Dog Poo Guide

Being a dog owner is full of many magical, amazing moments and we wouldn’t change any of them for the world. But as with everything, there are some aspects of being a puppy parent that aren’t our favourite… and one of the least glamorous parts is anything to do with dog poo.

When we choose to own a dog, we’re quick to sign up for the cuddles, the walks and the strange little quirks that make us laugh out loud. But we don’t always think about the parts when we’re standing in the cold holding a bag full of warm dog poo.

But as unpleasant as it might be, keeping an eye on your dog’s poo is actually a really important part of being a responsible dog owner. Because dogs can’t exactly tell us when their stomach feels off, their poo is often one of the first clues that something might not be quite right.

Changes in texture, colour or how often they’re going can sometimes point to diet changes, mild stomach upsets, or occasionally something that might need a vet’s attention. So while it might not be the nicest part of dog ownership, paying attention to it is essential is keeping a close eye on your dog’s health.

If you’ve owned a dog before, or your furry best friend has been with you for a while, you’ll probably know your pup’s pooping routine pretty well by now. Every dog is different, pooping at different times of the day and for a different number of times. But typically, a healthy adult dog will poo one to three times a day.

Many dogs will go shortly after eating but it’s also common for them to have a bowel movement during or just after a walk. This happens because movement helps stimulate their digestive system which is why that first sniff around the grass often turns into a quick toilet stop.

Puppies, however, will go much more frequently. Because their digestive systems are still developing and they tend to eat smaller meals more often, it’s not unusual for puppies to poop three to five times a day, sometimes even more. As they grow and settle into a regular feeding schedule, this will usually become more predictable.

Diet can also play a big role in how often your dog poops. Dogs eating high-quality, balanced food tend to produce smaller, firmer stools and may go slightly less often because their bodies are absorbing more nutrients. On the other hand, diets that contain a lot of fillers or lower-quality ingredients can sometimes result in larger or more frequent bowel movements.

And of course, exercise, age and overall health can make a difference to how much dogs poo too. Active dogs may poop more regularly, while older dogs sometimes become a little less predictable as their metabolism slows down.

What really matters most is consistency. Every dog develops their own routine, and once you know what’s normal for your dog, changes tend to stand out fairly quickly. If your dog suddenly starts going far more often, struggles to go, or hasn’t pooped for more than a day or two, it may be worth speaking to your vet.

For some, you may have noticed that not too long after they’ve wolfed their favourite dog food down, your pup will need to poop shortly after. That’s because it’s common for dogs to need the toilet around 30 minutes after a meal, which is why many owners plan walks shortly after feeding time.

In the same way a full stomach often leads us to the bathroom, eating in dogs can trigger something called the gastrocolic reflex, which basically means that when food enters the stomach, the digestive system gets moving and signals that it might be time to empty the bowels.

However, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t happen with every dog. Some dogs will reliably poop after eating, while others may go later on during a walk, a few hours after a meal, or even before they eat. Just like people, dogs develop their own routines, and those routines can vary quite a bit from one dog to another.

Things like diet, exercise, age and feeding schedules can all influence when a dog needs to go. Dogs that are fed at consistent times each day often develop a predictable toilet routine, while dogs with more flexible feeding schedules might be less consistent.

Puppies also tend to go more quickly after eating because their digestive systems move food through the body faster. Adult dogs, on the other hand, may take a little longer.

What matters most is learning your dog’s normal pattern. Once you know when your dog typically needs the toilet, it becomes much easier to plan walks and avoid accidents at home. And if their pooping routine does suddenly change, it can sometimes be an early sign that something in their digestion isn’t right.

It might not be the most glamorous question, but it proves what a loving dog owner you really are when you’re wondering what a dog or puppy’s poo should look like.

In simple terms, the ideal dog stool is usually described as log-shaped with a consistency similar to Play-Doh (sorry for that mental image). It should hold its shape when it’s on the ground and when you pick it up but still be soft enough to squish slightly. Not rock hard, not sloppy but somewhere comfortably in the middle.

Of course, dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so their poo does too. A Chihuahua’s stool will obviously look very different from a Labrador’s, but that log-like shape and firm-but-soft consistency is generally what you’re aiming for.

If your dog’s poo comes out as lots of small, hard pieces, it can sometimes be a sign of dehydration or a lack of fibre in their diet. In cases like this, it may be worth reviewing what they’re eating. Some dogs benefit from dry dog foods with higher fibre levels, which can help keep their digestion moving more smoothly.

On the other end of the scale, very soft, sloppy or completely formless poo can sometimes suggest a digestive upset. This might be caused by a sudden diet change, gut irritation, eating something they shouldn’t have, or occasionally food intolerances or allergies.

