Whether you are in the process of training a puppy to toilet outside or have had a pooch in your family for years, as a dog owner, you are likely to be well acquainted with the daily task of ‘picking up poop’. Whilst you may prefer to hold your nose and look away, as mad as it sounds, it is worth getting to know your pet’s poop. Read on to find out why.
Your dog’s poop can tell you a lot about their general health, not just their gut. So, keeping a close eye on their stools can be a good way to pick up on any changes quickly.
The perfect poop
There is in fact no such thing as a perfect poop. ‘Normal’ will vary between individual dogs and can depend on their diet, life stage and home environment.
Typically, a healthy dog poo would be brown in colour; log-shaped; easy to pick-up with little to no, residue left behind; and firm but not too hard. Most dogs pass between one and three poops each day, though this is likely to be higher in puppies eating regular small meals. Generally, poop size correlates with the size of the dog, though high fibre diets are likely to result in larger poops.
Too firm
Poops are considered ‘too firm’ if they are hard, dry or crumbly, or fall apart when picked up.
Too runny
Poops that are not easily picked up, are very moist in texture, or are left in piles or puddles are considered ‘too runny’.
Colour considerations
Whilst there will always be a degree of variation in colour between different dog’s doo-doo, you may also notice changes within an individual’s poop day to day. This could be totally normal and due to them eating different foods, but there are some things to look out for which may indicate an underlying issue.
Red – red streaks could indicate fresh blood (though worth checking it is not tomato, red pepper or beetroot, if that has recently been eaten!)
Very dark/ black – can be a sign of bleeding higher up with in the gastrointestinal tract
Green – in the absence of lots of grass, green stools may indicate a gall bladder issue
Yellow or orange – beyond carrot, yellow pepper or sweetcorn, particularly yellow poos can occur if something is up with the liver
Grey or greasy – can be suggestive that fat is not being broken down properly, which may be due to an issue with the pancreas or bile production
White specs – often described as looking like grains of rice, flecks of white within the poop can be a sign of certain worms
Excessive mucus
Whilst a thin layer of mucus may be present coating your dog’s poop, large amounts are not normal and may accompany loose stools.
If you notice any of the above changes in colour, consistency or frequency of your dog’s defaecation then it is best to contact your vet for advice. They may suggest you just monitor for a day or so, but certain changes may warrant prompt assessment, such as seeing blood or passing black stools.
How to sniff out a problem - how do I know everything is ok with my dog’s gut?
As dog owners we are likely to be able to track changes in our dog’s poop fairly easily, as most of us will be picking them up straight after they are done. However, there may be situations where more rural canine companions are able to roam off into woodland to do their business, or dogs are let out into large gardens to poop, meaning owners are not seeing it day-to-day. There are other clues to look out for that may suggest something is not quite right:
Passing excessive wind or having a very noisy belly can be a sign of gut disturbance.
Long-haired dogs may get poop stuck around their bottom or in their tail if they are passing loose stools. It is important to clean this up promptly, not only to get rid of the smell(!), but also to avoid the skin beneath becoming sore or flies laying eggs and causing fly strike in summer.
If a dog is struggling to pass their poop, you may notice them straining more than normal or straining without producing anything. If this is the case, veterinary guidance should be sought.
Potential causes of diarrhoea
Dietary indiscretion (eating or drinking something they shouldn’t!)
Sudden change in diet
Stress
Infection (worms, viral, bacterial)
Taking medications, such as antibiotics
An underlying disease
Potential causes of constipation
Dehydration
Excessive grooming
Sudden change in diet
Lack of exercise
Fibre imbalance in diet (may need more or less)
Been chewing on a bone
Eaten an indigestible object (e.g. toy/ bone)
Sides-effects of certain medications
Anal gland issues
Underlying disease
Whilst mild diarrhoea or constipation may resolve by themselves within a couple of days, if either persists or becomes severe, then it is best to get your dog checked over by a vet. Beyond alterations to their stools, any change in demeanour or appetite, or development of other symptoms could be a sign that something is not quite right and warrants prompt veterinary investigation.
Key Takeaways
Poop can vary between individual dogs depending on diet and lifestyle
Typically most dogs pass one to three poops per day
Healthy dog poo is easily picked up and is normally brown, log-shaped and firm but not too dry
Get to know what’s normal for your dog
Any changes in appearance or frequency of passing poop should be noted
Veterinary guidance should be sought if stools become particularly loose or dry, or if there are any other symptoms noticed and/or there’s a change in your dog’s demeanour
