Decoding The Doo

What Your Dog's Stools Means For Their Health

Photo by Dachengzi Liang On Unsplash

Being in the business of animal wellness means I get to dive into poop discussions almost daily. While most dogs probably wish we'd talk about anything but their poop, understanding what comes out can be a major clue to their overall health.

I'm not shy about it—I keep a close eye on what my own pets leave behind, and I'm known to ask my clients for the blow-by-blow of their dogs' bathroom adventures. It's all in the name of ensuring our furry friends are feeling their best!

So, let's dive into this not-so-glamorous but oh-so-important topic. In this guide, we'll explore the various types of dog poop and decode what each one means for their well-being. Because hey, a little poop talk can go a long way in keeping our pups happy and healthy!

The Gold Standard 

Most pet owners probably know what a "good poop" should look and feel like. It's the gold standard of doggy-do: brown, firm, and well-formed, almost like a smooth sausage or log made of play dough that leaves little to no residue. That's the sign of a happy digestive system and a well-balanced diet with plenty of hydration.

Now, let's talk about raw-fed dogs—their poop takes things to a whole new level of awesome. It's close to odorless, folks! Yep, you heard that right—poop that barely leaves a scent trail. I often joke with my clients that they may switch to a raw dog food diet for the health benefits, but they end up staying for the low-odor poops. It's like a bonus perk that makes the raw feeding journey even more enjoyable!

Consistency:

Mushy Soft Stool

Dog poo that is wet and mushy, maintaining its log shape on the ground but turning into a mushy mess as soon as you go to pick it up. Let's call this soggy or loose, often caused by dietary changes or mild digestive hiccups, like trying out new foods or treats.

Diarrhea:

We're talking about those shapeless, scoop-resistant stools that make even the toughest poop bags quiver in fear. My personal favorite (not really) is what I like to call "poop soup"—the kind of mess that spreads like, well, soup, especially on carpets and in unexpected places. This soupy situation can lead to dehydration fast, making it crucial to keep a close watch and seek advice from your pet care team, especially if it persists or if you notice other symptoms like lethargy or loss of appetite cropping up.

Constipation:

Dry, hard stools usually points to dehydration issues, caused by factors like insufficient water intake, dietary imbalances (such as too much bone or too little organ meat for raw fed dogs), or a lack of fiber in the diet. It's like your pup's way of saying, "Hey, I need more hydration and fiber, please!"

Understanding these different poop presentations can give us valuable clues about our furry friends' digestive health. And remember, if you're ever in doubt or things persist, it's always best to consult with a member of your pet care team for their thoughts.

Color: 

When it comes to color and consistency, the winner is once again the classic brown hue! Whether it's light or dark depends on your dog's diet. While processed kibble eaters might stick to a steady brown, our raw-fed pals get to enjoy a daily color-changing show! And let's not forget, that perfect poop is not just about color—it's firm, compact, and a breeze to pick up, leaving no smears behind. Talk about a poop perfectionist's dream!

White & Chalk Poop

A white, chalky poop is the telltale sign of a bit too much bone in your pup's last meal, making it a tad tricky to pass. But fear not, it's an easy fix! Simply add in less bone and amp up the muscle meat, or toss in some organ meat for good measure.

Now, here's where it gets fascinating for us raw feeders: raw-fed stools can turn white after about 24 hours. Pretty cool, right? It's been known to freak out a few new raw feeders, it's just another quirky perk of raw feeding.

Gray & Greasy Poop

Ever seen your pup leave behind a gray, greasy surprise? Too much fat in their diet can turn their poops into a slippery affair. It could also signal something more serious, like a pancreas or gallbladder issue.

Take my buddy Torch, for example. He's a raw-fed champ but deals with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), which can lead to those less-than-ideal poops. However, I've cracked the code on managing his gray, greasy stools, by introducing a higher amount of low-fat fish like sardines or salmon! Not only do they keep Torch's stools well-formed with minimal residue, but they also pack a punch of DHA for added health benefits. It's like a win-win for his digestive system and overall well-being!

Yellow, Orange, and Green

Yellow, orange, and green hues can make quite the entrance, especially after indulging in poultry, orange veggies, or even some funky berries.

Yellow and orange poops might be the result of a poultry and veggie feast, but if your pup hasn't been dining on these items, it could be a sign of liver issues sneaking in. As for those striking green stools, if they're not from a veggie overload, grass snacks, they might be pointing to gallbladder troubles. Yep, that green tint is the telltale bile at work!

Berries can sprinkle some blue or purple magic into the mix, while rice, when not fully digested, can play tricks on us, mimicking wormy white specks in the poop.

So, next time you're admiring your pup's poop artistry, remember that each color tells a story—sometimes about dinner choices, and other times, about potential health hints.

Red Streaks or Blood

Bright red specks can signal a party in the digestive tract, often indicating inflammation. It's like a little firework show, especially common when our pups indulge in too much new food at once. Think of it as a temporary "spice" overload!

One of the most concerning signs is blood in your dog's stool, which can indicate a range of issues, from minor irritations to serious conditions like parasites, infections, or inflammatory bowel disease. If you notice blood in your dog's poop, seek immediate veterinary attention for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.

When those red streaks take on a darker hue, like a deep maroon, it's time to pay closer attention. This could point to bleeding in the upper digestive tract—the stomach, duodenum, or upper intestine—areas that warrant a closer look from your pet care professional.

Dark & Tar-like

When the poop comes out tarry, thick, and sticky, it's likely a sign that there is too much organ meat in the diet. maybe we overdid the organ meat! The remedy? Tone down the organ meat, beef up the muscle meat, or sprinkle in a bit more bone. It's all about nailing that perfect balance, especially for us raw food fanatics.

Black

Black stools are anything but ordinary when not feeding raw, as they could be a sign of potential gastrointestinal bleeding, which should be evaluated by a vet.

Mucous-Covered

Those slimy, mucous-covered poos are like the wild cards of the poop world, often making an appearance when your pup's chowing down on new foods, making the raw food switch, or just trying to pass something they recently gobbled up. It's like their digestive system is saying, "Hold up, I'm adjusting here!"

But don't fret too much—transient mucous is usually nothing to fret about. Just jot it down, acknowledge the change, and carry on. However, if it becomes a regular feature on the poop parade, it's time to have a chat with someone on your pet care team.

Got a question about doggy business? Don't be shy, drop us a line in the comments below!

Need some dedicated guidance, book a virtual consultation with Dr. Andi!

And if you know someone who could use this information "doo" please share it with them!

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