- \n
- Very strong-smelling dog poo, especially when accompanied by an upset stomach, can mean your dog has eaten something that doesn\u2019t agree with them or point to an issue with their digestive health. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Switching food too suddenly, food allergies and intolerances, eating something that\u2019s too rich or scavenging for rubbish can all be a factor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If food isn\u2019t the issue, strong-smelling poo might be the result of a bacterial or viral infection, worms or stress. Although less common, dogs may also have a gastrointestinal illness like IBD.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Healthy dog poo has a firm consistency and shouldn\u2019t smell particularly strong. Shades of brown including reddish brown and greenish brown are all normal, but pale, yellow or black poo might all be a sign of an issue with your dog\u2019s digestive health. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep an eye on any changes in the colour, consistency, smell, frequency or volume of your dog\u2019s bowel movements \u2013 if you pass on this information to your vet (along with a sample if they request this) they\u2019ll be able to identify any health issues that might be causing this. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Choosing the right dog food can help improve your dog\u2019s digestive health and therefore the health of their poos. Look for gut-friendly ingredients like prebiotics and fibre, but bear in mind that all dogs are different, so a one-size-fits-all approach won\u2019t work as well as finding out what food is ideal for your dog. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Table of contents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What causes smelly dog poop?
<\/a>What healthy dog poo should look and smell like<\/a>
Smelly watery diarrhoea in dogs<\/a>
Smelly dog poop with mucus
<\/a>Black and smelly dog poop<\/a>
How to make dog poop less stinky
<\/a>How diet affects smelly dog poop<\/a>
When to speak to your vet<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat causes smelly dog poop?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are several different reasons why dog poo can have such a strong smell, but in short it\u2019s usually down to either your dog\u2019s diet or their digestion. If food isn\u2019t digested properly, it ferments in the gut, producing gas \u2013 as well as leading to uncomfortable symptoms like stomach pain. Let\u2019s break down these potential reasons for smelly dog poo into a bit more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diet and food quality<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If your dog has eaten something that\u2019s not easy to digest for some reason, this can give them an upset stomach and lead to unhealthy poos. This could range from scraps of human food (especially if it\u2019s rich and high in fat) to something out of the rubbish or even dog poo<\/a> or poo from other animals. Basically anything that your dog shouldn\u2019t really eat could give them gas, diarrhoea and other symptoms of an upset stomach, which is why it\u2019s so important to try and gently distract them from sneaking a bite of these things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sudden diet changes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Switching your dog\u2019s food too quickly can also upset their digestive system, leading to diarrhoea. If you\u2019re changing your dog\u2019s diet, it\u2019s best to do it gradually as explained in our guide to changing dog food<\/a>. Gradually, add a little bit more of the new food into your dog\u2019s old food over the course of about a week, until they\u2019re totally switched over. This will give your dog\u2019s gut microbiome time to adjust to new ingredients. [1<\/a>] <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Food intolerance or sensitivity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The food you\u2019re giving your pet might be fine for most dogs, but there might be an ingredient used that your dog is allergic to, or has an intolerance or sensitivity to. True allergies are rarer than other kinds of reactions, and are usually a response to proteins. [2<\/a>] However, dogs can have a sensitivity to different kinds of ingredients or nutrients. They might be sensitive to certain kinds of fibre, or the level of fibre or fat in their food. You can read more about this in our recent article about food intolerances and sensitivities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Digestive upset or illness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Usually diarrhoea and unhealthy poos are a reaction to something your dog has eaten, but in some cases it might be less about your dog\u2019s diet and more about their digestive system. [3<\/a>]
<\/p>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Parasites<\/strong> like worms can irritate your dog\u2019s gut, giving them an upset stomach. While dogs of any age can be affected by worms, younger puppies are more vulnerable, which is why they need to be given worming treatment more often than adult dogs. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bacterial or viral infections<\/strong> can also cause diarrhoea and poo that smells worse than usual. Making sure your dog is up to date with all their vaccinations will help protect them from catching these diseases, some of which can be dangerous, such as canine parvovirus. [4<\/a>] <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Inflammatory disorders<\/strong> such as IBD can affect dogs as well as people, and can cause symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting or weight loss. If your dog is diagnosed with one of these conditions, your vet might recommend a special diet that doesn\u2019t irritate their digestive system. