My dog poops multiple times on walks, and it gets soft. Is it normal?

It is not uncommon for dogs to try to go more frequently during long walks and is likely related to a territory marking instinct. As long as this does not persist to cover every bowel movement or any increasing frequency at home I wold continue to monitor for any additional signs or weight loss. Consider adding a probiotic/fiber supplement such as fortiflora as a natural gut conditioner if stool quality is generally soft

Hello, and thanks for your question. Yes, the slightly less firm stool can still be normal, and often stools will get progressively less firm when dogs defecate multiple times in succession on a walk or playing out in the yard. If it is getting notably looser to the point of diarrhea, then Max should be seen by a vet. But your description sounds completely normal! Hope this helps!

Good Evening....thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! When dogs are frequently straining to poop, this can indicate irritation within the large bowel of the intestines - this is called tenesmus (or straining). Diarrhea may be coming, so be on the lookout! If signs persist more than 12-24 hours, you may want to consider a veterinary exam. I hope this helps, good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There are daily variations in the defecation routine so this is not necessarily abnormal. I would not be too concerned about this as you will most likely not run into this issue. Have a great day!

Some dogs will have excessive bowel movements when they go for a walk. It's likely due to a combination of excitement, exercise and scent marking. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do to change the behavior. Things that you can do that may address this and may help would be to add a daily probiotic to try to keep the stool more firm, switch the diet- I recommend a brand called Royal Canin because it is very easy to break down and pets tend to have good stool quality on this food, play with him before a walk to get some of the energy out so he is not as excitable, and lastly, neutering him may also help to make him less excitable. Keeping a sanitary shave will also keep the fur more clean or at least easier to clean up. I hope this helps to point you in the right direction. Please feel free to post any additional questions!

I am sorry to hear about Sam! If he is otherwise acting normally (normal energy, normal appetite, no vomiting) I would just monitor him and watch his next few bowel movements. Sometimes exercise can increase gastrointestinal activity, and stress can also sometimes cause some diarrhea (being out of town can be stressful). If he continues to have loose stool then seeing his vet is recommended.

If Kado's other bowel movements are normal I wouldn't be too concerned but if he is having looser stools all the time I would recommend bringing him in to the vet for an exam. It is not unusual for dogs to have a bowel movement and maybe even have it be a little loose on a run due to increased GI motility due to the exercise. If he is acting like he needs to go frequently, however, this can be a sign of colitis and he should see his vet. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951545