How to Firm Up Dog Poop

When it comes to dog ownership, there’s one topic that truly seems to capture our attention: our furry friends’ poop! It’s funny how just a couple of loose, watery poops can instantly send us down the rabbit hole of research, scouring the internet for answers like we’re pursuing our own canine Google medical degree. Sound familiar?

So, if you find yourself wondering how to quickly firm up your dog’s stool, the solution is simpler than you might think! Focus on high-quality protein sources with low carbs, ensure your pup has constant access to fresh water, and keep some handy helpers around, like probiotics and canned pumpkin. Your dog’s digestive health will thank you!

What Is Good Poop?

When it comes to your dog’s poop, the ideal color is varying shades of medium to dark brown. However, consistency is just as important, which is where the firming aspect comes into play. The perfect consistency for dog poop resembles Play-Doh—not too hard and not too soft. It should hold its shape well when you scoop it up (after all, you’re cleaning up after your furry friend like a responsible dog parent, right?). Of course, consistency may fluctuate slightly from day to day, but these changes should be minor. The usual firmness of your dog's stools is largely influenced by their regular diet, much like it is for us humans.

Diet Matters To Firming Up Poop

Many dog owners opt for dry kibble as their pet's main diet. It's important to note that a higher carbohydrate content in this type of food can lead to larger and less firm stools. On the other hand, kibble of better quality tends to result in not only firmer poop but also a smaller volume overall. To assess the quality, check the ingredients list for real meat protein—ideally, it should be near the top. When your dog produces less poop, it indicates that their body is utilizing more nutrients instead of simply expelling excess bulk. With this understanding, you'll have a solid foundation for achieving firmer stools.

Similarly, those who feed their dogs a raw diet often highlight the benefits of reduced poop quantity along with optimal firmness. Personally, I've been feeding my dogs a raw diet, and I can vouch for this observation based on my own experience with them.

How to Fight Canine Loose Stools

When my dogs experience loose stools that aren’t an emergency, my go-to remedy is probiotic yogurt or kefir. I also keep Purina FortiFlora handy, as I find it sufficient in most situations. During these instances, I usually remove any regular food additions that could contribute to the looser stools until the issue resolves.

My dogs’ diet consists of a variety of meats, so I pay attention to which meals they had right before a loose-stool episode. If I notice a pattern, I’ll avoid that particular protein for a few days. I also always have canned pureed pumpkin on hand. This fiber-rich miracle food helps firm up dog poop quickly and can also assist with constipation. Essentially, it acts as a stool stabilizer. If your dog enjoys pumpkin, it’s a good idea to add a small amount to their diet daily as a side dish.

It’s crucial to ensure your dog has fresh water available, especially when they’re experiencing loose stools, as adequate hydration becomes even more important if loose stools escalate to diarrhea.

When Dog Diarrhea Needs a Vet’s Attention

If your dog has bloody diarrhea, mucus, vomiting, or stomach pain, take them to the vet. You can give Pepto Bismol, but if there's no improvement in 24 to 48 hours, seek veterinary help. Watery stools can lead to dehydration, especially in puppies. Your dog may have parasites, bowel disease, a bacterial infection, food allergies, colitis, or another serious condition that requires treatment.