As any pet owner will tell you, keeping our furry friends safe, healthy, and happy is a full-time job, and one that sometimes involves slightly unpleasant tasks, like paying attention to your pet’s stool. In this guide, we’re answering these common pet care questions: what does soft stool mean in pets? Is it normal, or a cause for concern? How can we ensure the digestive health of our pets to make sure they’re feeling their best?
The Importance of Keeping an Eye On Your Pet’s Waste
Paying close attention to your pet’s bodily waste might seem a little distasteful, but really, this is one of the best ways to keep track of their digestive health. And since you’re picking up after your dog or scooping your cat’s litterbox regularly anyway, we strongly recommend keeping an eye out for any changes.
While the colour is one of the top things to pay attention to, another important consideration is the consistency. A normal pet stool should be relatively firm and mostly hold its shape when you pick it up to dispose of it.
But what does it mean if it’s softer than normal? Bear in mind that we’re not talking about diarrhea, as this is always a sign of dietary issues, gastric upset, or some kind of illness. If your cat or dog is having diarrhea consistently for any period of time, you should take them to a vet for a full exam to get to the bottom of the issue.
What if your pet’s stool is somewhere in between? Here’s what you need to know about soft pet stool.
8 Potential Causes of Soft Stool in Pets
There are many potential reasons for changes in the consistency of your pet’s stool. Some of the most common are:
Stress
Like humans, cats and dogs can have major gastrointestinal (GI) effects from stress. When pets are under stress for longer periods, their bodies enter the classic ‘fight or flight’ condition, which can have major impacts on the GI system, speeding up digestion and body waste processes. There are many things that can cause stress in pets, including:
- A change in environment
- Living with other, unfriendly animals
- Living with children who don’t understand the need for respectful boundaries with the pet
- Prolonged separation from trusted family members
- Too many unfamiliar people or scents in the home
- Frequent loud noises
- Boredom and a lack of mental stimulation
- Inadequate exercise
If you notice changes in your pet’s stool, go over this list of common animal stressors and see if there’s anything you can do to make your pet feel safer and more comfortable at home.
Dietary transitions
Another very common cause for changes in stool consistency is dietary transitions. If you’ve recently switched the brand or type of food you feed your pet (even if it’s to a higher-quality food), it’s normal to see changes in their stool for a period afterwards. Because of this, veterinarians recommend slowly transitioning food over 5 to 10 days rather than all at once. This helps reduce the GI stress of switching to a new food.
Upset stomach
If your cat or dog has gotten into something they shouldn’t have, it can result in unusual texture and appearance in their stool. Most homeowners know the most hazardous foods to keep away from pets (e.g., chocolate, onions, garlic, raisins, chicken bones, etc.), however too much of any human food will have negative effects on your pet’s digestive health. Do what you can to keep your pet from eating out of the garbage, avoid giving in to tableside begging, and keep an eye on dogs when outdoors to make sure they don’t eat anything that’s potentially harmful.
Overeating
Overfeeding a pet can result in GI issues due to their bowels and other organs becoming overworked from trying to process everything. This can reduce nutrient absorption and result in softer stool. Ask your vet for guidance on portioning and feeding schedules to make sure your furry friend isn’t overeating.
Low fibre
Pets need a good amount of fibre to keep their digestive systems healthy. If you feed your pet too much canned food, there’s a chance they’re not getting enough dietary fibre, potentially leading to softer stools. Supplement their fibre intake with special food formulas or dog-safe add-ons like pumpkin.
Allergies
Allergies are another common culprit for soft stool, and it can still be a useful sign to let you know there’s an issue. The best way to identify a potential food allergy is by performing a strict food ingredient elimination trail. It is important to note that if soft stools persist, then you must seek veterinary help to rule out other causes of the soft stools.
Parasites
Some parasites, such as giardia, coccidia, hookworms, roundworms, or whipworms, can cause GI upset in pets and lead to changes in their stool. The most reliable way to rule out parasites is by performing routine fecal testing (it is recommended that a fecal test be performed at least every 6 months).
Metabolic and other diseases
Like humans, pets have a sophisticated microbiome of bacteria in their GI system. If this balance is disrupted, it can result in changes to the stool. Some of the illnesses that have a direct impact on the digestive system are diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease, Cushing’s disease, etc. Major organ disease such as an unhealthy liver, pancreas, or kidneys can also result in gut microbiome imbalance. A vet can perform appropriate tests along with an examination to determine the source of the problem.
When to Call a Vet for Help
There are many potential causes for changes in stool, ranging from simple dietary imbalances to more concerning medical conditions. If you’re concerned about softer stool from your pet, a trusted veterinarian is the best option to determine the cause.
If soft stool is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, lethargy, or diarrhea, your pet needs to be seen by a veterinarian straight away. These symptoms usually indicate a more serious issue, and your vet will need to perform a thorough exam to diagnose and treat your pet.
In short, we highly recommend that pet owners take the time to pinch their noses and pay attention to their pet’s waste. It may not be the most pleasant part of having a pet, but it is one of the best ways to safeguard your furry friend.
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