I control my dog’s waste, and while this may seem odd for people who don’t have pets, dog owners know that poop gives important clues about your dog’s health, and that it’s essential to pay attention to quantity and its features. So, if you’re one of those owners who ask themselves “Why does my dog poop so much?”, then you should check out this article for some answers.
My dog poops a lot – what do I do?
Too much poop can be a sign that your dog is eating more than she needs, or that what she eats is not good for her. Make sure the quantities are right for your dog’s size, lifestyle and health condition. Reduce portions or split the food across more meals during the day and see if your dog’s digestion improves.
Don’t feed your dog leftovers from your table. Also make sure she’s not stealing anything from your kitchen or your garbage can, as this can also cause your dog to poop more.
Sudden changes in a dog’s diet can influence stools. Introduce any new food gradually, over a week’s time or even longer. If your dog doesn’t respond well to the new product, you should stick with the old food.
When should I worry about my dog’s poop?
Generally, a dog poops from one to four, or five times a day. As long as your dog has been pooping the same amount ever since you first got her, and you know she’s healthy, then you shouldn’t worry about quantities.
According to Dr. Karen Becker, normal poop is moist, firm, and has a mild odor. If your dog’s waste is different, then she might suffer from parasites or other digestive health issues. This video that explains what problems hide behind different types of dog waste:
When your dog poops in larger quantities than normal, outside of her usual eliminating spots, and has watery stools, she could have diarrhea. If she’s a healthy adult dog, stop feeding her for the following 12 hours. Give her regular access to water, then feed her small amounts of food and try home remedies.
If the problem persists, or if you have a young puppy or a dog that suffers from a serious health condition, call your veterinarian and discuss treatment.
Conclusion
Each dog is different, and what might seem like too much poop for a dog could be the right amount for another. As we can see above, there are various things to consider when checking your dog’s waste, so don’t panic if your dog’s routine is to eliminate four times a day.