How Often Should A Large Dog Poop? Let’s Talk Poop!

It’s a crappy subject, I know, but one that every responsible dog owner should address.  So, how often should a large dog poop? 

A large breed dog should poop a minimum of once a day (according to experts).  And, it isn’t out of the ordinary for your big dog to poop up to five times a day.  We’ll take a closer look at why, and learn all the ways your big dog’s poop is important, and how poop can be an indicator of good (or poor!) health.

In this article, you’ll discover:

• How Often Healthy Big Dogs Should Poop
• How Your Dog’s Poop Should Look (handy chart)
• When to Call the Veterinarian
• How Exercise Affects Your Dog’s Bowel Movements
• What to if Your Dog is Constipated or has Diarrhea

The information contained in this article is the most accurate and up-to-date, compiled from the experts in all things canine, and presented here in one convenient place. Experts like the American Kennel Club, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and hundreds of big dog owners, who are scooping poop every day!

Today I will answer the top 5 questions I get asked pertaining to dog poop, and yes, I get asked all of them often! I’ll even throw in a couple of interesting big dog facts you may not have known! We’ve got a lot of information to get through today, so let’s begin. Welcome to the Big Dog Den… I’m glad you’re here.

How Often Should Large Breed Dogs Poop?

It’s completely normal for your big dog to poop from 1-5 times a day, and the average is about 2 times a day. The number of times a day you’ll be scooping poop is affected by a couple of factors. The first factor is how often your dog is fed.

It’s a good idea to break up your dog’s daily food into 2 or 3 servings if possible. This helps your dog maintain balanced hormones and energy levels throughout the day, and can even help stave off boredom.  Dogs who eat 2 or 3 meals a day are more likely to poop more than once a day than dogs who are fed their daily allotment of food in one serving.

What Should Your Dog’s Poop Look Like?

It doesn’t sound pleasant, I know, but take heart! The simple task of observing your dog’s poop from the day he (or she) arrives at your home can be very helpful.  If your dog has a healthy poop, chances are they are healthy.  The color and consistency of your dog’s poop shouldn’t vary much, and if you begin to see changes in the poop without having changed the dog’s diet, it could be a red flag that a health issue is developing or that your dog has ingested something dangerous… or even poisonous!

It’s important to watch your dog go as well.  You’ll be able to see if it doesn’t come out as usual.  It should be solid, but not hard and dry and your dog should be able to ‘go’ easily, without straining.

Pay attention to the 4 C’s of Dog Poop:

1. Color– Your dog’s poop should be a chocolate-brown in color. Black, red, yellow, or green are indications (and alarms) that something is wrong!
2. Consistency– Generally, veterinarians use a 1-7 scale when describing the consistency of a dog’s bowel movement, with 1 being very firm, and 7 being extremely runny. Ideally, your dog’s poop should register at a 2 on that scale. It’s okay for the consistency to fluctuate, but if you note numbers closer to 7 on a regular basis, your dog should be seen by a veterinarian.
3. Coating– Your dog’s poop should not be coated with a mucus-like substance. If you notice a mucus coating for more than two days…you guessed it…call the veterinarian to schedule an appointment.
4. Contents– Although you may occasionally see some foreign contents in your dog’s poop like worms, your favorite flip-flops, or the corn your mate slipped the dog when you weren’t looking, the most dangerous contents your dog’s poop can contain are invisible to the naked eye. For this reason, take a sample of your dog’s poop with you to every veterinarian appointment. Ideally, the poop sample should be less than 12 hours old. It can safely be stored in a covered container in your refrigerator until it’s appointment time.

You don’t need to pick through the poop or look at it under a microscope yourself to be observant. Just take note of the color and consistency, and make sure nothing appears to be wiggling in the poop, and take a sample to every veterinarian appointment for them to take a closer look.

Dog Poop Issues for the Veterinarian to Address

Worms aren’t the only issue regarding your dog’s poop that may warrant intervention from the dog’s veterinarian.

