Pebble poop is when poop appears as small, hard, separate lumps. It can also appear as a solid piece that looks as though it consists of pebbles. Both types are a sign of constipation.

Constipation is a common problem that most people experience from time to time. Chronic constipation can be painful and may indicate an underlying health problem.

In this article, learn about the causes of pebble poop, as well as the possible treatments and home remedies.

Pebble poop, or pellet-like stool, may occur when very hard stool breaks apart into smaller pieces.

This breakage can happen during digestion, or it may take place in the anus immediately before a person has a bowel movement. It can be more difficult to pass these small pellets than a normal stool, and a person may strain to pass stool.

Most people have a regular bowel movement pattern, passing stool from three times a day to once every 3 days. People with longer digestion periods and less frequent pooping may develop hard stools.

When food passes through the digestive system, the colon absorbs some of the water that the food contains. Food that passes more slowly than usual spends too much time in the colon. As a result, the colon absorbs too much water, and the stool may become hard.

Some other symptoms that a person might experience in addition to pebble-like stool include:

  • straining to poop
  • abdominal bloating
  • stools that feel too large to pass
  • the feeling that some stool remains left behind, even after a bowel movement

The Bristol stool form scale is a tool that helps people classify stool appearance.

Hard, pebble-like stool is a sign of constipation, which can happen for many reasons. Certain lifestyle and dietary factors can make constipation worse.

For example, constipation is more prevalent in seniors due to the changes in muscle tone and nervous system function that typically occur with age. An older adult who does not eat enough fiber or takes medications that may cause constipation has an even higher risk of hard stools.

Some other risk factors for constipation include:

  • Anxiety: Children and toddlers may not poop when they feel anxious or when there is a major change in their home or bathroom routine. Toilet training children may refuse to poop if their parents or caregivers are punitive or too aggressive with toilet training.
  • Medications: Certain medications and dietary supplements may make constipation worse. These include antacids containing aluminum and calcium, anticholinergics, antispasmodics, anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, iron supplements, narcotics, some antidepressants, and certain medications for Parkinson’s disease.
  • Gastrointestinal problems: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other conditions that affect the stomach and intestines may cause constipation. Some people with food sensitivities also experience this symptom.
  • Physical injuries: Spinal cord injuries, damage to the bowels, and muscle injuries to the pelvic floor — such as those resulting from childbirth — may make it difficult for a person to have a bowel movement. This delay can slow digestion and cause pebble poop.
  • Chronic illnesses: Many chronic illnesses can cause constipation by affecting nerve or muscle function. Diabetes, hypothyroidism, and colon cancer are conditions that may cause this symptom.
  • Lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle may increase the risk of constipation, especially for people with other risk factors. Other lifestyle changes like becoming pregnant, traveling, and changes in diet may cause constipation.
  • Diet: Low-fiber diets may cause pebble poop and constipation. Some people develop pebble stools when they do not drink enough water.

If the symptoms are mild or the constipation is not chronic, a few lifestyle changes may help a person treat pebble poop at home. Medication can also help them manage occasional hard stools.

These strategies may help:

  • Eating more fiber: High-fiber foods may help soften the stool. Adult women require 22-28 grams (g) of fiber daily, while men need about 28-34 g each day. Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber.
  • Drinking more water: For some people, pebbly stools are a sign of dehydration.
  • Trying a stool softener: Stool softeners reduce the amount of water the colon absorbs, making stools easier to pass.
  • Using an over-the-counter constipation medication: These drugs can speed up digestion. Constipation medications may also make hard stools easier to pass.
  • Exercising: Exercise can improve the strength of pelvic floor muscles and support muscle tone in the abdomen and throughout the body, making it easier for a person to have a bowel movement.

When a person has chronic constipation or a serious underlying medical condition, symptoms may only improve with medical treatment.

A doctor may prescribe prescription medications such as lubiprostone, linaclotide, or prucalopride.

However, the right treatment will depend on the reason why a person has constipation. For example, a person with pelvic floor dysfunction may not have sufficient strength to pass stool, slowing digestion and causing pebble poop. A doctor may recommend pelvic floor physical therapy.

For people with IBS, a doctor may advise eliminating possible trigger foods from the diet one by one to see if this helps resolve the symptoms. If a person identifies a particular food that seems to cause issues, they can avoid or limit their intake.

Biofeedback therapy may also be recommended if a person is having problems with the muscles that control bowel movements. This therapy involves a person learning to control their muscles through the use of electronic devices and a coach.

Pebble poop can be distressing for babies and young children. They may fear that passing the stool will hurt, and they might refuse to have a bowel movement.

Parents and caregivers should seek treatment for children with chronic constipation or persistently hard stools.

People can try these home remedies to help an infant or child pass hard stool:

  • Giving the child plenty of water and reassuring them that drinking more water may help.
  • Ensuring the child eats plenty of high fiber foods like fruit and vegetables.
  • Encouraging the child to get enough physical activity through walking, playing catch, or biking, for example.
  • Getting the child into a routine of regularly sitting on the toilet or potty around the same time every day, ideally after a meal.
  • Asking the child if they feel worried about using the potty or toilet, or if there are certain environments they feel uncomfortable doing this (such as school or playschool)
  • Staying calm and reassuring, as displaying anger or stress can intensify a child’s anxiety about having a bowel movement.
  • Using a reward system when the child uses the bathroom regularly.

It is essential not to give constipation medication to a baby or child without first talking with a doctor.

The following strategies may help babies:

  • Moving the baby’s legs in a circle as though pedaling a bicycle while the baby lies on their back. This movement can stimulate the muscles and bowels and may help the baby’s bowel movement.
  • Giving the baby a gentle tummy massage while they’re lying down.
  • If the baby is bottle-fed, try giving them extra water between feeds.
  • If the baby is on solids, make sure they’re getting enough fiber – apples, pears, and prunes are particularly good for constipation.

Below are some frequently asked questions about pebble poop.

When should I worry about pebble poop?

Pebble poop is usually nothing to worry about. However, chronic constipation can sometimes point to a more severe illness. A person may wish to see a doctor about pebble poop if it is not resolved by lifestyle changes and is accompanied by:

How do you get rid of pebble poop?

Eating more fiber, drinking more water, and exercising are lifestyle changes that may help a person get rid of pebble poop. Depending on the cause of constipation, a doctor may also recommend prescription medication, physical therapy, or biofeedback therapy.

Hard, pebble-shaped poop is a common frustration. The occasional pebble poop usually means that a person did not get enough fiber or water that day.

Minor stomach problems and infections can also temporarily slow digestion, causing constipation.

When pebble poop lasts for days or weeks, however, it may be a sign of a serious problem. Chronic hard stools can also be very painful, triggering anxiety about having a bowel movement.

In many cases, a quick consultation with a doctor can help resolve the problem. Even when the cause of pebble poop is more serious, prompt medical care can stop the problem from getting worse.