One of our readers emailed us the following issue:
Why does my dog poop so much? He’s a chocolate Labrador and lately can’t seem to stop pooping! He poops around 7-10 times daily, which isn’t right. It’s embarrassing! Often, I haven’t brought enough poo bags to the park. Am I doing something wrong, or does my dog have a problem?
And I’m sure many of you have similar questions if you’ve noticed your furry friend going to the bathroom more frequently than usual.
Pooping a lot can be normal for some dogs, but it can also indicate an underlying health issue. As a dog owner, it’s natural to be worried about your pup’s well-being.
Whether you’re dealing with a sudden change in your dog’s bathroom habits or want to be proactive, we’ve got you covered! Let’s dive in and learn more.
How often do dogs poop in a day?
| Category | Number of Poo(s) Per Day |
| Puppy | 3-5 |
| Adult Dog | 1-2 |
| Senior Dog | 1-3 |
1. How often should a puppy poop?
Generally, puppies poop 2-5 times a day, and the frequency may vary based on age, diet, and overall health. As they grow and mature, the frequency decreases. However, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
One of the biggest challenges with getting a puppy is the housetraining aspect, as they can literally shit all over your lovely house. Knowing the signs and signals of your puppy’s digestive system is key to getting it over quickly.
2. How often should an adult dog poop?
Generally, a healthy adult will poop 1-3 times daily. And by this point, they should be properly housetrained so they won’t shit in the house. Although every dog has different schedules for pooing and weeing, you should monitor your dog’s bowel movements.
3. How often should a senior dog poop?
Generally, senior dogs may poo 1-2 times a day, but the frequency can decrease as and when they start eating less. Elderly dogs can suffer the same digestive problems as humans. So, they’re more likely to get constipated or incontinent.
Why does my dog poop a lot?
Several factors can cause increased defecation in dogs, and it’s important to determine the underlying cause to provide proper treatment. Here are some of the most common causes of increased defecation in dogs.
1. Dietary Changes / Low-Quality Food
One of the most common causes of increased pooping in dogs is a change in their diet.
Whether it’s a sudden switch to a new brand of food or the addition of a new type of treatment, changes in diet can often result in changes in digestion and bowel movements. If your dog is suddenly pooping more frequently, consider what they’ve been eating and if a change in their diet may be the cause.
Additionally, if the food is of poor quality, it creates more waste. And hence more poop. It’s important to properly research the product you will buy for your doggo. And if possible, consult with your veterinarian about respected food brands.
Even with an improved and healthy digestive system, poor-quality food can wreak havoc much more quickly for dogs than humans. Always feed your dog good quality food and avoid common allergens.
2. Sickness
Gastrointestinal issues can cause increased defecation in dogs. These disorders can range from simple indigestion to more serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or colitis.
Consult a vet If your dog is experiencing increased defecation and other symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, or weight loss.
3. Overfeeding
Puppies and dogs have a never-ending appetite. As they grow, they will start to eat more and more. If you’re feeding them training treats alongside large meals, this could lead to more poops because they’re simply being overfed.
As their owner, managing their portion sizes and how many calories they consume daily is important. We often forget that table scraps and dog treats also count as calories.
Read More: Best Dog Food For Firm Stools in UK 2023
4. Parasites
Parasites like worms can also cause increased defecation in dogs. These parasites can live in a dog’s intestines and feed on the food they eat, resulting in increased bowel movements and, in some cases, diarrhoea.
If you suspect your dog may have a parasite, have them evaluated by a veterinarian. They can perform a stool sample analysis to determine any evidence of parasites.
5. Medical Conditions
Increased defecation can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions in dogs, such as diabetes and Cushing’s disease.
Diabetes can result in increased thirst and urination, which can cause a dog to produce more stool. Cushing’s disease is a hormonal disorder that can result in an overproduction of cortisol.
6. Natural Reasons
It’s not technically a “problem” at first, but puppies with developing stomachs can get diarrhoea. Only feed them good quality food and never scraps from the table.
When should I be worried for my dog?