Here are the red flags you should be aware of when it comes to the frequency and/or condition of your dog’s bowel movements: 

1. Incontinence: This is when your dog poops without being seemingly aware that he (or she) is pooping. 
2. Urgency: Dogs who poop within seconds of being taken out might be feeling some pressure and be experiencing gas and bloating. This could be an indication of a medical issue… or even a quality dog food issue. (You can learn everything you need to know about quality dog food and the differences in different dog food formulas right here in the Big Dog Den by reading “Small, Medium and Large Breed Dog Foods, What’s the Difference?“) 
3. Pain: If you are concerned about the frequency of your dog’s bowel movements, be sure to observe the “event” happening to be sure the dog isn’t exhibiting any signs of pain or discomfort.
4. Abnormal or Significantly Different Stools:  You will come to recognize the “normal” look of your dog’s bowel movements. In fact, owners of multiple dogs, even of the same breed, can usually tell which dog made the pile they clean up from their yard before mowing. Your dog’s poop has its own “look”. Noticing a sudden difference in his (or her) poop’s appearance is likely the earliest visible symptom that something isn’t right. It’s an alert that requires your attention.
5. Foreign Substances in the Poop: This can include blood (which will be black or red), worms, mucus, or even bits of your favorite bedroom slippers!

If you notice any of these red flags, you should call the veterinarian to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

How Long Can a Dog Go Without Pooping?

A healthy dog will not, under normal circumstances, go longer than two days without pooping. Like their human companions, most dogs will occasionally experience some constipation, but even constipation should clear up within two days. In most circumstances, constipation is the result of  one of the following things:

• Inadequate Hydration
• A New Food or Treat
• Lack of Exercise
• The Dog Ate Something it Shouldn’t have

However, chronic constipation can be a sign of a much larger problem such as:

• Blockage in the Intestine
• Stomach Ailments
• Enlarged Anal Glands (or prostate on male dogs)

If your big dog struggles with constipation and more than two days pass between bowel movements on a regular basis or your dog consistently shows signs of pain and strain while going poop please schedule an immediate veterinary exam. And take a stool sample in with you. The dog’s, not yours, LOL!

Should Dogs Poop After Every Meal?

As a general rule of them, you can expect your big dog to move his (or her) bowels within 5 minutes and up to 4 hours after a meal. Sometimes though, it can take up to 12 hours for your dog to move his (or her) bowels after eating. Let’s take a look at the canine digestive system to discover why.

How is a Dog’s Digestive System Different from a Human’s?

It’s good to understand how your big dog’s digestive system is unique. The more we know, the better the quality of your dog’s life, and the more pleasant your experience will be in owning a dog. Here are the ways in which your dog’s digestive system is different from yours:

• Where Digestion Begins- You and I trigger the food digestive process as soon as we begin to chew our food. The saliva we secrete contains digestive enzymes. Our canine companions, though, do not begin digesting their food until it hits their stomach, and even there, it is only turned to a digestible mush. Because a dog’s digestive system doesn’t include the benefit of digestive enzymes in his (or her) saliva, the acid in their stomach is much more corrosive than the acid in a human’s stomach. Because of the high level of corrosiveness, your dog can digest things you couldn’t.
• How Long Food Stays in the Stomach- A healthy human will begin to pass food through their stomach and into the intestines in about 30 minutes, and the entire process is finished in 1-2 hours. A dog’s food, however, will remain in his (or her) stomach from 4-12 hours, depending on the dog breed and caloric requirements. A dog’s stomach is more a warehouse, whereas ours is more a transportation hub.

DID YOU KNOW? The stomach acid of a dog is so corrosive, it would burn your flesh immediately if you touched it!!

You can read the complete comparison of canine and human digestive systems in this study conducted through the National Center For Biotechnology Information and published June 3rd, 1986.  Just click this link  National Library of Medicine.

Does My Dog Poop Too Much?

If it seems as though you’re using the pooper-scooper constantly, you may be asking if your dog poops too much. I feel you! I scoop several times a day, myself! I assure you though, if your dog’s poop indicates health in the ways this article has mentioned so far, he (or she) is NOT pooping too much. Big dogs that eat more than once a day (and it’s best they do) can poop up to 5 times a day!!

Should My Dog’s Poop be Hard or Soft?

