Did you know that dogs can become constipated, just like people? There are several causes of canine constipation, including changes in diet, medication, or your dog consuming something it shouldn’t have. Regardless of the reason, it’s crucial to ensure your dog passes their blockage before it becomes a severe health issue. Knowing how to massage a dog to poop will make all the difference!
We know how helpless you may be feeling if you’re watching your poor pup struggle to have a bowel movement. But don’t worry, there’s an easy way you can help alleviate your pet’s discomfort.
In this how-to, we’ll explore a few different massage methods that can help your dog poop. We’ll also instruct you on the proper techniques to administer the massage and explain how it can help your dog poop.
More Dog Guides: Can I Give My Dog Milk For Constipation? and How Often Do Puppies Poop?
How to Massage A Dog to Poop
Stomach Massage
The first and most effective technique to help your dog poop is a stomach massage for constipation. Dogs have pretty long torsos, so you might want to familiarize yourself with the area you’re targeting before you start.
Before you begin, lay your dog on its side, or even better, try to get it on its back for maximum tummy access. Once your dog is in position, find the soft area where its ribs end and hind legs begin. This is the area where you’ll be massaging.
Now, let’s get to the massage.
Step 1:
Position your dog on its back or side, then locate the area you’ll be massaging.
Step 2:
Use light pressure to press your hand on your dog’s stomach. Go slowly to make sure they’re comfortable with your touch.
Step 3:
Begin stroking from your dog’s ribs to its hind legs and continue this movement for a few minutes.
Step 4:
Change the motion of your hand by stroking your dog’s stomach with a clockwise motion. After a few minutes, change directions and massage counterclockwise.
Step 5:
Continue massaging your dog’s stomach and intestinal area to encourage movement in their bowels.
Massaging your dog’s tummy is meant to stimulate movement in their bowels. If there is a blockage, you may help dislodge the blockage by stroking your dog’s stomach in differing directions. When you’re massaging, pay close attention to how your dog reacts. If they express discomfort, lighten the pressure or stop and try again later.
Pressure Point Massage For Your Dog’s Digestion
A pressure point is a sensitive part of the body that can trigger a specific reaction when touched. Also referred to as acupressure, this type of massage was first used over 2000 years ago in ancient Eastern medicine and remains a popular choice for holistic practitioners today.
Your dog’s body has pressure points in many places, and some are connected to the digestive system. We’re going to take a look at four points in particular that you can massage to help your dog poop.
Pressure Point LI 11:
Pressure point LI 11 is located on the front side of your dog’s forefront left leg. Its exact location is in the crease of the dog’s elbow.
Once you’ve located the right spot, use two fingers, gently apply pressure, and hold for 10 seconds. Release and repeat this process at least three times.
Pressure Point CV12:
The CV 12 pressure point is found by locating the spot where your dog’s right leg meets its torso. Once you’ve found this area, move your hand an inch or so toward the underside of their belly. This is where pressure point CV12 is located.
Use the same technique as pressure point LI 11 to gently apply pressure and repeat as needed. to gently apply pressure and repeat as needed.
Pressure Point St36:
St36 is another pressure point believed to help alleviate digestion issues for your pup. To access this point, you’ll want to first put your hand on the front of your dog’s rear left knee. Feel for the joint where the knee and shin bones meet. Stop when your hand is at the top of their shinbone. This is the location of St36.
Gently press the area and hold briefly. Release the pressure and then apply again. Use this technique a few times for maximum benefit.
Pressure Point St45:
This last pressure point is the easiest to locate but the most likely to annoy your pet when you press it. St45 is located on the top of your dog’s left foot. Applying pressure at this point is thought to ease intestinal discomfort, which can help your dog poop.
Make sure your dog is comfortable having their feet handled, and apply light pressure for a few seconds and release. Try to repeat this massage as many times as your dog will tolerate.
Full Body Dog Massage For Constipation
Just like humans, canines can experience difficulty defecating if they’re stressed. The purpose of a full body massage for Fido is to help him relax and hope that the relaxation extends to his bowels. If your dog is experiencing constipation due to stress, anxiety, or pain, then a full body massage may be just what they need to get things moving again.
