[Frankie Flowers]

My dog has started pooping a lot. She has typically pretty healthy bowels, but it seems like she has been pooping in larger quantities in the last couple of weeks. We haven’t changed her food type or amount, and no one in the house admits giving her extra snacks. I am not sure if this is something I should talk to the veterinarian about or not. How often should dog poop every day? When is it too much?

[Emma Braby]

If your dog’s bowel movements have noticeably increased in volume or frequency without any changes to her diet, it’s worth paying attention to. A healthy dog typically poops one to three times per day, though this can vary based on factors like age, activity level, and metabolism.

Since her food type and portion size have remained the same, consider other possible causes. She may be consuming extra fiber from sources like grass. Changes in digestion due to mild infections, stress, or aging could also be a factor. Some dogs experience malabsorption issues, where their bodies don’t fully absorb nutrients, leading to larger stool volume. Intestinal parasites or infections can also cause an increase in poop production, even if she seems otherwise fine. Additionally, an increase in exercise or activity level can stimulate digestion and lead to more frequent pooping.

While some variation in bowel movements is normal, pooping significantly more than usual — especially more than four to five times a day — may indicate an underlying issue. If the stool is loose, greasy, or an unusual color, or if your dog is showing other symptoms like straining, mucus or blood in the stool, changes in appetite, excessive gas, or weight loss, it’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian.

Since this change has been going on for a couple of weeks, scheduling a vet visit would be a good precaution. Bringing a stool sample can help your vet test for parasites or bacterial imbalances. Observing any other changes, such as shifts in water intake or energy levels, may also provide helpful clues for identifying the cause.

It might not be anything to worry about, but I recommend consulting your vet to be on the safe side and for your peace of mind.

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