The consistency of your dog’s poop is dependant upon his (or her) diet, hydration, and exercise regime. The consistency of my own dog’s poop changes with his diet. Although his primary diet is canned food, I see an immediate change in his poop when he occasionally eats dry kibble. His poop is harder with kibble, and that just makes sense, doesn’t it? A quick change in the poop’s consistency without any change in diet is something you’ll want to keep an eye on.

For the most part, though, you’ll want to determine a healthy consistency by using the 1-7 scale we discussed earlier. To reiterate, a 1 on that scale describes a bowel movement that is very firm and a 7 describes a bowel movement that is extremely runny. A healthy dog’s poop will consistently be a 2 on that scale, with only occasional fluctuations.

Your Dog & Diarrhea or Constipation

We touched on the subject of constipation earlier in this article, and we will touch on it again right here, as well as go over some diarrhea information you should know.

If you’ve dropped by the Big Dog Den more than once (and I hope you have or will!) you know prevention can sometimes be the best “cure” when it comes to canine constipation and/or diarrhea.

Here are 5 Helpful Tips to Avoid Constipation or Diarrhea in your dog:

1. Adequate Nutrition: Your dog’s diet should contain protein from a single source as the primary ingredient. On the ingredient label, carbohydrates should follow protein, as well as about 10% of healthy fats, depending on the dog’s size and activity level. If you are overwhelmed by all the choices, the Big Dog Den offers an explanation of why the brand “Pedigree” isn’t a sound choice, and how to select a better food brand in this article.  And don’t forget to buy the right formula for your dog’s age and activity level.
2. Sufficient Hydration: Your dog should have access to fresh clean water at all times he (or she) is awake. When house-training your dog, you can remove the water bowl 30 minutes before the day’s last potty excursion. Just don’t forget to replace the bowl in the morning! *A dog’s water bowl requires daily cleaning, as harmful bacteria can develop on the bowl’s surfaces. The bowl can be washed with dish detergent, and be sure to rinse it well. Your dog’s thirst will fluctuate, just like yours, so just keep the water available.
3. Daily Exercise: As a rule of thumb, an adolescent large breed dog will need 90 minutes a day of exercise, and adults will need about 60 minutes. This exercise should be broken down into at least three separate segments and should allow time for your dog to playfully frolic. Naturally, a good portion of this exercise will revolve around potty outings, but you should schedule some specific exercising time for your dog. Play frisbee, fetch, or even hide and seek with your dog on a weekly basis if you can’t fit this special time on a daily basis.
4. Gradual Diet Changes: There are many reasons you may wish to change your dog’s diet, but only one way to do it with a minimum of upset to your dog’s digestive system. The method I recommend takes a week and is the most gentle approach.  Here’s how it works:  DAYS 1 and 2: Mix 75% old food with 25% of new food. Days 3 and 4:  Mix the old food and new food 50/50. Days 5 and 6:  Mix 75% new food and 25% old. Day 7: Feed your dog 100% new food.
5. Healthy Snacks: Nix the boxed dog treats! You read that right! Those pre-packaged treats and biscuits are laden with chemicals and preservatives and do NOTHING to promote healthy digestion. Rather than waste money on these empty calories, feed your dogs healthy fruits and vegetables for treats, rewards, or snacks. Experiment a bit to learn what your dog loves. Try bananas, sweet potatoes, apples, broccoli, or even carrots! You may also want to take note that canned pumpkin is extremely beneficial to dogs and their digestive systems! Not the kind of pumpkin used for pie filling, just 100% pumpkin, canned. Two tablespoons or so are recommended if your dog has frequent digestive issues.

DID YOU KNOW? Large breed dogs should eat puppy food formulated for large breed puppies for at least one year and up to the send year of his (or her) life! This formula adds extra healthy calories for a growing puppy and helps regulate growth hormones so the muscles, joints, tendons, and bones can all grow in balance to one another. 

Well now, that was fun, wasn’t it? LOL! I know, I know…it sure isn’t the best subject to discuss, but as we have discovered here today, it’s an important subject as it pertains to our dogs’ health. I know you’re like me and want your dog to be in good health and experience longevity.

This is why we tackle even the most poopy of issues here in the Big Dog Den. The more you know about your big dog, the better experience the two of you will have together throughout the years. I hope to see you again soon… Until then, may you and your four-legged companion be in good health!

 

*This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.