Potty training a healthy 12-week old puppy is easy.
If you have a dog that has broken a hind leg, it gets more complicated. If she can stand on her own and walk, this may not be necessary. She may still need you to carry her outside, though. If she cannot stand or walk, help her go to the bathroom by using one of the following methods:
Ways to help the dog with broken leg poop
Harness
You will need to get a harness in order to help your dog poop. A harness is a device that is used to help a dog get up and walk around while they have an injured leg. The harness is a very important part of this process because it helps the dog not put too much pressure on their injured leg.
The first step in getting your dog’s poop to come out is to put the harness around their waist. This part of the process may seem easy, but you need to make sure the harness fits them properly. If it does not fit correctly, then it can cause pain for your dog and can lead to complications with their broken leg.
The next step in getting your dog’s poop out is to use the leash that comes with their harness. You will want to attach one end of the leash to your hand so that when you are pulling on their leash, they will pull themselves up onto all fours without putting too much pressure on their injured leg.
Dog wheelchair
This is one of the best options for most pet owners with a dog that has a broken leg. These dog wheelchairs are available (usually on Amazon) in various sizes and can be adjusted to fit your dog perfectly. We recommend you measure your dog’s height before ordering one.
The wheels will take the weight off of the injured leg, but also allow your dog to stay active and get around with no hassle. Most of these wheelchairs also have harnesses attached for an even better fit for your small or large dogs.
The good thing about these wheelchairs is that they are relatively easy to install and use. Keep in mind they might be expensive unless you can find an affordable one on Amazon. The bad thing is this option only works if your dog has broken hind legs because the wheelchair will support her hind end while she walks with her front legs.
Rub the tummy of your dog
If you have a dog that is experiencing constipation, one helpful pet care tip is to rub their tummy. This helps to relax the bowels and ease the muscles, which may be contracted from discomfort, anxiety or tension. Many people find that this works for them very well to help promote bowel movement in their dogs.
It’s important to remember that a dog with a broken leg will not have the same range of motion or pain tolerance as a healthy dog. For this reason, you must be gentle and patient with him. A dog with an injured leg may feel stressed and even act aggressively, so it’s important to let him set the pace.
The following are basic steps that can help your dog poop:
- Approach your dog gently, but don’t make eye contact.
- Offer your dog treats and praise for allowing you to approach him.
- If your dog is calm enough, gently rub his tummy. If he relaxes, you may rub his anal area and stimulate bowel movements.
- If your dog is not comfortable being touched, you can try using an over-the-counter laxative or stool softener if your vet approves.
- When it’s time to go outside, make sure that you take the lead when walking your dog on a leash. You will need to help him walk until he regains mobility in his injured leg; until then, he may not walk without falling or hurting himself further.
Other ways to encourage movement in their bowels
When a dog breaks a leg, they are usually put on crate rest. This means you confine them to a small space, such as a dog kennel or crate. During this time, they will probably be in a lot of pain. They are also often given painkillers that can cause constipation.
When dogs cannot move around, their bowels become impacted, and they have trouble pooping. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that dogs with broken legs may not stand up or lean against something to help them poop.
To induce defecation in a dog with a broken leg, lightly spray the anal area with water, or apply an ice cube to the perianal area. The stimulus caused by this action will retract the anus should prompt the animal to excrete waste material.
Give them laxatives (but only if recommended by your vet). Laxatives like Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350) or lactulose are options you can give your dog when they’re having trouble popping because of constipation caused by crate rest and pain medications. These laxatives will keep your pup’s bowels moving while they’re healing from their injury. The key to giving these medications is to make sure your pet has a way to relieve themselves.
Use stool softeners. If you’ve looked at the ingredients on most stool softeners, you’ll see that it’s the same ingredient as the aforementioned Miralax. So, should you use both? Not necessarily, but if you choose to use one, consult your veterinarian and see which one will help your pet better. You can also use Metamucil or feed canned pumpkin to your dog.
Dog Diapers
Dog diapers are designed for female dogs in heat and for incontinent dogs. They are not designed for use with a dog who has a broken leg but they will work if there is no other alternative available. Dog diapers come in various sizes so it is important to buy the right size for your pet. Dog diapers are held in place with attached straps.
Things to keep in mind before helping a dog with broken leg poop
1. Keep the Dog Clean
It is important to keep the dog clean and dry. If your dog is wearing a diaper, change it often to prevent infections from developing. If you observe any rash or redness, contact your vet immediately.
2. Keep the Harness and Wheelchair Clean
You should wash the harness in warm soapy water once a day. Let it dry completely before reusing it. You should also wash the wheelchair daily too, especially if your dog has recurring bladder accidents.
3. Feed Your Dog High-Fiber Diet
The high-fiber diet can act as a laxative and help the dog poop regularly. It is also important to give a lot of water to keep the stool soft so that it can easily pass through the intestine.
4. Follow Your Vet’s Advice
If your vet has advised you to give medications or supplements to your dog, then follow his advice strictly and do not miss any dose of medication or supplements that he has prescribed for your pet.
