What is the Reason for Dry and Crumbly Dog Poop?
Your dog’s fecal matter can give you incite on their health and digestion. Each different type of bowel movement, just like humans, can tell you about your health and if there may be an issue. Keep an eye out when you clean up after your four-legged friend, as something as simple as poop may be able to save them from a lot of pain.
When your dog has a crumbly, dry poop if often means that they are struggling with constipation. There can be a few reasons for constipation, such as:
- Dehydration
- a possible internal blockage
- or your furry friend not getting enough movement throughout the day.
If your dog is drinking enough and moving around enough, then you may want to get them to a vet as soon as possible.
Sometimes constipation is as simple as having your dog drink more or adding in some more exercise to their daily routine. It is important to stay on top of your dog’s health as it can go south quickly if not monitored. When picking up your dog’s bowel movement, take a quick peek at it to make sure the consistency is normal, and if not, watch the next couple of ones to make sure they get back to normal.
What to do if Your Dog Has Dry, Crumbly Poop
With constipation, there are often cramps that accompany the inability to defecate. It can be extremely uncomfortable both as a dog and a dog owner as you don’t want to watch your fur baby in pain. Some things you can do to aide with constipation are as follows:
- Making sure they get enough water throughout the day. This is easily the most common issue and the easiest fixed.
- Making sure that the are eating the right Pets can have sensitive stomachs or issues with digestion, so finding the right food for your fur baby is essential.
- Making sure they get enough exercise throughout the day. It can be as easy as making your daily walk an extra 10 minutes or adding extra time to playtime
- You can also add stool softener to their food as it will aide with being able to pass a bowel movement.
- If all else fails or your fur baby isn’t getting better, it is best to seek medical attention as there may be a more serious underlying issue.
It is important to be on top of your dog’s health. Don’t wait too long if you suspect a problem. Early intervention is key!
What are the reasons behind some other types of poop?
Dogs can have a variety of different types of bowel movements. And just like dry, crumbly poop, they all have an underlying reason as to why they are that texture. Here are a few examples of other type of poop your dog can have, and why they may be experiencing it:
Type/consistency of Bowel movement | Possible reason |
Black tar-like poop | Can be a sign of internal bleeding, contact vet immediately. |
Thin or skinny poop | Could be a sign of an internal blockage; watch, and if doesn’t improve, contact vet. |
Runny/mushy poop | Sign of diarrhea can be caused by multiple things; stress or even food change |
Small hard lumps or dry, crumbly poop | Can indicate constipation or dehydration |
White ‘chalky’ poop | Tends to happen with dogs on a raw food diet and can indicate too much calcium |
Soft or loose poop | Can be due to change in diet or they possibly ate item they shouldn’t have if persists contact vet as could be more serious. |
Be sure to pay attention to bowel movements. If you notice a few rouge ones here and there, usually is not a problem. If any abnormal poops persist, please contact your vet.
What Should Normal Dog Poop Look Like?
Healthy dog poop is important. A healthy bowel movement means a healthy dog. A normal health looking poop should have the consistency of playdough and be in a log type of shape. There should be no coating on the exterior of the bowel movement, and it is ok to see small chunks of undigested food. Typically, the color should be chocolate brown in varying shades depending on their diet. Here is list of colors to look out for:
- Brown – normal
- Black or maroon – could mean internal bleeding
- Red (usually on the outside only) – this also signifies bleeding, but this bleeding is usually near the exits as it is not mixed in
- Green – means they have probably ingested some type of grass or weeds
- White ‘spots’ – this can actually be worms or other parasites, as they are tiny little white ‘dots.’ Take a closer look to make sure!
- Yellow – could mean a sign that there is an issue with the pancreas, liver, or even the gallbladder.
- Gray and greasy – can mean your dog is consuming too much fat.
Every dog can have their own ‘normal’ as well. It can differ a bit from what was stated above, but that is a generalization. Be sure to note what your dog’s normal bowel movement looks like so you can better monitor their health.
The Four C’s
There is a lot to remember about your pets’ health, and remembering everything about poop is not an easy feat. For a quick and easy way to examine poop, keep in mind the four c’s:
Color
Chocolaty brown poop is normal, and that’s what we want for our dog. Most other colors need to be watched as they can be a sign of something more serious. Can also be something as simple as dietary change. Best to contact vet if concerned or color change is constant.
Content
Dogs love to get into things they shouldn’t, and it is important after they eat something like a toy or a shoe to make sure that they pass all items. Foreign objects in poop can be alarming and can be dangerous to dog as they could get stuck or perforate a bowl.
Consistency
Some vets will use a scale to rate firmness vs. runniness of poop. They will use a scale from 1 to 5, 1 being excessively runny, and 5 being the optimal firm consistency. Poop being a lower number isn’t always bad, but just monitor your dog’s poop to make sure it doesn’t get worse.
Coating
According to Hill’s Pet Blog, dog poop should not normally have any type of coating on it. Sometimes when food is digested too quickly, there will be some mucus on it, and that should not be alarming, but when it happens often, you may want to speak with your vet.
Whether your dog’s poop is runny or hard; brown or gray; it is important to remember all factors. The Four C’s and a very convenient way to monitor you dog’s bowel movements and overall health. If all else fails, and you need to take your dog in for an exam, if you can bring a stool sample, or even a photo (if there is not a fresh sample available), it may help your vet understand what is going on with your pet.
Conclusion:
Poop can tell us a lot about the health of our animals. It is important, although it can be awkward, to make sure we are paying attention to their excrement as it is an external sign of what is going on inside. If you remember the Four C’s, it will make your job easier once you do notice an abnormal bowel movement. It is best to pay attention to make sure that their bowel movement goes back to normal. If it persists after a few days, it is best to consult your vet.
Sources used: