10 Reasons Why Does My Dog Poop So Much

Cleaning up dog poop is one of the most painstaking parts of being a dog owner. We know it’s gross, but sometimes, you ask yourself, why does my dog poop so much?

Well, it’s all part of being a pet parent. Most dogs have a consistent diet and predictable routine. Thus, changes in the amount or frequency of their poop can signify that something is wrong.

What if your pet is producing excessive piles of poop? What could be the reason for this apart from canine diarrhea? Take a look at these possible reasons why your pet’s bowel has changed.

Reason Why Your Dog Poop So Much

Your dogs’ pooping habits can change due to something they ate or what they feel. It is not always due to a stomach bug or some serious illness.

Here are ten reasons why dogs might be popping excessively.

1. Bacteria

Bacteria might cause a sudden change in your dog’s popping frequency. It is usually the case of diarrhea where fecal matter and mucus mixes with blood. This kind of poop isn’t typically solid, so your dog might be having a hard time holding it in for now.

2. Too Much Food

Are you overfeeding your pet? If yes, this could probably be one of the reasons why they are popping excessively.

When your dog eats more than they need, they become bloated. It can lead to gas build-up and false bowel movements. Dogs may also experience flatulence, diarrhea, or too much pooping.

3. Sudden Change in Diet

Dogs are very particular with what they eat, just like humans. A sudden change in your dog’s food may cause stomach problems.

For example, if you give them large servings of table scraps or feed them with new kibble products. The rule for diet changes in dogs should be gradual.

Generally, you should slowly increase your dogs’ new food while decreasing the current meal in one week.

4. Not the right kind of food

Dogs have different nutritional requirements depending on their age. Feeding them the wrong type of food could give them diarrhea and vomiting. Often, dogs suffer from allergies and intolerances to certain ingredients in commercial pet food.

Consult with your veterinarian if you plan to change your dog food or kibble.

Make sure to consider their age, breed, and sensitivities to ingredients in dog food products before changing their diet.

5. Stress or Depression

Another possible reason for the change in your dog’s bowel frequency is stress and depression. Small changes in a dog’s routine can affect them mentally and emotionally.

Your pet may react strangely if one of your children starts schooling or when you move out for some fieldwork. These changes in their routine can quickly stress them out or make them feel sad.

Pooping more than usual could be one of the strange coping mechanisms for your dog. Your dog is not sick, and there are no other reasons for such behavior.

Find out how you can comfort your dog during challenging situations. They might miss your child during school times, or they are anxious about the time you are gone.

Take your dog for some bonding time, such as a walk in the park or a game of fetch. It will reassure them and make them feel better right away.

6. Loud Noises

Dogs have excellent hearing abilities. When you play loud music, you might be hurting their ears. Your pet may become agitated and startled, and this affects their pooping habits.

Notice how your pet reacts to a thunderstorm or when you use the vacuum cleaner. Your dog runs away and hides from it. It is the same when you play loud music when your dog is around. Your pet can get startled and scared.

If you love music, try to introduce it gradually to your pet. Bond with them while the music is playing at a reasonable volume. Once they are comfortable, you can increase the loudness of your music.

Most dogs feel anxious when they have not yet experienced or heard these sounds before. If you are fond of playing the radio or TV when you are alone with your pet, it might be the reason why they are pooping more.

7. Unfamiliar Surroundings

Are there recent changes in your home or family? Most dogs love routines and familiarity. If you rearranged the furniture or you moved, your dog might be reacting to these recent changes.

Consider introducing your dog to the new items you have in your house. Take them around while you keep them relaxed and comfortable. Your dog will feel better after an introduction to your new home, furniture, or appliance.

Likewise, your dog may also feel lonely because a family member moved out. So, try to bond and spend more time with them. Give your pet more attention by taking them out for a walk or exercise.

The sooner your pet adapts to recent changes, the better their system will go. Also, don’t forget to give them nutritious food to supplement their digestion better.

8. Colitis

Can dogs get colitis? Dogs are also prone to various digestive issues, including colitis. It is the inflammation of the large intestines. One of its symptoms is the change in your pet’s pooping habit.

If your dog suffers from this condition, it may experience diarrhea, large loose stool, and excessive pooping. Other symptoms include loss of appetite and lethargy. Some of its causes are infections, trauma, allergy, and stress.

Colitis is more common in small dog breeds and senior dogs. However, even large dog breeds can suffer from it if you always give them scraps.

If you suspect your dog is suffering from this sickness, bring them to the vet for proper treatment. Most dogs diagnosed with colitis recover into excellent health after receiving treatment. Stress is one of the leading causes of colitis, and you can resolve this with a simple change in diet.

