How to Relieve Constipation in Newborn Puppies

You will need to encourage newborn puppies to use the bathroom.

Raising newborn puppies is a rich, rewarding activity. If the mother of the puppies is not present, you must keep the puppies warm and fed and be careful not to over-handle them. Not having a mother present poses another challenge. You will need to encourage the newborn puppies to go to the bathroom and pass urine and stool, as that is what the mother normally does. Not encouraging puppies to relieve themselves is a common cause of constipation.

Things You'll Need

• Blanket
• Soft washcloth
• Warm water
• Excretion area

Instructions

1. Feed puppies as normal. After feeding, wrap puppies in a warm blanket and take them outside to a warm, grassy area with lots of sunlight.

2. Dip a soft washcloth in warm water and gently rub the puppies' anal regions with the wash cloth. This movement imitates the movement of the mother's tongue as under normal circumstances, the mother would lick her pups in order to stimulate them to urinate and defecate.

3. Allow the puppies to relive themselves on the grass. Say encouraging things in a soft but positive tone of voice like "Good girl!" or "Good boy!"

Tips & Warnings

• If the puppies are still having trouble going to the bathroom or seem to be straining, add a couple drops of cow's milk to their formula. Cow's milk gives dogs diarrhea, but a little bit might help loosen their bowels.

• Do this procedure after every feeding. Though be aware of the fact that puppies may not defecate after every time you do this. Puppies will go on their own in three to four weeks.

References

• ASPCA: Newborn Puppy Care
• The Puppy Dog Place: Puppy Constipation

Resources

• Shelter Medicine: Canine Guide to Raising Puppies