraid to go anywhere, how can I help him? I have already tried luring him with treats, but he doesn't seem very food motivated, (as I said he refuses to eat or drink. He seemed okay eating some treats earlier, but he doesn't see it as a reward?) or toy motivated, or anything motivated.

He is a 1-2 year old mixed breed, but we think he is mostly Rat Terrier.

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