Follow these steps to help make your dog poop with a full body massage.
Step 1:
Make sure your dog is comfortable. Lie them down on a soft surface in a quiet and dimly lit room. If your pet has a bed, have them lay there to make sure they’re surrounded by familiar smells.
Step 2:
Start by using light pressure to run your hands along the sides of your dog’s spine. Gently increase pressure when your hands reach the joints in their shoulders and again when you reach their haunches.
Step 3:
Use your thumb and pointer finger to gently make small circles on both sides of your dog’s spine from where its head meets its neck down to its tail.
Step 4:
Take your dog’s leg in your hand and squeeze very gently from the top of its legs down to the paw. Repeat this method two or three times on each leg.
You can repeat all the above steps as many times as your furry friend tolerates it. Remember to keep a close eye on how your dog reacts to the massage. If they are uncomfortable when you massage a specific area, skip it and massage another spot.
Hip Massage For Arthritis Induced Constipation
If you have a senior dog, one of the possible causes of his constipation may be pain caused by arthritis. For a dog to poop, it needs to be able to use the joints in its hips to achieve a normal squatting position.
A hip massage can alleviate joint pain, which may be the ticket to helping your dog poop comfortably.
Take a look below to learn how to best give your dog a hip massage to help alleviate their constipation.
Step 1:
First, approach your pup while they are standing up or lying down. Make sure they’re in a comfortable and still position.
Step 2:
Place your hand on the top of your dog’s haunches. This is the hip area. Gently pet them to make sure they’re comfortable being touched there.
Step 3:
Very lightly, begin to apply pressure on each side of their hips in a circular motion. You can increase the pressure a little at a time to make sure you don’t cause your pup any pain.
Step 4:
Move your hands in a circular motion and massage all around the hip area, paying close attention to your dog’s joints.
This gentle hip massage can be a lifesaver if your dog has trouble pooping due to hip pain. Since this type of massage can be done while your dog is standing or lying down, try to give them a hip massage a few times a day until you notice your pup pooping comfortably again
Frequently Asked Questions
Signs that your dog is experiencing constipation include straining, whining, or crouching when trying to poop. If you notice that your dog has gone two or more days without having a bowel movement, you should contact your veterinarian.
You can massage your dog to help them poop. Other methods to relieve constipation in dogs include exercise, stool softeners, and a diet filled with fiber and plenty of water.
Popular natural dog laxatives are pumpkin, probiotics, psyllium seeds, and olive oil. You should always consult your veterinarian before beginning any new treatment with your dog.
What Can I Do To Help My Dog Poop?
Constipation can be uncomfortable for your dog and, sometimes, downright painful. But, if you follow the massage techniques we’ve outlined above, there’s a good chance you can help them get their bowels back in working order.
If you’re looking for a few more tips, check below for other ways to help alleviate your dog’s constipation and get them on a regular pooping schedule.
- Try the massage methods in this article.
- Make sure your dog drinks plenty of water.
- Keep your dog on a consistent diet.
- Try to only feed your dog the recommended amount of food at set times during the day.
- If your dog is comfortable enough to exercise, take them for a leisurely walk or run.
- Give your pup as many opportunities to use the bathroom outside as possible.
Should the massage techniques and tips mentioned in this article aren’t enough to help your dog poop, make sure to consult your veterinarian.
If you find this guide, “How To Massage A Dog To Poop,” helpful, check out these other dog guides:
- What To Give a Constipated Dog: 5 Treatments
- My Dog’s Stomach is Gurgling Like Crazy. What Does This Mean?
- How to Euthanize Your Dog at Home?
Want to learn more? Check out this video! “Massage for constipation- dogs and cats”
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
Why Trust We Love Doodles?
At We Love Doodles, we’re a team of writers, veterinarians, and puppy trainers that love dogs. Our team of qualified experts researches and provides reliable information on a wide range of dog topics. Our reviews are based on customer feedback, hands-on testing, and in-depth analysis. We are fully transparent and honest to our community of dog owners and future owners.