If your dog develops diarrhoea or unusually soft stools, it’s often sensible to keep an eye on things and consider speaking with your vet if it continues. In some cases, vets may recommend a short fasting period (around 24 hours for adult dogs) followed by a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice to help settle their stomach.

And as always, if something about your dog’s poo doesn’t seem quite right, it’s always best to check in with your vet for advice.

Just like shape and consistency, the size of your dog’s poo can tell you a little about their digestion. But unlike some other signs, there isn’t really a universal answer to this one. After all, you can’t expect a Yorkshire Terrier to squat and produce the same kind of poo as a Bernese Mountain Dog. Bigger dogs naturally produce larger stools, while smaller breeds will pass much smaller ones.

The size can also vary depending on how much your dog has eaten and the type of food they’re having. Dogs eating larger meals or diets with more filler ingredients may produce bigger poos than dogs eating smaller, more nutrient-dense meals.

In reality, colour and consistency tend to matter far more than size. As long as your dog’s poo is well-formed, easy to pass and looks consistent with their usual routine, slight differences in size are usually nothing to worry about.

Most of the time, healthy dog poo will look exactly how you’d expect it to: brown. Usually somewhere in the range of medium to dark brown, often described as a chocolate colour. This colour typically suggests that your dog’s digestive system is working properly and that food is being broken down as it should.

However, if your dog’s poo appears in a different colour, it can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t right. While the occasional odd-looking stool may not be a huge concern, consistent colour changes are worth talking with your vet about.

Here are a few colours dog owners should keep an eye on:

• Pink or purple: If your dog’s stool looks pink, purple or jelly-like, it may be a sign of blood in dog poo. This can sometimes indicate serious digestive conditions such as haemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). It’s best to contact your vet and seek an urgent appointment if you notice this.
  
  
• Orange or yellow: Yellow or orange stools can sometimes suggest a problem with bile production or the liver. If this colour appears more than once, it’s a good idea to give your vet a call and have things checked.
  
  
• Green: Green poo can occasionally happen if your dog has eaten a lot of grass. However, it may also suggest issues involving the gallbladder or parasites, so it’s worth monitoring and speaking with your vet if it continues.
  
  
• Grey: Pale grey stools that appear greasy or shiny can sometimes indicate problems with the pancreas or bile ducts. In some cases, it may also mean your dog is eating too much fat, so reviewing their diet and swapping to some low fat dog treats and food may help.
  
  
• Black: Black, tar-like stools can be a sign of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The colour often appears black because the blood has already been digested. This is something that should always be checked by a vet.
  
  
• White: White dog poo can sometimes occur if a dog is consuming too much calcium, which is occasionally seen in dogs on certain raw diets. Chalky white stools may also suggest digestive imbalances, so it’s worth discussing with your vet if it keeps happening.

As well as shape, size and colour, another thing you should always be aware of is the consistency of your dog’s poo.

Ideally, your dog’s poo should be firm, formed and easy to pick up. Most vets describe healthy dog stool as being log-shaped with a consistency that still holds its shape when it hits the ground and when you scoop it up, but soft enough to press slightly if needed. In other words, not rock hard and dry, but not wet and sloppy either.

If your dog’s poo starts to become very hard or comes out as lots of small dry pellets, it can sometimes suggest dehydration or a lack of fibre in their diet. In some cases, adjusting their food or making sure they’re drinking enough water can help bring things back to normal.

At the other end of the scale, very soft, sloppy or completely formless stools can point to digestive upset. This might happen after a sudden food change, if your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t have, or if their stomach is irritated for some reason.

It’s also worth keeping an eye out for other unusual signs in dog poo. For example, white dog poo can sometimes appear when stools have dried out after sitting outside, but chalky white stool can also be linked to diet or digestion.

Blood in dog poo is something that should always be taken seriously, as it may indicate irritation, infection or other health issues. You might also occasionally notice worms in dog poo, which can look like small white strands or rice-like pieces and may indicate an intestinal parasite.

If you ever notice persistent changes in consistency or anything unusual in your dog’s poo, it’s always best to speak with your vet for advice.

If you’ve found yourself picking up more dog poo than usual lately and you’re wondering whether this is something to be concerned about, you’re doing the right thing. But while most of the time, a little extra dog poo isn’t something to worry about, there are occasions that this excess of stool can mean something more serious.

Here are some of the most common reasons dogs might start pooping more than usual.

Diet changes

One of the most common causes is a recent change in food. Switching dog food too quickly can upset your dog’s stomach and cause more frequent bowel movements. If you’ve recently changed their diet, this may settle once their digestive system adjusts.

