Important Disclaimer
The information provided here is for general pet health education only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional veterinary advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.
- Species & breed
- Dog · Belgian Malinois
- Age
- 1 years old
- Sex
- Male
- Color
- Black & Tan
It's great that Mookie finished his medication and is feeling better overall — and it's clear you're paying close attention to how he's doing, which really matters during those first weeks together.
Soft, mushy stools that aren't quite diarrhea are really common in dogs going through a lot of change at once, and a 1-year-old Malinois who just recovered from illness, got adopted, and is switching foods has a lot going on in his world right now. Here are some things that commonly contribute to what you're describing:
- Food transition pace. Even a slow transition can be tricky if the new food is richer, higher in fat, or higher in fiber than what he was eating before. Some dogs need a longer runway — 3–4 weeks rather than the typical 7–10 days.
- Portion size. You mentioned you might be overfeeding, and that's worth looking at. Too much food at once is a very common cause of soft stools, even with a healthy gut. Check the feeding guide on the bag and use his ideal weight, not his current weight, as the reference point.
- Probiotics. The probiotic powder is a good instinct, and it can help — but it sometimes takes a few weeks to show a noticeable effect, and some dogs respond better to certain strains than others.
- Stress and adjustment. A new home, new smells, new routines — this genuinely affects digestion in dogs. Three weeks in, Mookie is still getting his bearings.
A few things you can try at home:
- Double-check his daily portion against the bag's guidelines and consider slightly reducing it to see if that firms things up
- Make sure he has consistent meal times rather than free feeding
- Keep a simple log of stool consistency day by day — this is really useful information for your vet
- Avoid adding new foods, treats, or toppers while you're troubleshooting
Since this has been going on for the full three weeks you've had him, and he's recently finished a course of medication, it's worth looping your vet back in. They already know his history and will have the best picture of what's normal for his recovery.
When to see your vet: Since this has been ongoing for three weeks with no improvement, I'd recommend reaching out to your vet soon — this week if possible — rather than waiting. Definitely call right away if you notice any of the following: true diarrhea or watery stools, blood or mucus in the stool, vomiting, loss of appetite, noticeable weight loss, or if Mookie seems tired or less energetic than usual. Your vet may want to check a stool sample to rule out anything lingering after his treatment.
Was this answer helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve answers for every pet.