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Your dog\u2019s gut microbiome<\/strong> also plays an important role in their digestive health. Good bacteria help your dog break down different ingredients, but when they are outnumbered by unhealthy bacteria, it can lead to symptoms like an upset stomach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stress<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Diarrhoea, gas and other gastrointestinal symptoms can also all be the result of stress or anxiety, just like in us humans \u2013 in dogs, it\u2019s known as \u2018stress colitis\u2019. Some common causes might include moving house, changes to your dog\u2019s routine such as travelling, or being introduced to a new pet or baby in the family. Events that cause loud noises like fireworks and thunderstorms can also have this effect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lastly, as well as anxiety and stress, excitement could be the cause \u2013 for instance, if your pet has had a really busy and fun day at the dog park, they might get a bit overwhelmed and react with an upset stomach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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What healthy dog poo should look and smell like<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s what to look out for to know whether your dog\u2019s poo is healthy. Remember, all dog poo will have a bit of a smell, but an unusually strong odour could be a sign of a digestive issue. I\u2019ve also explained some potential reasons for changes to your dog\u2019s poo and what each could indicate about their health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Healthy poo: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Consistency: <\/strong>The ideal poo is log-shaped and firm, but not too solid. It should be easy to pick it up and throw it away. There may be some mucus but you shouldn’t see a lot or see it often.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Colour: <\/strong>The colour of your dog\u2019s poo depends a lot on your dog\u2019s diet. Only you know what is normal for your dog. Shades of greenish brown, red brown or dark brown are all normal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Odour: <\/strong>Dog poo should have a mild odour; any dramatic changes can indicate problems. It\u2019s always going to smell somewhat, but with a good diet your dog\u2019s poos should be bearable. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Frequency:<\/strong> Most dogs poo around twice a day, but this can depend on their feeding schedule. They might also poo three times a day. Puppies tend to poo more frequently because they eat more regularly. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Unhealthy poo: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Consistency:<\/strong> When diarrhoea or loose, runny poo occurs, this can result from many different causes. If your dog\u2019s poo is too hard, this can cause constipation. If your dog is constipated this could be due to a lack of water or fibre in their diet, or a case of worms. While some mucus is normal, if you often see it or you can see a lot of it in your dog\u2019s poo, it can be a sign that their colon is irritated. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Colour: <\/strong>Abnormal colours like dark black tarry substances could indicate internal bleeding and digested blood in the stool. Pale, yellowy or greasy poo can indicate fat digestion issues with the pancreas, or malabsorption, a condition where your dog can\u2019t absorb fat. Any dramatic changes in colour or visible blood is a cause for concern. In this case, always see your vet and take a stool sample with you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Odour: <\/strong>Flatulence or a particularly stinky poo could signal a change in your dog\u2019s gut microbiome, or they\u2019re struggling to cope with a new diet or ingredient. Treats and human foods are common culprits. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Frequency:<\/strong> If your dog poos more than three times a day, this could signal there\u2019s something not right with their diet. In some cases, it might mean they\u2019re eating more than they need. (At Tails.com, we\u2019ll work out exactly how much food your dog needs so you don\u2019t need to worry about under or overfeeding.) Equally, if your dog has a food intolerance, this can also make them poo more often. If your dog doesn\u2019t poo every day or only once a day, they could be constipated. Always consider what\u2019s normal for your dog. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Volume: <\/strong>Sudden larger or smaller poos can be a sign of health problems. Huge volumes of poo can mean your dog isn\u2019t digesting their food properly, or their diet is high in fibre. Low volumes could indicate gastrointestinal problems or even a blockage. If it\u2019s out of the ordinary, you should always get your dog checked over by a vet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If your dog has experienced any changes after switching to Tails.com food, get in touch and our team will be happy to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smelly watery diarrhoea in dogs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Watery, bad-smelling diarrhoea is often a sign of digestive upset, and it can happen as a result of quite a lot of different reasons. It usually passes quickly, but if your dog has severe, watery diarrhoea that lasts longer than 24-48 hours, you should call your vet. If it\u2019s accompanied by symptoms including vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite or you can see blood in the diarrhoea, it\u2019s especially important to get in touch with your vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diarrhoea can be a result of dietary factors such as dietary indiscretion (eating something outside of their normal diet) or a sudden change in their diet, for instance if they have been switched suddenly to a new food. It can also be a symptom of a food intolerance, sensitivity or allergy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Watery poos can also be a symptom of parasites, or bacterial or viral infections. These issues can be more serious than a simple case of dietary indiscretion, which is why it\u2019s so important to get in touch with your vet to help get a diagnosis for your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Runny poop and smelly farts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If your dog\u2019s poo is a bit watery and you\u2019ve also noticed flatulence, this may be the result of food fermenting in their gut that hasn\u2019t been fully digested. Whether it\u2019s an ingredient their body