DOG POOP: WHAT IT CAN TELL YOU ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
By: Door Buddy Editors | Published: 18 October 2024
Let’s face it - when you’re a “pawrent”, you spend a surprising amount of time inspecting dog poop. It's not the most glamorous part of pet ownership, but understanding what’s going on in your pup’s bathroom habits can actually tell you a lot about their health and any potential internal issues!
So, let’s explore the fascinating world of dog poop (yes, we’re really doing this) and answer some of those burning questions.
WHAT SHOULD DOG POOP LOOK LIKE?
Every dog is unique, and what’s considered “normal” can vary from one dog to another. It’s important to track what’s normal for your dog so you can quickly spot any changes.
First off, what does good dog poop look like? Ideally, it should be firm, log-shaped, and easy to pick up with a dog poop scoop. If your dog’s poop is a little soft but still holds its shape, that’s usually fine too.
On the other hand, dog poop with slime or a mucous-like coating could mean there’s inflammation in the intestines. And if you see dog poop with tapeworms, those little white specks that look like rice? Time to call the vet!
DOG POOP COLOR CHART: A QUICK GUIDE
Color is another tell-tale sign of what’s happening inside your dog’s body. Here’s a quick breakdown of dog poop color meaning:
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Brown: Perfect! This is the gold standard for dog poop color.
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Green: Your dog might have eaten grass or something green, but it could also be a sign of a gallbladder issue.
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Yellow: A yellow hue could indicate a problem with the liver or bile ducts.
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Black or tarry: This could be a sign of bleeding in the upper digestive tract. Definitely time for a vet visit.
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Brown with white dots: Small, rice-like white dots could be a sign of tapeworms or other intestinal parasites.
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Red streaks: Red streaks in dog poop typically indicate fresh blood, which could result from minor irritation, anal gland issues, or more serious gastrointestinal conditions, so it’s best to consult your vet if it persists.
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White: If your dog poop is white, it might be due to too much calcium or bone in their diet. If your dog isn’t gnawing on bones, it could indicate other digestive issues.
DOG POOP SHAPE
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Well-formed, log-shaped poop: Yay! This means your pup’s digestive system is happy and healthy!
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Soft or mushy poop: Uh-oh! This might hint at some dietary issues or food intolerances - time to check their chow.
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Pebble-like poop: Looks like your dog might be a bit dehydrated or constipated - get them to drink more water.
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Thin or ribbon-like stools: Uh-oh, this could be a sign of an underlying health issue, like an intestinal blockage - time for a vet visit!
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Diarrhea: Oh no! This could point to infections, stress, or a change in diet - definitely something to keep an eye on!
DOG POOP SIZE
When it comes to your dog’s poop, size and shape matter! For size, think about a banana - small pups will produce smaller stools, while bigger breeds will have larger ones. The important thing is that the poop keeps its shape and doesn’t crumble apart. If you notice your dog’s poop is consistently too small, too big, or just doesn’t look right, it’s a good idea to give your vet a call to make sure everything’s okay!
DOG POOP FREQUENCY: HOW OFTEN SHOULD DOGS POOP?
Wondering how often dogs poop? Well, like humans, it varies. On average, most dogs poop 1-3 times a day. If your dog is pooping more than that, or less, it could be due to a change in diet, stress, or other health concerns.
If you’re unsure how many times your dog should poop a day, keep an eye on them, but don’t stress over small fluctuations unless it becomes a pattern.
WHAT DOES DIARRHEA MEAN?
Loose or watery poop? Not great. Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of things, from stress to eating something off the street (yep, we’re looking at you, dog poop eating pups). Diarrhea that lasts more than a day or contains blood should definitely prompt a call to the vet.
HELP! MY DOG EATS POOP
Ah yes, the dreaded “my dog eats poop” conversation! Known scientifically as coprophagia, this behavior is more common than you might think, even if it makes us humans gag. A particularly baffling situation arises when dogs choose to munch on cat poop. Why do they do this? It could be driven by curiosity, the appealing scent, or the extra nutrients that come from cat food, which can be more enticing than their own diet. There are several reasons dogs eat poop: boredom, a search for nutrients, or just a quirky habit. Keeping your yard tidy and teaching your dog the “leave it” command can help curb this behavior. If you want to learn more about why dogs are drawn to cat poop and how to handle it, check out our other blog post for some helpful tips!
HOW TO HELP YOUR DOG POOP BETTER
If your dog’s having trouble, you may wonder, what helps dogs poop? A fiber-rich diet, plenty of water, and regular exercise are key. You can also try adding pumpkin (the canned kind, not the pie mix) to help firm up their stool or get things moving. Plus, a good probiotic can promote healthy gut bacteria, which is essential for digestion and can make a world of difference in your pup’s bathroom habits. Our pick: Vet’s Best, a trusted probiotic that supports your pet’s digestive health and overall well-being.
WHEN TO VISIT THE VET
Knowing when to take a trip to the vet about your dog’s poop is key to keeping your furry friend happy and healthy! If your pup has diarrhea that sticks around for more than a day or two - especially if they’re also feeling a bit under the weather - it’s time to give the vet a ring. And if you spot any blood in their stool, whether it’s bright red streaks or dark, tarry bits, that’s a definite reason to get them checked out right away! Hard or pebble-like stools might mean your pup is constipated or dehydrated, and if they’re straining or heading out way too often, that’s worth mentioning to your vet, too. Lastly, keep an eye out for any sudden changes in color or consistency; those little poops can tell big stories about your dog’s health! Keeping track of these bathroom habits and creating a poop diary can help you catch any issues early.
CONCLUSION: UNDERSTANDING YOUR DOGS POOP
In conclusion, while dog poop may not be the most glamorous topic, paying attention to it can be crucial for your pup’s health. By keeping an eye on their bathroom habits, you can catch potential health issues before they escalate. So, the next time you’re out with your furry friend and take a moment to glance down at their business, remember that even a small pile can reveal a lot about your dog’s well-being! Happy observing!
BONUS TIP: MAKE CLEAN-UP EASY
No one likes picking up after their dog, but it’s necessary. Investing in a good dog poop scoop or biodegradable bags can make the job a little less stinky and more eco-friendly. Now, go forth and scoop like a pro!
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