As a veterinarian, I’ve seen my fair share of soft dog poop or even diarrhea. It’s not the most glamorous part of my job but it’s a common problem that often brings worried pet owners to my clinic. So if you’re dealing with this messy situation, you’re not alone.
Dealing with loose stools can be frustrating for both you and your dog. It’s not just about the inconvenience of cleaning up after your pet; soft stools can also indicate underlying health issues that need attention. The good news is that there are several proven methods to firm up your dog’s stool and improve their digestive health.
In this article, I’ll walk you through 8 veterinarian-approved remedies to harden your dog’s stool. These solutions range from dietary adjustments to natural supplements. Whether you’re dealing with occasional loose stools or a more persistent problem, you’ll find practical, easy-to-implement strategies to help your canine companion.
But before we start, it’s essential to note that these are not a replacement for proper veterinary treatment. Loose stools can indicate a more serious underlying problem, so the first port of call should always be to speak to a vet. However, if you’re dog is well in themselves or regularly suffers from loose poop then these solutions should help.
What Can I Give My Dog to Harden His Stool?
Often the most simple additions that can help firm up your dog’s stool is adding fibre to their diet. Fiber can help normalize stool consistency and harden their stools by adding bulk to the food, which slows the speed at which the food moves through your dog’s gut, allowing more time for proper digestion. Fiber also absorbs excess water from the gastrointestinal tract, which helps firm up the poop. On top of all of that, if your dog suffers from anal gland issues then fiber has the added benefit of helping as the firmer stools help to express the anal glands more naturally.
Try adding these to your dog’s food:
There are several commercially available fibre supplements available that are formulated for dogs suffering from loose stools or other digestive problems. My go-to is the pumpkin fiber supplement from native pet – I even give it to my own dog (she loves the taste!)
Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, can promote a healthy gut ecosystem in dogs, aiding digestion and nutrient absorption. When your dog’s digestive system is balanced and functioning well, it can result in your dog’s poo becoming firmer.
Sugar-free natural yogurt is one way to incorporate probiotics into your dog’s diet, however, just be aware that some dogs may be lactose intolerant so this could actually make their poop worse. As always introduce it slowly and see the effect that it has on their stool.
Alternatively you ca use a dog-specific probiotic supplement such as FortiFlora by Purina ProPlan. It comes in a powder form that is easy to add to your dog’s food or water and contains all of the strains of healthy bacteria that they need for a healthy digestion.
A well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy digestion and can improve the consistency of a dog’s stools. Their loose feces could just be the result of a poor diet.
Think about what you feed your dog – do you feed a lot of treats or human foods? Too much variety or poor quality processed foods can result in a soft dog stool. Not only that but a poor diet can even contribute to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
Similarly, if your dog is on a raw food diet then this could be to blame – raw food, when not processed properly, can contain harmful bacteria that pose a risk to your dog’s health (as well as your own!). Some dogs do well on a raw food diet, but in many cases they can be to blame for poor digestion.
Try switching to easily digestible, high-quality dog food like the Royal Canin Gastrointestinal High-fiber diet. Change the diet gradually, over 7-10 days, to allow your dog to acclimate to the new food. This can be used to ‘reset’ your dog’s digestive system. If they persistently suffer with soft stools then try keeping them on a specific gastrointestinal diet like this one long term.
Regular deworming can eliminate parasites from your dog’s body, allowing their digestive system to function optimally. Parasite infections cause damage to your dog’s gut and result in poor absorption of food and loose stools.
Speak to your vet about getting a de-worming treatment for your dog or try the SentryHC dewormer. Depending on whether your dog is a scavenger or likes to do things like drink out of dirty puddles, then they might need deworming more regularly.
One of the most common reasons I see for loose stools in practice is dietary indiscretion; that’s the term we vets use to describe your dog eating something they shouldn’t.
Dogs are natural scavengers and are naturally curious, often ingesting things that are not ideal for their digestion. How many times have you been on a walk and your dog starts helping themself to a rotten carcass or a dirty puddle? Anything from animal feces, garbage remnants, certain plants, and even toxic substances they encounter outdoors can trigger an upset tummy, leading to loose stools or even diarrhea.
The same goes for human foods; while you may think that you’re giving your dog a treat, many human foods will upset a dog’s digestive system, especially if they’re sensitive. Not to mention that many human foods are toxic to dogs, so it’s best to steer clear. While it may seem incredibly boring, stick to their dog food and a few treats.
It may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many cases of diarrhea I see that respond to some simple rehydration. Encouraging your dog to drink can also help flush out any potential toxins that they have in their body, speeding up recovery.
If your dog isn’t keen on water, you may want to consider introducing a doggy electrolyte drink to make the water more appealing or try wet food to increase their fluid intake.
You’d be surprised how much of an impact stress can have on your dog’s digestive health, leading to issues like loose stools or diarrhea. Much like humans, dogs have a brain-gut connection, meaning their emotional state can impact their gastrointestinal function. When a dog is stressed, their body goes into ‘fight or flight’ mode, which can speed up digestion, resulting in some very loose stools.