Eating more than usual

If your dog is eating larger meals or getting extra treats, it’s fairly normal for them to produce more poo. Quite simply, more food going in often means more waste coming out.

Lower quality food

Some dog foods contain more filler ingredients that aren’t easily digested. When this happens, your dog’s body absorbs fewer nutrients and produces more dog poo as a result.

More exercise

It's not always the first thing you think of, but exercise can stimulate your pup’s digestive system so if your dog has been more active than usual, especially on long walks or play sessions, you may find they’ve been pooping more frequently.

Stress or excitement

Just like humans, dogs can experience digestive changes when they’re stressed or excited. New environments, travel, visitors or changes to routine can sometimes cause temporary digestive upset. Give them space to relax and recharge and hopefully their tummy will follow suit.

Parasites or infections

If your dog suddenly starts pooping much more frequently, especially alongside loose stools, it may be linked to intestinal parasites or infections. Sometimes you may notice worms in dog poo, which can appear as small white strands or rice-like pieces, but parasites are not always visible to the eye. If the change in your dog’s toilet habits doesn’t clear up within a day or two, or if they seem unwell in themselves, it’s best to contact your vet.

Underlying health issues

In some cases, frequent bowel movements can be linked to digestive conditions such as food intolerances, inflammation in the gut or other underlying health issues. These problems often come with other signs too like ongoing diarrhoea, weight loss, changes in appetite or tiredness. If your dog’s pooping habits stay unusual for several days, or you notice any additional symptoms, it’s always safest to speak with your vet.

On the other end of the spectrum, some owners may notice that their pup isn’t pooping as much as normal, or has stopped altogether. This can understandably be worrying, especially if your dog usually has a predictable routine. Sometimes it can be caused by something small, like a change in diet, and may clear up on its own within a day or two. However, in other cases it could be a sign of something more serious, so it’s important to keep an eye on any changes.

Here are some of the common reasons why a dog might stop pooping.

Diet changes

Just like when dogs start pooping more, a sudden change in food can sometimes slow their digestion down. If you’ve recently switched dog food or introduced new dog treats, your dog’s digestive system may simply need a little time to adjust.

Dehydration

Just like us, our dogs need plenty of water for their digestive system to work properly. If your dog isn’t drinking enough, their stools can become very dry and difficult to pass, which may lead to constipation. Make sure they have access to clean water at all times, and if they’re disinterested, consider trying some hydration supplements while waiting for a vet appointment.

Lack of exercise

As we mentioned, exercise helps stimulate digestion so dogs that haven’t been getting their usual amount of exercise may sometimes struggle to pass stools.

Stress or routine changes

Dogs can sometimes hold their poo if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Changes in routine, travel, new environments or unfamiliar places can occasionally cause dogs to delay going to the toilet.

Constipation or blockages

If your dog is trying to poop but can’t, or seems uncomfortable when squatting, it may be a sign of constipation. In more serious cases, dogs can develop intestinal blockages from swallowing things they shouldn’t have, such as bones, toys or other objects. If this seems to be the case, take them to a vet immediately.

If your dog hasn’t pooped for more than 48 hours, or if they seem uncomfortable, lethargic or are straining to go, it’s best to contact your vet so they can check that everything is working as it should.

Most of the time, your dog’s poo will look fairly normal and consistent with their usual routine. But occasionally, you might notice something a little different which can help you spot potential health issues early.

White Dog Poo

Seeing white dog poo can sometimes be surprising, especially if you’re used to seeing the usual brown chocolate colour. In some cases, poo can turn white after it has dried out in the sun. However, consistently pale or chalky stools may also be linked to diet, particularly if a dog is consuming too much calcium. If this keeps happening, it’s worth discussing your dog’s diet with your vet.

Blood in Dog Poo

Noticing blood in dog poo can be alarming, and it’s something that should always be taken seriously. Blood may appear bright red or make the stool look darker than usual. It can sometimes be caused by irritation, infections, digestive upset or other health conditions. If you ever spot blood in your dog’s poo, it’s best to contact your vet for advice.

Worms In Dog Poo

Occasionally, owners may notice worms in dog poo. These can sometimes look like small white strands or grains of rice within the stool. Intestinal parasites are fairly common in dogs, especially puppies, but they can usually be treated easily with the right medication. If you suspect worms, your vet can help confirm the diagnosis and recommend an appropriate dog worming treatment.

Even when we do everything for our pups, giving them the best diet we can find, adding supplements onto their food and giving them the exercise they need, we’re inevitably going to deal with some soft dog poo eventually.

