Why Does My Dog Poop So Much? How Often Should Dogs Be Pooping?

How Many Times a Day Should a Dog Poop?

Before we answer the question “why does my dog poop so much?”, let’s first understand how much is normal. Most adult dogs will defecate between 1 and 3 times per day. Some may go as long as two days without a bowel movement, while others may poop up to 3 times a day – this is the upper limit of what’s considered normal.

If your dog is pooping more than that, they could be suffering from diarrhea or another health issue. It’s always best to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes.

Factors Affecting the Frequency of Your Dog’s Bowel Movements

If you’re asking, “why does my dog poop so much?”, there may be more than one correct answer. Here are some factors that could make your pooch defecate excessively:

• Changes in diet. If you have recently switched your dog’s food, it may take a few days for their digestive system to adjust.
• Exercise. Physical activity can stimulate the bowels and cause your dog to poop more often.
• Stress. If your dog is anxious or stressed, they may have diarrhea or more frequent stools.
• Medical conditions. Increased bowel movements in dogs can be a sign of a gastrointestinal issue.
• Medications. Some drugs can also cause diarrhea or frequent poops.
• Age. Senior dogs may poop less often than younger dogs, or their poops may have a different consistency or color. Puppies, on the other hand, may poop more frequently than adult dogs, even 5–6 times a day.

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How to Tell Why Your Dog Is Pooping Excessively?

To answer the question “why does my dog poop so much?”, it must be said that there could be a number of reasons to consider. First, ask yourself: what does my dog’s poop look like? Is it normal or abnormal?

• Normal: If the stool is normal in appearance (not bloody, black, runny, or watery), and your pooch is pooping more than 3 times a day, there could be a dietary cause.
• Abnormal: If your dog’s poop is watery, bloody, black, or runny, this could mean they’re sick and you should take them to the vet.

Why Does My Dog Poop So Much? Possible Medical Reasons

It could be something as simple as a change in diet. Or, it could be a sign of a more serious health issue. Here are possible reasons why your dog poops more than usually.

A Change in Diet

If you’re wondering, “why does my dog poop so much”, their diet may be the answer. Dogs are just like people in that their digestive system can be sensitive to sudden changes. If you’ve recently switched your dog’s food, or introduced any new treats or snacks, that could be the reason for the increase in pooping.

A dietary change can also cause your dog to have softer, more frequent stools. If you’ve noticed that your dog’s poop is now more like diarrhea, it’s likely due to a change in diet. Again, this is usually nothing to worry about and will resolve itself once your dog’s digestive system adjusts to the new food.

Parasites

Unfortunately, intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, are all relatively common in dogs. These parasites can cause your dog to have more frequent bowel movements, as well as diarrhea. Your vet will be able to perform a stool sample test to check for the presence of parasites. If they are found, your vet will prescribe medication to get rid of them.

Infections

Bacterial and viral infections often lead to diarrhea, which can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, lethargy, and fever. If your dog is displaying any of these other symptoms, in addition to increased pooping, seek help. Infections can be serious and even life-threatening if left without treatment.

Kidney Disease

Increased urination and thirst are two common signs of kidney disease. But did you know that kidney disease can also cause your dog to poop more frequently? This is because the kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins out of the blood. When they aren’t functioning properly, those toxins can build up in the body and be released through the stool.

Cancer

When tumors form in the intestines, they can cause either constipation and bloody poop or diarrhea. This is a rare occurence, but it’s possible if all the mundane causes have been ruled out.

The consistency of the poop is even more important than how often your dog is eliminating. Normal poop should be firm, but not hard, and should be a brown color. If the poop is watery, has blood in it, or your dog seems to be in pain when pooping, those are all signs that something is wrong, and you should see a vet.

Ask Your Vet How Much Pooping Is Too Much

If you’re still wondering “why does my dog poop so much?”, the best person to ask is your veterinarian. They can give you specific advice for your dog. Now, let’s move on to some frequently asked questions about the topic!

FAQs About Dog Pooping Frequency

Is It Normal for a Dog to Poop 6 Times a Day?

It’s normal for a puppy, but not for an adult dog. They should be defecating 1–3 times a day at most. If the stools are not only frequent, but also loose or watery, your dog has diarrhea.

Is It Normal for a Dog to Poop 4 Times a Day?

It’s close to the normal frequency, so don’t worry too much unless your dog is exhibiting other symptoms of illness. If it isn’t diarrhea, pooping 4 times a day is probably caused by a change in diet, vigorous exercise, or other lifestyle factors.

Why Does My Dog Poop 20 Times a Day?

It might be that your dog is eating too much, or their food contains lots of fillers and not enough nutrients. But 20 times a day is already considered diarrhea, so you should take your dog to a clinic for a check-up. Once you’ve ruled out medical causes, you can ask for advice on feeding your pup.

Is It Normal for My Dog to Poop 10 Times a Day?

Again, it’s not a normal frequency. Your dog should be pooping 1–3 times per day if they’re an adult, or up to 5–6 times a day if they’re a puppy. 10 times is worrying, so consider the possible causes we’ve listed and help your pup recover.

How Long After a Dog Eats Does He Go Poop?

Dogs usually poop 30 minutes after a meal, so plan your walks around that. If you were wondering how long it takes for food to pass through your dog’s digestive system, then the answer is 6–8 hours. So why do dogs poop shortly after meals? It’s called the gastrocolic reflex – eating stimulates the dog’s bowel to remove the remains of their last meal!

Lucas Taylor

Lucas Taylor is a veterinary assistant, freelance journalist and single dad who lives in the suburbs with his three pups: Ruby, Nala, and Woody. He has one cat named Pepper. When he’s not writing articles or working at the vet clinic, Lucas loves cooking French cuisine for himself and friends at home. One of Lucas’ favorite things to do is paddleboard with his son Noah and their canine companions. Pepper is the homebody of the bunch – she loves chilling on the couch.