Why is my dog’s poop soft? Dog poo tips & chart

Compared to us, some dogs seem to have stomachs of steel. They’ll gobble up stray crumbs, munch on grass and carry on as if nothing happened. But their digestive systems aren’t quite as invincible as they make them look.

One day their poo is perfectly firm, the next it’s soft seemingly out of nowhere. Changes in diet, stress or even a mild tummy upset can all play a part.

In this guide, we’ll explain what healthy dog poo should look like, the common reasons stools become soft and what you can do to help. For more information about digestive health, take a look at our guide to dog digestive issues.

What should healthy dog poo look like?

Healthy dog poo might not be the most glamorous topic, but it can tell you a lot about what’s going on in your dog’s digestive system. Ideally, it should be firm but not rock-solid, hold its shape and have an even consistency. A balanced diet and a healthy digestive system both play an important role in keeping your dog’s stools in good condition.

If it’s too dry and crumbly, your dog could be dehydrated or not getting enough fibre. If it’s soft and struggles to hold its shape, it could point to a tummy upset, a sudden change in diet or food that doesn’t quite agree with them. You can also read more about the benefits of fibre for dogs.

What does soft dog poo look like?

Soft dog poo can range from slightly squishy to loose and shapeless. It may still hold some form but flatten when picked up. In some cases, it may appear sticky, contain mucus or simply be difficult to pick up.

If your dog's poo is slightly soft for a day or two but they're otherwise bright, happy and eating normally, it's usually fine to monitor them closely at home. However, if the soft stools continue, worsen or your dog doesn't seem themselves, it could be a sign that something isn't quite right. In these situations, it's always best to speak to your vet, who'll be able to advise on the next steps.

Not sure what you’re looking at? Use our YuMOVE Dog Poop Chart below to compare your dog’s poo with the different stool types. Find the closest match, then keep reading to learn what it could mean and what you can do next.

Dog poo chart

Reasons why your dog’s poo may be soft

There are lots of reasons why your dog’s poo might become soft. Some are temporary and settle on their own, while others may need a little more attention.

Here are some of the most common causes.

Your dog may be stressed

Even though a dog’s life is usually full of fun, happiness and excitement, stress can sometimes creep in. And when it does, it can take a toll on their digestive system.

Puppies may feel unsettled when they leave their litter to join a new family. Adult dogs can also become stressed by changes in routine, loud noises or unfamiliar surroundings.

One of the ways stress can affect dogs is through their digestion, sometimes leading to soft stools. If you think stress could be the cause, identifying and reducing the trigger should be the first step. You could also consider a supplement such as YuMOVE Calming Support for Dogs to help support calm behaviour.

For more signs to look out for, read our guide to signs of stress in dogs.

Sudden dietary changes

Suddenly changing your dog’s food can lead to soft stools and excess wind. This is often simply a sign that their digestive system is adjusting.

To help avoid tummy troubles, introduce dietary changes gradually. Try adding a little of the new food to their bowl each day while slowly reducing the old one. Over the course of several days, your dog’s digestive system has time to adapt, helping reduce the chance of soft stools or an unsettled tummy.

Your dog’s diet may not suit them

Just like us, dogs can have sensitivities to certain foods. Some may struggle to digest ingredients, which can lead to soft stools or changes in bowel movements.

If your dog’s poo regularly becomes soft after eating a particular food, it may be worth speaking to your vet about whether a different diet would suit them better.

How do I firm up my dog’s soft poo and support their gut health?

The first step in supporting healthy digestion is feeding your dog a complete and balanced diet. High-quality ingredients and enough fibre can help keep everything moving as it should.

There are also a few simple ways to help support healthy bowel movements:

• Speak to your vet – If you’re unsure why your dog’s stools have become soft or the problem continues, it’s always worth getting professional advice.
• Introduce dietary changes gradually – Sudden changes to your dog’s food can upset their digestive system. Mixing new food with their current food over several days gives their gut time to adjust.
• Consider additional digestive support – YuMOVE Digestive Support Probiotic & Fibre is a daily high-fibre food topper designed to support healthy digestive motion and stool quality. With soluble and insoluble fibre to support regular bowel movements, plus a science-backed probiotic, it helps keep stools solid for easier pick-ups during walks while supporting digestive health and general wellbeing.

Takeaway: When should I worry about my dog’s soft stools?

Soft stools can happen for a variety of reasons. Knowing what to look out for can help you understand when they need closer attention.

However, if your dog regularly has soft stools or has specific intolerances, it's always best to speak to your vet before adding anything new to their diet.

A balanced diet is the foundation of good digestive health. If you’re looking for some extra everyday digestive support, YuMOVE Digestive Support Probiotic & Fibre can help support healthy digestive motion and stool quality as part of your dog’s daily routine.

And don’t forget, if you have any concerns about your dog’s digestion, please talk to your vet.