Small, Hard, Ball-Like Poop After Switching to a Prescription Diet
by kath
(ashland, or, usa)
Smaller, firmer stools can happen when a dog changes to a highly digestible prescription diet. These foods are designed to be absorbed efficiently and often produce less stool, and dry food also adds less moisture than canned food. If she's pooping regularly, without straining or pain, and is eating, drinking and acting normally, that's reassuring.
The things to watch for are straining, crying when she goes, going a couple of days without a bowel movement, or stools that are so hard she struggles to pass them. Make sure she always has fresh water, and ask your vet whether the canned version of her diet, or a little added fiber that won't interfere with her allergy diet, would help. Don't add new foods or treats without checking first, because that can undo the food trial.
Our guide to dog constipation symptoms lists the signs that mean she should be checked.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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