isn\u2019t able to digest due to an intolerance, or they\u2019ve scavenged some rubbish from the bin, it can suggest that bacteria in the gut are breaking something down and causing it to ferment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your dog is gassy but it\u2019s not accompanied by unhealthy poos, there\u2019s a chance they might simply be eating too fast and swallowing air. Some dogs just have a lot of enthusiasm when it comes to dinnertime \u2013 in this case, a slow feeder or puzzle feeder might help calm their stomachs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Soft or loose stools<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Soft or loose dog poo might have a stronger smell for several reasons. The dog might have unhealthy bowel movements as a result of an infection, which has forced the food to move through the gut too quickly, or changed the breakdown of bacteria in the gut. A health condition might be causing malabsorption, leaving some nutrients to ferment rather than being digested, but a food intolerance could also mean some ingredients aren\u2019t being digested. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Causes for soft, bad-smelling poos can include dietary changes, excess fat or fibre in the diet, a sensitive stomach or stress. If the issue is dietary, finding out exactly which ingredients or macronutrients are negatively affecting your dog can help soothe their stomach. They may need a specialist diet \u2013 we make sensitive stomach dog food<\/a> that\u2019s formulated to be easy to digest and gentle on the stomach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smelly puppy poop and puppy farts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not adult dogs who can produce some terrible smells \u2013 even a tiny puppy can clear a room. This isn\u2019t necessarily something to worry about, but here are some reasons why this may be, along with some ways to help keep your growing puppy feeling comfortable from top to belly to tail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your puppy might be responding to the transition from puppy food to adult dog food, and it could be a sign that you need to slow down the process of switching their food. At Tails.com, our Adaptive Nutrition system does this automatically \u2013 we\u2019ve designed it to make the transition slow and gradual to lower the chance of a reaction like this. However, if you notice your puppy having digestive issues, just let us know and we can slow down the switch and look into which ingredients are included in their blend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your puppy might have quite a sensitive stomach, especially if they\u2019re only very young \u2013 their digestive system will still be developing. We\u2019ve got lots more information here about puppy nutrition<\/a> in my recent blog post on the subject. As well paying attention to what ingredients they\u2019re eating, it might help to watch out to make sure they\u2019re not eating too much, as overeating can cause diarrhoea, gas and other digestive problems.Lastly, this is just a reminder to make sure your puppy stays up to date with their vaccinations and worming treatments. We\u2019ve briefly discussed parasites in this article, which can be a cause of digestive issues in dogs of any age. But they are much more dangerous for little pups, whose immune systems aren\u2019t as strong and who are more vulnerable to dehydration. [5<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smelly dog poop with mucus<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mucus in dog poo usually looks like clear jelly or slime. Some mucus in dog poo isn\u2019t a cause for concern, especially if you only notice a bit of it or if you don\u2019t see it often. However, if you see lots of mucus in your dog\u2019s poo or you see it frequently, it can be a sign that your dog is experiencing intestinal irritation. [6<\/a>] <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This irritation could be caused by a few different things, including an inflammatory condition like IBD \u2013 an overreaction from the immune system that causes inflammation in the gut, which affects their digestion. Their gut might also be irritated by a food intolerance, allergy or sensitivity, or by having eaten something else that doesn\u2019t agree with them \u2013 in some cases not even food. Lastly, an infection of some kind (whether that\u2019s bacterial, viral or parasitic) can also cause gut irritation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In all these cases, the dog\u2019s body responds to the irritation by producing more mucus to protect the intestinal walls, which leaves the body along with their poo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Black and smelly dog poop<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Black dog poo means that there is partially digested blood in your dog\u2019s poo [7<\/a>]. This can indicate an internal injury, but may also mean they have swallowed blood \u2013 for instance if they have recently eaten food or treats that include organ meats. In some cases it can be a side-effect of medications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generally speaking, if you notice this, we\u2019d recommend contacting your vet to arrange a check up, especially if your dog also seems lethargic or uninterested in food, or if your dog has persistent black poo. If you see red blood in your dog\u2019s poo, always contact your vet in this instance too \u2013 it might not be serious, but it could be a sign of a medical issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to make dog poop less stinky<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Of course, we can\u2019t expect dog poo to smell very nice \u2013 it\u2019s poo after all. However, if you\u2019ve noticed your dog\u2019s poo smells worse recently (or worse than that of other dogs) there are a few things you can do that should help tone down that smell, and make your dog more comfortable. Strong smelling dog poo can be a sign that something isn\u2019t quite right with your dog\u2019s digestive system, or that their food doesn\u2019t agree with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Introduce any dietary changes gradually: <\/strong>Switching food too suddenly is a key reason for upset stomachs in dogs. If you\u2019ve recently changed your dog\u2019s diet, strong-smelling poos and diarrhoea may be a sign that the switch was a bit too fast. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stick to a routine: <\/strong>All dogs benefit from a routine, but dogs with a sensitive stomach might benefit even more. Regular meal times lead to regular bowel movements, making it easier for you to keep an eye on your dog\u2019s digestive health. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Don\u2019t give too many treats: <\/strong>Too many treats might give your dog gas or an upset stomach \u2013 they can be rich and high in fat, a nutrient that can have a negative effect on dogs\u2019 digestive health, especially those with sensitive stomachs. Even low-fat treats should be given in moderation, as part of a healthy diet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Look for gut-friendly ingredients: <\/strong>If your dog has unusually smelly poos, they might benefit from a food with lots of gut-friendly ingredients. This might be a food that\u2019s formulated for sensitive stomachs. It might also be the case that your dog reacts to certain ingredients or nutrients, meaning that they need a food that avoids these. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make sure your dog gets enough fresh water: <\/strong>Water supports healthy digestion, so making sure your dog stays hydrated is really important. You should also clean your dog\u2019s water bowl and top it up with fresh water frequently \u2013 bacteria in the water can make your dog poorly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How diet affects smelly dog poop<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Of course, we can\u2019t expect dog poo to smell very nice \u2013 it\u2019s poo after all. However, if you\u2019ve noticed your dog\u2019s poo smells worse recently (or worse than that of other dogs) there are a few things you can do that should help tone down that smell, and make your dog more comfortable. Strong smelling dog poo can be a sign that something isn\u2019t quite right with your dog\u2019s digestive system, or that their food doesn\u2019t agree with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Introduce any dietary changes gradually: <\/strong>Switching food too suddenly is a key reason for upset stomachs in dogs. If you\u2019ve recently changed your dog\u2019s diet, strong-smelling poos and diarrhoea may be a sign that the switch was a bit too fast. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stick to a routine: <\/strong>All dogs benefit from a routine, but dogs with a sensitive stomach might benefit even more. Regular meal times lead to regular bowel movements, making it easier for you to keep an eye on your dog\u2019s digestive health. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Don\u2019t give too many treats: <\/strong>Too many treats might give your dog gas or an upset stomach \u2013 they can be rich and high in fat, a nutrient that can have a negative effect on dogs\u2019 digestive health, especially those with sensitive stomachs. Even low-fat treats should be given in moderation, as part of a healthy diet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Look for gut-friendly ingredients: <\/strong>If your dog has unusually smelly poos, they might benefit from a food with lots of gut-friendly ingredients. This might be a food that\u2019s formulated for sensitive stomachs. It might also be the case that your dog reacts to certain ingredients or nutrients, meaning that they need a food that avoids these. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make sure your dog gets enough fresh water: <\/strong>Water supports healthy digestion, so making sure your dog stays hydrated is really important. You should also clean your dog\u2019s water bowl and top it up with fresh water frequently \u2013 bacteria in the water can make your dog poorly. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
H2: How diet affects smelly dog poop<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many ways your dog\u2019s diet can influence their digestive health and therefore their bowel movements \u2013 the table below breaks down how each of these factors plays a role. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Stick to a routine: <\/strong>All dogs benefit from a routine, but dogs with a sensitive stomach might benefit even more. Regular meal times lead to regular bowel movements, making it easier for you to keep an eye on your dog\u2019s digestive health. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stick to a routine: <\/strong>All dogs benefit from a routine, but dogs with a sensitive stomach might benefit even more. Regular meal times lead to regular bowel movements, making it easier for you to keep an eye on your dog\u2019s digestive health. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Colour: <\/strong>Abnormal colours like dark black tarry substances could indicate internal bleeding and digested blood in the stool. Pale, yellowy or greasy poo can indicate fat digestion issues with the pancreas, or malabsorption, a condition where your dog can\u2019t absorb fat. Any dramatic changes in colour or visible blood is a cause for concern. In this case, always see your vet and take a stool sample with you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Colour: <\/strong>The colour of your dog\u2019s poo depends a lot on your dog\u2019s diet. Only you know what is normal for your dog. Shades of greenish brown, red brown or dark brown are all normal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bacterial or viral infections<\/strong> can also cause diarrhoea and poo that smells worse than usual. Making sure your dog is up to date with all their vaccinations will help protect them from catching these diseases, some of which can be dangerous, such as canine parvovirus. [4<\/a>] <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Parasites<\/strong> like worms can irritate your dog\u2019s gut, giving them an upset stomach. While dogs of any age can be affected by worms, younger puppies are more vulnerable, which is why they need to be given worming treatment more often than adult dogs. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
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