FAQs
How do I get my dog to poop after leg surgery?
Most dogs are fairly comfortable when they are sedated or have been under anesthesia. As a result, they may not feel the need to potty. A dog that is on pain medications or anti-inflammatories may not have the urge to poop either.
If your dog cannot pass stool within 8-12 hours after surgery, contact your veterinarian. Your vet will probably recommend withholding food and water for several hours and then giving a small meal with a high fiber content (such as canned pumpkin). If this does not result in a bowel movement within 24 hours after surgery, your veterinarian will probably administer a mild laxative such as lactulose or mineral oil.
If your dog still does not defecate within 24-48 hours, your vet may prescribe an enema. Enemas should only be given by a veterinarian because improper administration can cause rectal injuries.
How do dogs with broken legs go to the bathroom?
A dog with a broken leg cannot go on regular walks, so going outside is going to be a bit more complicated. You need to be prepared with some sort of makeshift sling or harness that will help hold up the injured leg while you guide them outside and allow them to do their business.
To take your dog to the bathroom, begin by putting newspaper or other absorbent material on the floor so that it will not slip and fall.
When taking your dog out, make sure that the collar is loose enough that he can comfortably relieve himself. It is important to keep the leash on until he has finished going to the bathroom. This will prevent him from running away if you take him outside before he’s done.
Do dogs recover from broken legs?
Most times, dogs with broken legs will recover completely, especially if they are young, healthy and the break is minor. It is important to seek veterinary care as soon as you notice your dog is limping or otherwise favoring one of its legs.
In most cases, a splint, cast or other orthopedic device will stabilize the limb while it heals. The age and health of your dog, and the severity of the break, will determine whether he needs to be anesthetized for surgery.
How is a broken leg (Fracture) treated?
Your veterinarian may recommend one of the following treatments:
External Fixation. This treatment is best for clean breaks, with little to no surrounding tissue damage or infection. The surgeon uses pins and rods to hold the bone in place outside the body. External fixation allows for better blood supply into the bone and surrounding tissues, and a shorter healing time. It also requires less anesthesia.
Internal Fixation. The surgeon puts screws, plates, or wires inside your dog’s leg to position the bone fragments correctly while they heal. Internal fixation is most often recommended for dirty breaks, with significant tissue damage and/or infection.
Conservative Treatment. For minor fractures that don’t require surgery, your veterinarian may recommend conservative treatment, including rest and limited activity until the break has healed completely.
Why is my dog holding in his poop?
There are several reasons your dog might hold in his poop. The most common reason is dietary indiscretion—eating something that he shouldn’t have, whether it’s garbage, feces or something else entirely. Or he may have eaten the favorite toy of another pet in the household!
Your dog could also be suffering from constipation. Constipation is a common problem for dogs, and can be caused by a variety of factors including inadequate fiber in the diet, dehydration and even ingesting bones or foreign objects. Dogs who have trouble defecating often try to avoid going in order to prevent further painful bowel movements.
Sometimes a medical condition could cause your dog to hold in his poop. If your dog has recently been diagnosed with or is being treated for any disease, such as Cushing’s disease, diabetes or arthritis, this could be one source of the problem. Additionally, if your dog has had a recent change in his environment—such as moving houses—he may be temporarily stressed out and unable to eliminate normally.
If your dog has had diarrhea recently, he may also be holding his poop in order to avoid painful bowel movements. He may even have a rectal prolapse causing him pain upon defecation.
Does walking a dog help them poop?
Yes! The movement and stimulation of walking your dog can help to induce bowel movements. The best way to encourage them to go is to take them out on their leash for a walk around the neighborhood.
The exercise, sights, and smells will help your dog know it’s time to go.
Conclusion
If you have a dog with a broken leg, they are going to need some special care. Dogs can’t just walk outside and do their business like they normally would, so you’ll need to keep a few things in mind.
For a dog with a broken leg, it may be hard to go to the bathroom. One of the first things people think about when their pet gets a cast is how in the world they’re going to go to the bathroom.
When we are injured or sick, we often feel like we can’t go to the bathroom. It’s the same for dogs and cats. If your pet has a fracture (broken bone) or has had surgery that requires him to wear a cast, you may wonder how he will go to the bathroom.
Sometimes, if a dog is not moving around enough, he may get constipated. The best way to help your dog poop is to encourage him to move around as much as possible while still keeping his injured leg stationary.
For example, if your dog has a broken front leg, you can encourage him to walk with his back legs on grass while you hold and support his front end. Or, you can use a sling under his belly so that all four legs are touching the ground but he doesn’t have to put weight on his injured leg. This will stimulate movement in his intestines and help him poop.
You can also try gentle massage in the area between your dog’s last rib and hip (the “flank area”).
Feed them a high-fiber diet to encourage bowel movement. You should also make sure your pet has plenty of water to drink during this time so their digestive system doesn’t become dry and uncomfortable. This will make it easier for them to poop as well.
If your dog isn’t pooping at all, then it’s probably time to take them to the vet. The vet will give them medication that will help relieve their pain and get them back on track with their bowel movements.