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Why is my dog's poop dry and rubbery, even if he's not straining?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | French Bulldog | Male | unneutered | 5 months and 6 days old | 26 lbs

My dog has been having bowel movements and he is not struggling to go, but the waste almost feels rubbery and seems dry. Is this a major issue or possibly something he got ahold of and is slowly passing through?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 25, 2017

If Beltre is not straining to defecate he is likely not constipated. To me it does look like he could have something in the stool that could be causing it to appear rubbery and dry. You could put on some gloves and try to pick it apart to get a better idea if there is something there. If he is eating normally without vomiting and continues to pass stool without issue I wouldn't worry about it too much.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
I'm sorry Beltre is having dry feces! It could be that he isn't drinking enough water, and that could be causing the them to feel drier than normal. I recommend soaking his dry food in gently warmed low sodium beef or chicken broth to get more fluids into him. You can also mix his dry food with wet food to have more moisture in his diet, and make sure he always has access to plenty of fresh water. As long as he is eating and drinking normally, behaving normally, and isn't struggling to pass feces, I wouldn't be too worried just yet. Keep an eye on him, and if the methods I suggested above don't help with his feces, his behavior changes, he struggles to pass feces, or shows concerning signs such as lethargy and anorexia, then I would take him into the vet right away for a health check. Good luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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