Pooping is a fact of life which both humans and animals do. It’s not everyone’s favorite topic to discuss, but you have to admit that as a dog owner, you might get curious about your dog’s poop.
That’s fine because your dog’s stool can give you some pieces of information about their health.
For example, you might be asking, why is my dog’s poop dry and crumbly?
Find out what makes the perfect dog poop and the causes of your dog’s dry and crumbly poop.
We also explore the signs and symptoms of constipation, as well as some treatments to help your pup.
The Perfect Dog Poop
Your pooch’s poo can be an indicator of their health, but what makes a normal and healthy dog poop?
Every dog is unique, so the perfect dog poop also varies. But here are some signs of a healthy dog stool.
- The perfect dog poop is chocolate brown. But if your dog also eats food with different colors, it’s okay for some of these hues to be visible in their poop.
- Your dog’s poop should also be shaped like a log. In addition, it should maintain its form. If it’s round, then your dog might be dehydrated
- In terms of consistency, dog poop should be moist and easy to pick up. It feels like clay when it is squished.
- Healthy dog stool is also the same size as the food they eat. As the fiber content in your dog’s food increases, so does their poop.
- There shouldn’t be anything else in your dog’s poop. Unhealthy dog poop has mucus, grass, hair, and other particles.
Why is My Dog’s Poop Dry and Crumbly?
Is your dog’s poop too dry, separate, and pebble-like? That means they are dehydrated and constipated. This also means that there is a decrease in your dog’s intestinal movement.
No matter what the shape of the feces is, overly dry and crumbly stool means your fur baby is at an increased risk of constipation.
Dogs can be constipated for various reasons, such as:
- Dehydration
- Lack of exercise
- Too much or lack of fiber
- Unblocked or abscessed anal sacs
- Excessive self-grooming that leads to collected hair in the stool
- Enlarged prostate gland
- Ingested non-food items
- Matted hair around the anus
- Some medications
- Pelvic trauma
- Orthopedic issues
- Neurologic disorders.
You may also notice them feeling uncomfortable when they defecate. They can be straining too much or straining too long.
However, you might be mistaken since your dog straining to poop could also be them straining to pee.
The difference between the two can be difficult to notice, especially in female dogs.
In severe cases, dogs may strain to defecate and start prolapsing. This happens when the inner layers of the rectum push out and protrude from the anus.
If your dog’s stool looks dry and crumbly, consult your vet immediately.
Other Signs of Dog Constipation
Aside from their dry and crumbly poop, dogs might be constipated when they haven’t had a bowel movement in over two days.
They might also be straining, crouching, or crying when trying to defecate.
Remember that these signs and symptoms are similar to those of urinary tract infection, so it’s best to see your vet to learn the cause.
Some dogs, like elderlies, are more prone to infrequent or difficult bowel movements. But the condition can happen in any dog that has one or more of the causes of constipation listed above.
If your dog’s constipation is left untreated, obstipation might occur. This is your dog’s inability to empty their colon on their own. Here, the colon is packed with a lot of feces.
Obstipation can cause lethargy, appetite loss, and possibly even vomiting.
Constipation may also be a sign of an underlying condition.
If your dog is also prolapsing, your vet might recommend a physical examination, involving the use of a probe inserted next to the prolapsed tissue to determine its identity.
How to Treat Dog Constipation
Here are some ways to treat dry dog poop caused by constipation.
Massage the Abdomen
Sometimes, a gentle massage on the stomach is enough to loosen their poop. That’s because there may be a blockage in their stomach that can easily be treated by you.
Give Your Dog a Haircut
If your dog has long hair, there might be a big chunk of hair blocking their anus. Try to remove this so the anus is exposed and can perform its functions.
When removing hair in this part of the body, use clippers instead of scissors. These Oneisall Store’s Dog Shaver and Clippers will help avoid cuts or stabs in the anus, unlike regular scissors. It’s also very quiet so it won’t trigger a dog’s fear and anxiety.
These can also help you remove whatever is preventing your dog from pooping, whether it’s a piece of hair, string, or a wrapper.
Exercise
If your dog is not using their body, their digestive system will not function properly. Food will be stuck in their stomach, creating impacted fecal matter.
Exercise your dog to help them digest their food. It will also encourage them to do their business once they start sniffing outdoors.
Hydrate Your Dog
One of the most significant factors that make your dog’s stool dry is dehydration.
Other signs of dehydration include:
- dry nose
- panting
- loss of balance
- lethargy
- thick drool
- vomiting.
Make sure to give your dog water from time to time. You may also try mixing it with bone broth to avoid any additional stomach issues.
If your dog is too lethargic to drink, administer the drink through a syringe in the corners of their mouth.
Use a Stool Softener
Stool softeners are the best way to treat crumbly and dry stool. These things provide a high amount of fiber for your dog during a difficult time.
Try Bernie’s Perfect Poop Digestion & General Health Supplement for Dogs. It’s the perfect remedy for hard stool since its high-fiber grass bits can help your dog’s other digestive issues.
Aside from being an effective stool softener, this also boosts your dog’s immune system.
It helps with the absorption of nutrients to fight allergies, infections, low energy, and other common issues in our furry friends.
Help Give Your Dog that Extra Push!
Dry and crumbly poop in dogs isn’t normal. It’s usually an indicator of constipation and dehydration.
Instead, your dog’s fecal matter should be moist, easy to pick up like clay, and be a chocolate brown color. It should also be pure poop, no grass, hair, or other particles.
If your dog has a dry stool, make sure to keep them hydrated, give them enough exercise, and try a stool softener like Bernie’s Perfect Poop Digestion & General Health Supplement for Dogs.
If you need some extra help with preventing accidents you can find some tips on puppy potty training and preventing adult dog accidents.
