My 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.
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.
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
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.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Thank you :)
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?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.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.
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?He will probably urinate soon. Give him plenty of water. Call the vet if he does not go.
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!
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.
Prayers for all!!
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
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?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.
You can rub her belly gently. You can also give her coconut oil (1T for 45 lb dog).
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!
I just got a 1 1/2 year old dog and she has not gone to the bathroom yet. Should I be concerned?