If your dog is pooping a lot more than usual, step one is to determine the cause and severity before jumping to conclusions. Here are some things to consider when monitoring your dog’s defecation patterns.
A. Changes in appearance and odour of the faeces.
If the appearance of your dog’s faeces has changed, this may indicate a problem. Normal dog faeces should be firm and brown.
If it is soft, runny, or has changed colour, this may be a sign of an underlying issue. Additionally, if the odour of the faeces is particularly strong or foul, this may also indicate a problem.
B. Frequency and volume of defecation.
Suppose your dog is pooping much more frequently or in larger volumes than usual. In that case, it may point to some unresolved gastrointestinal issues.
C. Presence of blood or mucus in the faeces.
If you notice any blood or mucus in your dog’s faeces, that’s code red.
Blood in the faeces can indicate several problems, including digestive tract issues, parasites, or even cancer. Mucus in the faeces may indicate an infection or inflammation in the digestive tract.
It’s very important to keep an eye on these indicators and consult your veterinarian if you notice any changes.
How to treat increased pooping in dogs?
1. Consult a veterinarian.
It’s essential to consult a licensed and experienced vet as soon as possible. They can perform a thorough physical examination to determine the underlying cause.
This may involve blood tests, stool samples, and imaging tests such as X-rays or an ultrasound. Your veterinarian can also recommend an appropriate treatment plan, including changes to your dog’s diet, medications, or other viable treatments.
2. Keep a record of defecation habits.
To help your vet determine the cause of your doggo’s problem, keep a record of their pooping habits. It includes the frequency and volume of defecation, as well as the appearance and odour of the faeces.
I also keep track of any other symptoms Jeff may be experiencing, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or weight loss. This information will be useful for your vet to determine the best course of action.
Read More: Best Dog Food For Flatulence in UK 2023
3. Discuss any changes in diet or environment.
It’s pertinent to discuss any changes in your dog’s diet or environment when consulting the vet.
For example, if you have recently changed your dog’s food or treats or if your dog has recently been exposed to a new environment or a traumatic event. Either of those events could’ve potentially caused increased defecation.
Your veterinarian will be able to help you determine whether these changes are relevant and provide recommendations for how to address them.
How to prevent excessive pooping in dogs?
1. Remember their check-ups with the vet.
Regular veterinary check-ups prevent and detect any issues related to your dog’s health, including its digestive system. During these check-ups, they can assess your dog’s health and recommend changes in its diet and lifestyle.
2. Maintain a balanced diet.
Providing your dog with the right amount of nutrients and energy is essential for maintaining its digestive system.
If their diet is too high in fats or carbs, it can lead to increased defecation. Speak to your veterinarian if you need clarification on your doggo’s meals.
3. Monitor and address potential environmental issues.
Stress can majorly impact your dog’s digestive system and lead to increased defecation. Creating a stable and secure environment for your dog is essential to prevent stress-related excessive defecation.
This can include providing a consistent routine, reducing exposure to stressful situations, and offering plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When should dogs poop?
For a healthy dog with regular bowel movements, there are three critical times they should empty their bowels:
- In the morning: Any foods they’ve digested overnight will need to come out first thing. It’s essential for puppies who don’t have the same bowel control as adult dogs.
- Post-meal: Roughly 30 minutes after a meal, a dog may need to poop for other dogs like our Jug, Jeff. It could be 6 hours.
- Before bed: To ensure your dog has no accidents overnight, take them for a walk or let them out before bed.
2. What should I do if my dog’s faeces change appearance or odour?
Consult a veterinarian if there’s a sudden change in the appearance or odour of your dog’s faeces, as it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
3. How can I tell if my dog’s excessive defecation is due to a medical issue?
To determine if your dog’s excessive defecation is due to a medical issue, it’s essential to monitor the symptoms and consult a veterinarian. Discuss the changes in the frequency and volume, as well as the appearance and odour of the faeces.
4. What can I do to prevent excessive defecation in my dog?
Preventing excessive defecation in dogs can be achieved by maintaining a balanced diet, scheduling regular veterinary check-ups, and addressing any potential environmental stressors contributing to the problem.
