Does your furry friend suffer from hard stools? That is not only annoying for your dog, but also for you to see. Hard stools are painful for your dog and can cause other health problems, such as constipation.

Why exactly does your dog have hard stools? Hard stools in dogs have several causes, including:

• Fiber deficiency;
• Too little exercise;
• Underlying medical condition;
• Stress;
• Medicines;
• Toxins.

There are several things you can do to prevent or treat hard stools in your dog:

• Give your dog a healthy diet with sufficient fiber;
• Make sure your dog drinks enough water;
• Get your dog regular exercise;
• Avoid stress.

Probiotics such as Probiotics Forte from Dogsuppy help to restore your dog's intestinal flora and prevent or treat hard stools.

Causes of hard stools in dogs

Below you will find the biggest causes of hard stools in dogs.

Wrong nutrition

• Fiber deficiency : fiber is essential for healthy digestion. A diet lacking in fiber leads to difficulty processing food, causing hard stools.
• Too much protein : If your dog consumes too much protein, it can affect digestion and lead to constipation.

Too little exercise

Dogs that do not exercise enough have less intestinal movements. In other words, it reduces 'intestinal motility'. Bowel movements are necessary to move food through the digestive tract.

If a dog does not exercise enough, intestinal movements decrease. This causes food to remain in the intestines longer and (too) much water is absorbed from the feces, which causes constipation.

Underlying medical condition

• Constipation : Constipation is a common cause of hard stools. It can be caused by insufficient fluid intake, lack of fiber or problems with intestinal function.
• Intestinal parasites : Infections with parasites such as worms can negatively affect digestion, which then causes hard stools.
• Food allergy : allergic reactions to certain foods can also cause problems with the digestive system.
  

Stress

Stress doesn't just affect dogs' behavior: it also affects digestion. This is also the case with humans: when we are stressed, food is digested less well and/or we experience stomach and intestinal complaints.

When a dog is stressed, stress hormones are released – and these can slow down intestinal movements. This can cause problems such as hard stools.

Medicines

• Antibiotics : Some antibiotics disrupt the balance of intestinal flora, which is the culprit of hard stools. It not only eliminates harmful bacteria, but also beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion.
• Toxins : Eating toxins such as certain plants or chemicals (harmful substances) causes problems in your dog's digestive system.

What can you do if your dog has hard stools?

If your dog is suffering from hard stools, there are several steps you can take to improve his digestion and overall health.

Nutritious food

Good nutrition is the basis for healthy digestion. Feed your dog high-quality food with a balanced mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The food should contain all the nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy.

If your dog suffers from hard stools, you can choose to add wet food to his diet. Wet food contains more moisture than dry food, which helps to soften the stool.

High fiber diet

Fiber is important for healthy digestion. They help to keep the stool soft and moist.

You increase your dog's fiber intake by giving him more vegetables, fruit, or fiber-rich chunks. Pumpkin, sweet potato, and green beans are good options.

You can also add fiber supplements to your dog's diet. First ask your vet for advice .

Hydration

Adequate water intake is important to prevent hard stools. Make sure your dog has access to fresh water all day long. You can also choose to add some water to the dry food. Hydration not only ensures smooth bowel movements but also supports overall health.

Probiotic supplements

Choose to add probiotic supplements to your dog's diet, such as Dogsuppy Probiotica Forte. Probiotics make the intestinal flora healthy and contribute to optimal digestion.

Probiotics are like little helpers for your dog's intestines. They help digest food, prevent constipation and diarrhea, and ensure healthier stools.

Regular exercise

Dogs are naturally active animals. They need exercise to be healthy and happy. Regular exercise is also important for dogs' digestion.

Exercise stimulates intestinal movements, making it easier for food to move through the digestive tract. It also prevents too much water from being absorbed from the stool.

Avoid stress

Because stress affects your dog's digestion, it is important to prevent stress. Provide a quiet environment, avoid sudden changes in routine and give your dog plenty of attention and love.

And don't forget, if you keep your dog happy and relaxed, you'll get that back tenfold.

Consult a veterinarian

If hard stools persist, contact a veterinarian. It may indicate underlying health problems such as intestinal obstructions, food intolerances or other conditions. The vet can examine your dog's needs and propose a customized treatment plan.

How Dogsuppy probiotics forte helps with hard stools

Dogsuppy Probiotic Forte is a unique combination of four different components: probiotics, prebiotics, parabiotics and postbiotics. Together they help your dog's intestines in a good way and ensure long-lasting results.

Here are the benefits of Dogsuppy Probiotica Forte for hard stools:

• Reduces the hardness of the stool;
• Increases the frequency of bowel movements;
• Relieves the symptoms of constipation;
• Improves overall digestion.

You give our probiotics in the form of chewies. These are available in different flavors, so your dog will enjoy eating them. Give your dog 1 chewie per 10 kg of body weight daily.

Most dogs notice improvement within 2-3 weeks. The stool becomes softer and occurs more frequently. The full result is achieved after 2-3 months. Your dog will then be freed from all ailments resulting from unbalanced intestinal health. Not only is the stool consistently nice and firm, but the coat and skin are also healthier and shinier.