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Dogs, like humans, can experience gastrointestinal issues. Occasional problems are usually minor and don't affect a dog's running and playing. However, persistent gastrointestinal problems can impact a dog's mental state and may even indicate underlying organ diseases. GGH shares information about canine stool patterns and related gastrointestinal issues to help owners manage their pets' health. Although furry friends can't speak, owners who observe carefully will notice changes in their dogs.

Normal defecation state of dogs

A healthy dog's stool should be formed, neither sticky nor dry, and not easily crumbled. The ideal consistency is similar to a ripe banana; the color should be dark brown or chocolate; the odor should be balanced and not particularly foul. Adult dogs typically defecate 1-2 times a day, while puppies usually defecate about three times a day. If your dog exhibits abnormal bowel movements, check the following indicators, observe closely, and begin treatment.

Abnormal stool condition and common causes in dogs

fragile dry stool

Dry stools are usually caused by a lack of water or fiber in the stool. You can feed your dog bananas to increase the amount of water-soluble dietary fiber in their intestines. If your dog's stools are consistently powdery, it may indicate a problem with the gallbladder, intestines, or pancreas.

Soft and flat stool

If a dog's stool is sticky and muddy, commonly known as soft stool, it's mostly due to indigestion. This could be caused by ingesting food that's too large and not chewed properly, the type of food being difficult to digest, or a weak spleen and stomach or insufficient digestive motility. However, if the stool is covered with a clear mucus, it may be related to inflammation of the anal tract or digestive tract, requiring further examination.

Watery stool

Watery stools indicate that the dog is upset and should not eat for 6-8 hours. During this time, you can give it natural montmorillonite powder to stop the diarrhea. If the situation does not improve, you should consult a veterinarian promptly.

abnormal stool color

Bloody stool: Brightly colored bloody stool may indicate bleeding points near the anus. The brighter the color, the closer the bleeding point is to the defecation opening. If the stool is dark black, contains mucus, has a foul odor, and is accompanied by lethargy, it may indicate gastrointestinal inflammation.

Persistent bright yellow stools in dogs may be related to problems with the liver or pancreas.

parasitic infection

Parasites can sometimes be found in dog feces. Parasite infections can infect humans, so never come into direct contact with your dog's feces. Collect fecal samples in a sealed container with a button cap and send them for testing. Some parasite infections can cause weight loss, increased bowel movements, bloody stools, and affect a dog's heart health. Regular vaccinations and deworming are necessary.

Abnormal bowel habits in dogs and common causes

Besides the condition of the stool, the frequency of a dog's defecation is another important indicator of its health.

Dog defecates too frequently

Frequent and watery bowel movements in dogs suggest gastrointestinal inflammation, as mentioned above. Additionally, overfeeding or feeding a variety of foods throughout the day can damage the spleen and stomach, leading to indigestion and increased, often soft, stools. Another possibility is that the dog food or recently introduced food contains ingredients that are difficult for the dog to digest, irritating the digestive system and causing frequent bowel movements. It's necessary to identify and address these irritating ingredients.

Infrequent bowel movements

If a dog doesn't defecate for three days or more, the feces accumulate in its intestines, and toxins cannot be eliminated, which is definitely detrimental to the dog's health. There are several reasons why a dog may not defecate frequently:

Painful defecation

Inflammation of the anal glands can cause painful defecation if not cleaned promptly. Some dogs eat random objects or toys from a young age, which can block the intestines and cause defecation difficulties. Dogs that have ingested foreign objects may show signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting after eating, and abdominal pain upon palpation. However, small foreign objects may not be palpable externally, requiring X-ray examination.

constipate

Common causes of constipation in dogs include insufficient water intake and an improper diet. Consuming too much meat or bones without enough fiber can affect bowel movements. An imbalance in the gut flora and insufficient intestinal motility can also cause constipation. To help, you can give your dog dragon fruit and honey water and chicken broth to increase water intake. You can also feed them steamed pumpkin, steamed sweet potato, cabbage, and other vegetables to increase fiber intake. Adding olive oil or milk to their food can also lubricate their intestines. Interacting with your dog more and increasing their exercise can also promote bowel movements.

Dog has a poor appetite

If your dog's appetite is significantly reduced compared to usual, and it shows no interest in its favorite treats, but its overall condition is good, it may be experiencing indigestion. You can try giving it some digestive aids and supplements to improve stomach motility. Loss of appetite can also be related to colds, respiratory infections, or digestive tract infections; you should observe your dog for symptoms such as coughing or diarrhea.

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