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Dog has soft stool and mucus after diet change, what should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Poodle | Female | unspayed | 8 years and 10 months old

Gave dog cooked ground beef 4/17 because I ran out of usual food. On 4/18, she had diarrhea (liquid & mucous). I gave chicken breast/rice. On 4/19, she began eating her usual food. Did not poop until 4/27. Since then, it has been soft stool with mucous every day. Her appetite is fine and her behavior has not changed. Not lethargic at all. The stool in the photo was from 10 min ago.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 24th, 2019

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Isabella. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. The mucus typically indicates inflammation in the colon. She may be experiencing a bacterial overgrowth from the diet changes. This will perpetuate the abnormal stool. Her veterinarian may also test for parasites to ensure there is not another problem present. Based on these results, medication or a probiotic may be prescribed. I hope this information helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 17th, 2018

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lexi. I would start by contacting the family to see if she has any underlying disease causing diarrhea. If not and the soft stool persists, she will need to see her veterinarian. A lot of time soft stool can result from stress (even if she seem comfortable in your home). She may need fecal testing and an antibiotic. It is generally safe to withhold food for 12-18 hours to rest the GI tract. This can potentially resolve mild cases of diarrhea. I hope this information helps!

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