PUPPY USING THE BATHROOM?

by BETSY CASTILLO
(NEW CITY, NY, USA)

I HAVE A 3 MONTH OLD LAB AND HE USED THE BATHROOM EARLY MORNING WHEN HE WOKE UP, BUT HAS NOT USED IT AFTER HE HAS EATEN. HE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE CONSTIPATED.

IS THIS NORMAL?




Hi Betsy
I'm not certain if you've just got this puppy, or if you've had him for a while.

If he's just joined your family, he is probably going through an adjustment period right now. Most puppies behave a little differently for the first few days or a week or so after coming into a new home. It's just because they get stressed, and may feel lonely or scared, and a bit homesick.

Loss of appetite, extra sleepiness and even 'holding' their bowels isn't terribly unusual. However, if your puppy hasn't pooped by tomorrow you may want to check with your vet for advice.

If he's a pup you've had for several weeks, and this isn't normal behavior for him, he may be constipated. Any behavior that is out of the ordinary needs to be watched, as it could signal a problem of some sort.

You can try adding some canned pumpkin to his meals, increasing his fluid intake and exercise levels, and even giving him a little cows milk to drink. All of these measures should help to get his digestive system moving along again.

If after following this advice, he still isn't eliminating normally within 24 hours or so, consult your vet. If he seems to be in pain, is vomiting, distressed or if you're worried in any way, contact your vet right away.

Best of luck.