Dog Poo 101: What your pup’s poo says about their health
Let’s talk about something you probably deal with every day but might not give much thought to—your dog’s poo! Yep, that’s right. Your pup’s poo can actually tell you a lot about their health. By learning what’s normal and what’s not, you can catch potential problems early. So, let’s jump into the world of dog poo and figure out what your dog might be trying to tell you!
What does healthy dog poo look like?
In the world of dog poo, “healthy” means firm, moist and it should look like a well-formed sausage! The colour should be chocolate brown, though slightly darker shades are okay too. If your dog’s diet is balanced, this is usually the result. The size will vary depending on your dog's breed and diet, but the stool should match your dog’s size.
What does different dog poo mean?
- Soft & mushy: If your dog's poo is soft or mushy, it might signal a food imbalance, stress, or even a sensitivity to something in their diet. Keep an eye on it—if it keeps happening, chat with your vet.
- Watery/diarrhoea: Diarrhoea can be caused by infections, parasites, or something your dog ate. Make sure they’re drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and get them checked out if it doesn’t clear up quickly.
- Hard & dry: Hard, dry stool could mean your pup isn’t getting enough water or fibre. Time to encourage more water drinking and possibly add some fibre to their meals!
- Yellow or green: Stool that’s yellow or green might indicate a liver or bile issue. This is a sign to get your dog to the vet right away.
- Black or red: Black poo may indicate bleeding in the upper GI tract, while red means there’s bleeding in the lower part of the digestive system. Both are serious and need immediate attention from your vet.
- Mucus or blood: Any signs of mucus or blood in your dog’s stool are red flags! Don’t wait—get your vet involved as soon as possible.
What can affect your dog's poo?
There are several things that can change your dog’s poo. Their diet is a big one—dogs on a high-quality diet tend to have healthier, more consistent stools. Hydration is another huge factor, so make sure your dog is drinking plenty of water every day. Stress, illness, and even changes in routine can mess with your dog’s digestive system. And remember, certain medications might cause changes in your dog’s poo, so it’s always a good idea to discuss any side effects with your vet.
How to keep an eye on your dog’s poo
Consider keeping a “poo journal” (sounds funny, but it’s helpful!). Track when your dog goes, what it looks like, and how often. If anything changes, this info will be super useful for your vet. You can also try adjusting their diet if you notice unusual stools, but always consult your vet before making big changes. Regular check-ups are key to catching any issues before they get serious, so stay proactive!
How often should my dog poo?
Every dog is a little different, but generally speaking, once a day is considered a healthy average for adult dogs. Some may go up to 3 times a day, while others might only go once every 2-3 days—that can be perfectly normal, too! Puppies, on the other hand, tend to poop more frequently, sometimes up to 5 times a day.
If you notice any sudden changes in your dog’s usual bathroom routine, it’s a good idea to look into it, as it could be a sign of an underlying issue. Always keep an eye on what's normal for your pup
How can I make my dog’s poo better?
Healthy poo starts with a healthy diet! For your dog to have well-formed, regular stools, they need a balanced and complete diet with the right amount of fibre. A nutritious diet helps ensure your dog’s digestive system is working at its best.
If your dog’s poo is smelly, crumbly, or sticky, it might be a sign that their diet needs tweaking. A good diet allows your dog to digest food properly, reducing the chance of producing excessive or poor-quality stools.
Adding a supplement to your dogs diet is a great way to balance your pet's gut and optimise stool consistency, our Advanced Support for Digestion naturally boosts beneficial bacteria, improves nutrient digestion, and even helps with natural anal gland expression! Focus on providing meals with wholesome, digestible ingredients and keep at look out for key ingredients. This will help your dog to get the nutrients they need, resulting in consistent, healthy poos!
Bottom line: Pay attention!
A happy gut is crucial for your pet’s well-being at every stage of life. While it might not be the most glamorous part of being a dog owner, keeping an eye on your dog’s poo is an important part of keeping them healthy. By monitoring the colour, consistency, and frequency of their stool, you can catch potential problems early. And remember, when in doubt, your vet is there to help!