Regular exercise, a consistent routine, and mental stimulation can all contribute to reducing stress levels in your dog. If you suspect your dog’s softer stool is stress-related, it might be worth exploring calming techniques or seeking advice from a vet or a dog behaviorist.
You can also try a supplement such as zylkene for stress; this daily capsule can help calm your dog, reducing the likelihood of stress-induced loose stools.
Increasing the time between meals can also help firm up your dog’s stool. This allows food to be fully digested before introducing more into their system and can prevent overfeeding, which is a common cause of loose stools in dogs. So, if your dog suffers from soft poop then it might be time to look at your dog’s feeding schedule.
Feeding your dog at regular intervals, with a significant gap between meals, helps to regulate their bowel movements. Consistency in feeding times can lead to consistency in digestion and elimination, which can ultimately contribute to firmer stools.
By spacing out meals, you can ensure your dog is receiving the right amount of food and not more than they can handle.
Most common causes of soft stools in dogs
While the home remedies mentioned above can be useful, it’s important not to ignore loose stools, especially if the solutions in this article don’t make much of a difference.
Soft stools and diarrhea can have many causes in dogs, and while some might be minor, like diet changes, there could be a more serious reason for the change in your dog’s poop consistency.
Some of the most common causes of soft stools in dogs include:
Most common causes of soft stools in dogs
It’s no secret that dogs can have an adventurous palate. Eating things they shouldn’t, like spoiled food or foreign objects, can disrupt their digestive system and lead to soft stools or even diarrhea.
Diet
Sudden changes in your dog’s diet can affect their digestive tract and disrupt the balance of good bacteria, causing loose stools.
Internal Parasites
Infections from parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and giardia can cause inflammation in your dog’s digestive tract, resulting in soft stools or severe diarrhea.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
An exaggerated immune response to food can lead to inflammation in your dog’s stomach or intestines, causing ongoing irritation and swelling that disrupt normal digestion, leading to soft stools.
Stress and Anxiety
Stressful situations can weaken a dog’s immune system and cause an overgrowth of bad bacteria in their digestive system, leading to soft stools or diarrhea.
Infections (gastroenteritis)
Gut infections like parvovirus, distemper, salmonella, and campylobacter can greatly impact the consistency of your dog’s poop, causing soft stools or diarrhea.
Food allergies
An overactive immune system to dog food allergens can lead to inflammation in your dog’s digestive tract, causing soft stools or diarrhea. Check out our article on food allergies in dogs.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas can cause undigested fat to pass through your dog’s stool, making it greasy and resulting in soft stools or even diarrhea.
As I mentioned, if soft stools are something that persist, or if your dog shows any other signs of being unwell, then don’t ignore it – ruling out the underlying cause is essential.
When to See the Vet for Your Dog’s Loose Stools
While occasional loose stools in dogs can be normal, it’s crucial to know when professional veterinary care is necessary. As a veterinarian I can tell you that acting fast is key to preventing serious health complications.
- Blood in the stool (bright red or dark and tarry)
- Vomiting accompanied by diarrhea
- Lethargy or weakness
- Painful or distended abdomen
- Loss of appetite or refusing to drink water
- Signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, loss of skin elasticity)
- Fever (above 103°F or 39.4°C)
- Known ingestion of toxins or foreign objects
- Diarrhea persists for more than 48-72 hours
- Your dog is very young, very old, or has pre-existing health conditions
- Stools are consistently mucoid or greasy
- There’s a sudden change in your dog’s behavior or energy levels
- You notice unexplained weight loss
- Your dog is on medication and develops diarrhea
- Recent diet change resulting in softer stools
- Mild, short-term diarrhea with no other symptoms
- Known dietary indiscretion (e.g., eating table scraps) without severe symptoms
Remember, dogs can become dehydrated quickly, especially smaller breeds or puppies. When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult your veterinarian.
As a pet owner, you know your dog best. If something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and seek professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods firm up dog poop?
As a veterinarian, I often recommend incorporating high-fiber foods such as canned pumpkin and sweet potatoes, protein-rich lean meats like chicken or turkey, and easily digestible options like boiled white rice and boiled chicken. Additionally, probiotics such as yogurt and commercial dog foods formulated for digestive health can help. It’s important to be aware of which human foods are safe for dogs.
Why is my dog’s poop so sloppy?
I’ve seen many cases where a dog’s sloppy stool is due to dietary changes, ingestion of unsuitable food, stress, parasites, or underlying health issues. If your dog’s condition lasts more than a couple of days or is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting or lethargy, consulting a vet is essential.
What can I give my dog to harden his stool?
To improve your dog’s stool consistency, consider increasing their fiber intake with high-fiber foods like pumpkin or sweet potatoes. Providing a balanced, high-quality diet rich in proteins and easily digestible ingredients is crucial. In my experience, if the issue persists, it’s best to seek advice from a vet.
