What can you do if your dog has limp stools?

Your dog's stools provide a clear indication of its health. Healthy stools are firm and dark brown in colour. Loose stools, on the other hand (also known as diarrhoea), can be caused by a variety of factors. If your dog has loose stools, this isn't necessarily a cause for panic: it's actually quite common. Some dogs experience loose stools at some point or have had them before. How serious the issue is depends on how long the loose stools persist, the more serious the underlying causes are likely to be. Read more below.

What are the causes of loose stools in dogs?

Loose stools can have a variety of causes. It may be a one-off occurrence, but it can also persist for a long time. If your dog has persistent issues with their stools, we recommend consulting a veterinarian as soon as possible. In cases of short-term discomfort, the causes are often one of the following:

• Stress
• A change in diet
• Viral infections such as parvovirus or coronavirus
• Parasites
• Bacterial infections

In many cases, loose stools are linked to inappropriate nutrition. By "inappropriate", we mean nutrition containing allergens, which can immediately cause problems with a dog's stools and digestion.^[2] Examples of such allergens include animal-based ingredients derived from beef, lamb and chicken.

What are other symptoms of loose stools in dogs?

Dogs suffering from loose stools may also experience other associated symptoms. For example, your dog may suffer from problems such as fever, lethargy, signs of dehydration or blood in the stool. These symptoms will automatically subside as the loose stools gradually disappear.

What do healthy stools look like in dogs?

Healthy stools in dogs are described as compact, dark brown and firm in consistency. Furthermore, it is normally the case that the stools do not have a very strong odour. Our guide to dog stool types clearly shows what optimal stools look like and what they ideally should not look like. In addition, healthy stools are also easy to clean up if they end up on the floor.

When is my dog's stool too loose?

To check whether your pet's stool is healthy or not, it is best to consult our guide to dog stool types, which will help you assess the texture and health of your four-legged friend. You can usually recognise loose stools by their texture and colour; they are thin or mushy and tend to be yellowish. Loose stools can manifest in two ways: chronically or acutely. The acute form lasts for up to a week and is caused by parasites, including worms, spoiled food, viruses or contaminated water. This type of stool usually resolves itself, unless it persists, in which case it is the chronic form and you should contact a veterinarian.

How can I help my dog produce firmer stools?

There are several ways to firm up your dog's stools. Firstly, you can start by reducing the amount of nutrition they receive. This puts less strain on the dog's digestive system and helps resolve the loose stools. This is beneficial in several ways, as overnutrition can also lead to obesity. So there's certainly no harm in reducing the portion sizes slightly. A second option is to change their nutrition; for example, switching to hypoallergenic food reduces the risk of loose stools as it contains no animal allergens. Thirdly, you can give your four-legged friend dietary supplements. This, in turn, will help the stomach and intestines to settle down again.

Do bear in mind, however, that your dog might develop the opposite problem, namely constipation. If you find yourself dealing with hard stools in dogs, be sure to take a look at our article on this subject.

What dog food should I feed my dog if they have loose stools?

The dog food you should ideally feed your dog if they have loose stools is easily digestible and preferably hypoallergenic. Easily digestible and hypoallergenic dog kibble ensures healthy stools thanks to its formulation based on natural and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Furthermore, this type of dog food is hypoallergenic. This means that the food contains no animal proteins, which can cause problems with digestion and bowel movements.^[2]

How long can a dog have loose stools?

As mentioned above, loose stools can be acute or chronic. In healthy dogs, bowel movements typically occur 1 to 3 times per day.^[1] If loose stools persist for more than 1.5 weeks, it is likely to be a chronic condition, and we strongly recommend contacting a veterinarian. In any case, you can first try a few remedies, and if you find that none of them have any effect on the outcome, we recommend visiting your veterinarian.

Does hypoallergenic dog food help with loose stools?

Hypoallergenic dog food can offer an effective solution for loose stools. Its formulation, based on natural and plant-based ingredients, makes the food easily digestible and ideal for fussy and sensitive dogs.^[3] IMBY offers hypoallergenic dog food in a medium-sized kibble, making it a perfect solution for sensitive dogs looking for easily digestible, tasty and hypoallergenic kibble.

How can you recognise Giardia in dogs?

Giardia in dogs is one of the most common and contagious intestinal parasites.^[4] It affects dogs of all ages and is transmitted very easily and quickly when the parasite is ingested. You can recognise this condition by the following symptoms:

• Loose stools
• Yellow stools
• Mucous stools
• Abdominal cramps
• Flatulence
• Vomiting

To be sure that your dog is infected with Giardia, we recommend having a stool test carried out. This will allow you to determine with certainty, with the help of a veterinarian, whether your dog has Giardia and how best to treat it.