Dog has loose stools

My dog never seems to pass good, firm stools even though he is fed a well-known, high-quality complete feed from a reputable source and I follow the manufacturer’s feeding instructions. Is there anything I can give him that might help?

Assuming your dog is simply passing soft motions that are not completely formed and is not suffering from diarrhoea, there are two common causes for loose stools. Some complete feeds contain quite high proportions of grain and cereals that add bulk to the diet and soften the stools. Alternatively you may be overfeeding for your dog’s dietary requirement as individual dogs can metabolise their food differently.

Manufacturers’ feeding recommendations are there as a guide. They need not necessarily be followed religiously and overeating causes loose stools or frequent soft motions. In the first instance try feeding less. Withhold food for 12 to 24 hours, then feed half the normal quantity. After three days you should start to see an improvement. You can always gradually increase the daily ration if necessary so he maintains good body condition without the problem of passing loose motions.

You could also add a tablespoonful of low-fat cottage cheese or natural yoghurt to the feed. These are high in calcium, which will firm up the stool. If your dog happens to be sensitive to dairy products substitute rice cooked in chicken broth.

A surprisingly large number of dogs can suffer dietary sensitivities and in these cases the alternative is to feed a bland diet comprising white meat, rather than red, mixed with rice. Boil brown rice until it is soft and sticky then add an equal quantity of skinless, boneless, cooked chicken or turkey. If you wish to vary the diet, other meat sources might be fish or lamb and you can substitute short- or mediumgrain white rice for brown rice. TB