3. Inability to Urinate or Pass Stool
If your dog is straining to go to the bathroom with little or no result, it signals a potential blockage that can quickly become toxic and requires immediate vet attention. Signs include repeatedly posturing to urinate or defecate, crying out in pain while trying, and seeming distressed or lethargic. This is a critical situation because an inability to urinate, often caused by stones or crystals, allows dangerous toxins to build up in the bloodstream and can lead to a bladder rupture. Similarly, an inability to defecate could mean an intestinal obstruction from a swallowed object, which can cut off blood supply to the intestines and cause tissue to die. Never administer a laxative or other home remedy, as it could worsen the situation.