While it’s not usually something to panic about straight away, it can be a sign that your dog’s stomach isn’t completely happy. Often it’s linked to something temporary and clears up within a day or two, but if it keeps happening it may be worth looking a little closer at what could be causing it and reaching out to your vet if you’re ever unsure.

Your dog may be stressed

Just like people, dogs can experience digestive changes when they feel stressed or anxious. Things like travelling, visitors in the house, changes to routine, loud environments or even trips to the vet can sometimes upset a dog’s stomach and lead to softer stools.

Sudden dietary changes

Switching your dog’s food too quickly is one of the most common causes of soft poo. Dogs’ digestive systems usually need time to adjust to new foods, which is why vets often recommend transitioning gradually over several days when introducing a new dog food.

Your dog’s diet may not suit them

Sometimes the food your dog is eating simply doesn’t agree with them. Certain ingredients can cause mild digestive upset, sensitivities or intolerance in some dogs. If your dog regularly has soft stools, it may be worth reviewing their diet and considering whether a different type of dog food might suit them better.

If you’ve noticed your dog poo has become a little softer than usual and you’d like to ensure it’s consistency is the best it can be, the best place to start is with their diet. Diet changes are one of the most common causes of digestive upset in dogs, so if you’ve recently switched foods or introduced lots of new treats, it may simply be a case of their stomach needing a little time to settle. Some owners also find that adding small amounts of dog food toppers designed to support digestion can help make meals easier on sensitive stomachs while also encouraging dogs to eat.

It’s also worth looking at the types of treats your dog is getting throughout the day. Some treats can be quite rich, particularly those high in fat, which can sometimes contribute to softer stools in certain dogs. Swapping these out for low fat dog treats may help reduce digestive strain while still letting your dog enjoy the occasional reward.

Most of the time, mild digestive upset will clear up fairly quickly once your dog’s diet and routine settle down. However, if soft stools continue for several days, become watery, or are accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, sleepiness or loss of appetite, it’s always best to speak with your vet to rule out any underlying issues.

Occasional soft stools are fairly common in dogs and are often linked to something simple like a small diet change, stress, or eating something they shouldn’t have on a walk. In many cases, things settle down within a day or two once their stomach has had time to recover. However, it’s important to keep an eye on your dog if soft stools continue or start to look unusual.

You should consider speaking with your vet if soft stools last more than a couple of days, become watery, or are accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, worms in dog poo or blood in dog poo. These can sometimes indicate parasites, infections or digestive issues that need treatment. If this is ever the case, it’s always safest to contact your vet for advice and get them checked over.

Unhealthy dog poo usually stands out because it looks very different from your dog’s normal routine. Any changes in colour, consistency or contents can all be signs that something isn’t quite right. For example, very soft, watery or completely formless stools can point to digestive upset, while extremely hard, dry stools may suggest dehydration or constipation.

Colour can also offer clues since a healthy dog poo is usually brown and stools that appear black, green, yellow, grey or unusually pale may indicate issues with digestion, diet or underlying health problems.

It’s also important to watch for anything unusual within the stool itself. Signs like blood in dog poo, visible worms in dog poo, a greasy or mucus-like coating, or an unusually strong smell can sometimes indicate infection, parasites or irritation in the digestive system. While the occasional odd stool can happen, persistent changes or anything that seems concerning should always be discussed with your vet.

Parvovirus is a serious and highly contagious virus that affects a dog’s digestive system, most commonly seen in puppies or unvaccinated dogs. And the reason we feel it’s worth mentioning is because one of the most noticeable symptoms of this virus is a sudden change in poo.

Dog poo associated with parvovirus is usually very watery, severe diarrhoea that often has a strong, unpleasant smell. It may appear yellow, green or brown, and in many cases you may also notice blood in the stool, which can make it look dark red or almost black. The diarrhoea is often frequent and can quickly lead to dehydration.

Parvovirus rarely appears on its own, and dogs will usually show other symptoms too like vomiting, extreme lethargy, loss of appetite and fever. If you suspect your dog may have parvovirus, it’s important to contact your vet immediately as prompt treatment is essential.

Dog poo might not be the most glamorous part of life with a dog, but it can tell you a surprising amount about how your pup is feeling. From the colour and consistency to how often they’re going, these little clues can help you spot when everything is running smoothly… and when things might be running a little too smoothly and need a bit more attention.

The key thing to remember is that every dog is different. Once you know what’s normal for your dog, it becomes much easier to notice when something changes. Most of the time, small differences come down to simple things like diet changes or a slightly upset stomach and clear up quickly. But if something seems unusual, persistent or your dog just doesn’t seem like themselves, a quick chat with your vet is always the best step.

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