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What causes a dog's soft stool for weeks when they seem healthy?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 11 months old | 43 lbs

My dog has been having very soft stool for going on two weeks now. It is not diarrhea, but not normal consistency. He was on some medication for throwing up and diarrhea about 3 weeks ago, but has not had any more of those symptoms and no major diet changes. I have been adding white rice and chicken to his kibble in hopes of solidifying the stool, but it hasn't been making much of a difference. He is acting completely normal and healthy otherwise. Any suggestions on what I can do to help him?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 23rd, 2018

Poor Ruger! I know how frustrating that can be! The good thing is that he is not showing signs of discomfort. I recommend taking a sample of Ruger's stool in to your vet to have it tested for any potential parasites. Your vet may also recommend something like a probiotic or a change to a prescription diet that is easier on the gastrointestinal tract to see if that helps. The symptoms you are describing can be due to food sensitivities, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract like irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, parasites, bacterial or viral infection, or endocrine disorders that affect digestion. Ruger may also still be recovering from whatever caused his vomiting and diarrhea a few weeks ago, as it can take some time for the gut to return to normal after an episode like what you described. Take a look at the chart below and keep track of what the fecal score is for each bowel movement between now and your vet appointment, as that will help track any patterns https://www.proplanveterinarydiets.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/PPPVD-Fecal-Scoring-Chart-EN-FINAL.pdf Good luck!

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on July 8th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Soft stools can be observed with conditions such as colitis, gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Rody evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They may choose to check for parasites and to start medications for diarrhea depending on the results. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 26th, 2018

    That is not normal at all and it is likely to be related to diet. I would suggest to start feeding with a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice in small portion every 6 hours for the following 48hours. Then gradually reintroduce the normal diet over 5 days. I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist or you notice vomiting, lethargy or inappetence. If that is the case antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

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