Dog Screams While Pooping: Possible Causes and Solution

Many pet owners may not pay close attention to their dog's bowel movements when they go for walks. However, a dog's defecation can often reveal a lot about its health, so it's important not to overlook this aspect. For instance, some dogs may emit distressing cries while pooping. Do you know why this happens? This article aims to delve into this issue and provide some potential explanations.

What Causes a Dog to Cry While Pooping?

1. Constipation

The loud cries during a dog's bowel movement can be attributed to constipation. There are several reasons for constipation in dogs, such as insufficient water intake, low intestinal motility, or blockages in the digestive tract. These issues can lead to dry and hard stools, which can cause friction and pain when passing through the anal area during defecation.

2. Anal Issues

Inflammation or injury around a dog's anus can also result in pain during bowel movements, leading to the distressing cries. Common issues might include anal gland problems, anal tumors, skin diseases around the anus, or spasms of the anal sphincter.

3. Psychological Stress

Dogs may cry out in pain during defecation due to fear or anxiety, which could be triggered by external stimuli or the owner's overly tense behavior, loud scolding, or other disturbances.

How to Address a Dog's Crying During Pooping?

1. Adjust Diet

Ensure your dog maintains a healthy and balanced diet, avoiding overfeeding and foods that are hard to digest. To prevent constipation, you can include fruits and vegetables in its diet, such as cabbage, lettuce, pumpkin, apples, bananas, and dragon fruit, which are rich in fiber and can promote intestinal movement. Additionally, make sure your dog has access to plenty of water to prevent dehydration and hard stools.

2. Increase Exercise

Regular exercise can help stimulate your dog's digestion and bowel movements. If your dog has a habit of defecating outdoors, make sure to take it out on a schedule to avoid prolonged holding of stool, which can lead to constipation.

3. Medical Examination

Observe your dog's bowel movements closely. If it frequently cries during defecation and its stool contains blood or mucus, or if there are signs of anal swelling, loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, diarrhea, or other symptoms, it's crucial to take it to a veterinarian for a thorough checkup to determine the exact cause.

4. Attend to Your Dog's Emotions

Keep calm and quiet during your dog's defecation to avoid scolding, hitting, or startling it. If your dog has severe psychological issues, consider consulting a professional pet psychologist.

In summary, a dog crying while pooping can be caused by various factors. As a responsible owner, it's essential to closely monitor your dog's habits and diet, and to address any issues promptly and humanely.