9. Sneaking Food

Does your pet sneak food from the kitchens? Do they rummage through your trash for scraps? Some dogs are sneaky when it comes to what they eat. They tend to steal or take away food, especially if they’re not getting the proper nutrition.

Sneaking food may also be a way for your pet to compensate for its lack of stimulating activities.

If your pet is an indiscriminate eater or not in good physical shape, he might have irregular bowel movements because of malnutrition.

10. Ate a Foreign Object

Dogs are naturally curious, and they will try out anything unfamiliar to them. One of the ways dogs explore is through their mouth. Your pet will pick up items, chew and ingest. It can be anything from toys, wood, and others.

If your dog ingests something toxic, it can lead to diarrhea, blockage, and coughing. Check your dog immediately for sharp objects such as rocks, animal bones, or rusty cans.

If this is the cause of your dog’s strange behavior, bring them to the vet immediately. If left unattended, foreign objects can cause intestinal obstruction, which can be fatal to dogs.

Tips for Keeping Your Dog’s Pooping on a Regular Schedule

Some of the best ways for healthy canine digestion are healthy food and nutrition. Keep your dogs’ pooping habits under control by following these simple tips.

Feed Them A Well Balanced Meal

Check your dog’s diet for a complete mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients. Your dog needs a variety of food to stay healthy and fit.

If possible, avoid giving them table scraps and processed food. Some human food may not sit well with your dog’s system. It may cause allergies or an upset stomach. More so, these types of food lack the nutrients that your dog needs.

Avoid Food Allergens

Did you know that most dogs are prone to allergies? If your pet shows signs of itching, hair loss, or is pooping excessively, it might be allergies.

Check the food you give for allergens such as meat by-products, grains, dairy, and chicken. Some dog breeds are more prone to food allergies; thus, you should be cautious with the food you give them.

Once you determine the causes of your pet’s allergies, remove them from their diet immediately. You can opt for food prescribed by your veterinarian or make dog food following a limited ingredient diet.

Choose Foods With Probiotics

The good bacteria found in yogurt can help improve your pet’s digestive system. However, make sure that you give them pure and natural yogurt without any additives.

Probiotic-rich foods have many benefits for your dogs. It helps dogs have better skin and coat appearance. It also reduces gas, allergic reactions and improves dog breath.

Include Fiber-Rich Food

Dogs need fiber in their diet for improved digestion. So, for firmer stool, add more fiber-rich food to your dog’s meals. If you’re adding canned pumpkin, carrots, or sweet potatoes to your dog’s food, you’ll have an easier time cleaning up their poop.

Provide Fresh and Clean Water

Lastly, make sure that your dog is well-hydrated. Water helps food and nutrients travel through your pet’s digestive tract. Canned food contains high levels of moisture that can help get rid of constipation, but it still doesn’t hurt if you add water to your pet’s diet.

Health Issues To Look Out For

poodle dog pooping a lot

Dogs have a natural digestive system that requires minimal attention. Often, all your pet needs are the right food and plenty of exercise. However, if your dog’s pooping habits suddenly change, then you have to determine its cause.

Bowel problems are common in dogs. It can happen at any age, and it can be due to a variety of reasons. If your dog’s excessive pooping is due to some health condition, you should bring them to your vet.

Here are some of the common health issues that affect canine digestion:

  • Intestinal Parasites
  • Intestinal Infections
  • Food Allergies
  • Kidney and Liver Problems
  • Intestinal Obstruction

When Should I Worry About My Dog’s Poop?

Typically, dogs poop from one to five times a day. You can rest easy that your pet is healthy as long as they poop the same amount since you got them.

Normal dog poop is firm, moist, and has a mild odor. If your dog’s poop changes, then they might have parasites or other digestive issues. You should also start to worry if your dog has a watery stool and eliminates outside its usual spot.

For a healthy dog with diarrhea, stop giving food for the next 12 hours. Provide access to clean water and give small quantities of food. You may also give home remedies for an upset stomach.

Final Thoughts

Poop is a part of life, for your dog and yours too. Most pet parents find it easier to ignore changes in the frequency of their dog’s bowel movements. But keeping track of it and asking the right question on why does my dog poop so much can immediately identify worrisome changes.

Consider the possible reasons why your dog is pooping too much and try to make the necessary changes. The changes in their bowel schedule might be due to reasons other than illness or food. If you notice other symptoms, consult with your vet to bring your pet back to optimal health.

RECOMMENDED READS:

Leave a Comment