Yes, talking about dog poop is probably one of the most avoided on dog talks. It’s probably not a good conversation starter between two dog owners. Although this topic is very much avoided in some circles, it’s very important in reducing the health of your dog. Let me ask you a quick question; do you know who receives the most pictures of dog poop in the world? Well, it’s a vet! Vets ask a lot after dog poop since these poops are accurate tell-tale signs of a dog’s overall health. Dog poop varies in shape, color, size moisture content, and smell. By recognizing the difference in dog poops, you can effectively diagnose your dog’s state of health, and make the necessary adjustments. So, let’s take a look at the various types of dog poop and their respective meaning
What does your dogs poop tell you about his health and wellbeing
When you find blood or mucus in dog poop.
Trust me, seeing blood or mucus in your dog poop can be pretty alarming, especially for first-time owners. Well, do not fret, as this symptom is caused by different factors. A dog stool with blood or mucus can indicate the presence of the following; Internal parasites (such as roundworms), An upset stomach from eating bad food, a viral infection (like parvovirus), an intestinal foreign body, inflammation of the colon (colitis), a bacterial infection, an intestinal foreign body, Cancer, Autoimmune disorders (such as inflammatory bowel disease), and Allergies. Remember to pay a visit to the veterinarian in this type of situation. The vet will be able to carry a proper diagnosis on the cause of infection.
When you find a change in the color of your dog poop
Before you can deduce if your dog stool is abnormal, it’s better to know what a healthy dog poop looks like. A healthy dog’s poop should be chocolate in color, firm and with a little bit of moisture. So, the standard dog’s poop should be easy to pick up. Additionally, a dog poop should be log-shaped, and the size should be proportionate to the amount of food ingested. Once there’s a deviation from this standard, you should know that there’s something wrong with your dog. It might be a change in diet or too much of a particular ingredient or mineral.
For example, if a dog feeds on too much calcium, the stool will have a Grey or white color. If you feed your dog on greasy and fatty foods, then the stool will have a yellow color, while a green poop means that your dog is earing top much grass. Seeing additional particles in your dog stool indicates poor digestion. Lastly, the watery stool is usually caused by a change in diet.
When you find parasites in your dog stool
You’re probably thinking that it’s impossible to see parasites in dog stool without the aid of a microscope, and a veterinarian’s expertise. Well, sorry to disappoint you, you can see large parasites like a tapeworm in dog stool. These parasites appear as grains of rice in dog’s poop. Furthermore, a dark or black stool exposes the presence of parasites in the dog’s intestinal tract. Dark stools indicate the presence of intestinal bleeding, which is caused by parasites.
When your dog poop is watery
Watery stools indicate the presence of so many factors. Factors like allergen reaction, constipation, inflammation in the GI tract, and so much more. If you’ve recently made a change in your dog’s diet, then this is the probable cause for watery stool. Mind you, a change in season or a new environment can also trigger this reaction in dogs.
By learning these changes in your dog poop, you can quickly curb potential diseases or ailments. In fact, it saves you a lot of cash spent on fecal testing. By understanding the five properties of dog poop; color, consistency, shape, size, and content, you become an expert in your dog's diet. With this, you can regulate, and remove harmful ingredients from their diet. What's more?; you increase your dog's energy since an inconsistent stool saps their strength and energy. Lastly, you save your vet, the stress of waking up to dog poop.