Why Is My Dogs Stool Like A Softy?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If your dog's poop seems soft and loose,

it may just be an indication of a change in diet, or it may mean your dog has been eating things they shouldn't be eating

. If you've changed your dog's diet recently, monitor changes in poop. You may have to alter the diet if it doesn't improve.

Is it normal for dogs to have soft stool?

Note that

the occasional soft or loose stool can be perfectly normal

. However, any time a dog is having multiple soft or loose stools, any time a dog is having watery stools, or any “increased softness” of stools that persists for more than a couple of days definitely warrants veterinary evaluation.

Why is my dog's poop soft and slimy?

Weird but true:

Dogs lower intestinal tract glands produce a clear, jelly-like slime to lubricate the colon and help stool pass more easily

. And sometimes, that slime can coat your dog's poop or accumulate at the end. “An occasional coating is normal, or it can indicate a self-resolving issue,” Huggins says.

How can I harden my dogs poop?

To firm up your dog's stool, try

switching to a high-quality, low-fat dog food that lists meat as the main ingredient

. Also, if your dog currently eats wet food, gradually replace the wet food with dry food until your dog is only eating dry food, which can help make its stools firmer.

What to feed dogs with soft stools?

  • Rice water (boil high-quality rice in a lot of water, remove the grains, and offer the dog the creamy white soup that's left)
  • White rice.
  • Boiled plain pumpkin.
  • Yogurt or cottage cheese which has beneficial bacteria, for lactose tolerant dogs.
  • Probiotics (these are also found in yogurt)

When should I worry about loose stools in dogs?

Contact your vet right away if your pup is experiencing

repeated episodes of diarrhea or

. If your dog is showing other symptoms as well as diarrhea they should be seen by a vet as soon as possible.

Why is my dog's poop soft and smelly?

Odour – dog poo should have a mild odour; any dramatic changes can indicate problems. Flatulence or a particularly stinky poo

could signal a change in your dog's gut flora, or they're struggling to cope with a new diet or ingredient

. Treats and human foods are common culprits!

How do I treat mucus in my dog's stool?

Probiotics. A small amount of mucus in the stool—in an otherwise healthy dog—does not require treatment with medications, but

a probiotic supplement may help

. Look for probiotic products designed specifically for dogs or ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

How do I know if my dog has worms?

  1. Diarrhea, sometimes containing blood or mucus.
  2. Vomiting, which can sometimes contain adult worms.
  3. Weight loss, particularly if your dog has a good appetite.
  4. A bloated belly or generally “unhealthy” appearance.
  5. A dull, dry coat.
  6. Excessive scooting and chewing at their bottom.

How do I know if my dog has parasites?

  1. Diarrhea.
  2. Abdominal pain.
  3. Weight loss.
  4. Vomiting.
  5. Poor coat appearance.
  6. Pot-bellied appearance.
  7. Lethargy.
  8. Dehydration.

Does wet dog food cause soft stool?


The most common cause for soft stools or diarrhea is overfeeding

—regardless whether you feed dry or wet food. Start with smaller amounts and increase slowly.

What dog food makes poop hard?

Dog Food for Firm Stools Price Rating
Fromm Gold Holistic Adult Dry Dog Food

$$ 4.5/5
“I and love and you” Nude Food Poultry Palooza Food $$ 4.3/5 Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Protein Food $$ 4.3/5 Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Food $$ 4.5/5

How can I firm up my dog's stool naturally?

To firm up a dog's stool,

feed them a high-quality diet that contains enough meat and fiber, and avoid fatty foods or a high-fat diet

. You can also increase a dog's fiber intake through homemade meals, addition of veggies or fruit, or giving them a fiber supplement.

Do worms cause mucus in stool in dogs?

This can also result in blood loss and anemia, or a low red blood cell count.

Your dog's intestines respond to parasites by secreting mucus, which can show up in your pet's stool

. This mucus production along with resulting diarrhea robs your dog of important nutrient absorption, which can lead to malnutrition.

Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.