DOG POO – This is An Incredibly 💩 Blog Post!
Watson, Bring the Poo Samples!
Since the vet once told me many years ago about how important it is to monitor my dogs’ poo, I’ve become a veritable Sherlock Holmes…ask any of my friends…they think it’s weird how much attention I pay to poo (my dogs’ poo, that is!) I sometimes have to consciously check my phone gallery before I scroll through pictures to show someone, in case a poo pic comes up and I have to awkwardly explain it. LOL I now have an album called “Dog Poo”, to avoid embarrassment (this does also mean I need to remember to MOVE the pics from the main gallery.)
But, on a more serious note, decoding your dogs poo is a must-do for pet pawrents. This can provide valuable insights into their health – your doggo’s poo can tell you more than you might think. I have often sent through pics of my dogs’ poo to the vet to see if there’s cause for concern.
Why Monitor Your Dog’s Poo?
First off, why should we care about our dog’s poo? Well, what comes out the back end can reveal a lot about what’s happening inside. By keeping an eye on your dog’s bowel movements, you can catch early signs of dietary issues, infections, or other health problems. Think of it as a routine check-up you can do at home.
Ever wondered if your dog’s poo is normal? If you’ve never given it much thought, you’re not alone. But trust me, a little attention to this matter can go a long way in ensuring your dog’s overall well-being. Just ask any vet, and they’ll tell you that prevention is always better than cure.
What to Look for in Your Dog’s Poo
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. And, no, I’m not saying you need to do an in-depth analysis each time your doggie toilets, but when you’re on poo patrol each day, there are a few key characteristics to watch for:
Colour: The ideal colour for your dog’s poo is a rich, chocolate brown. Any significant changes in colour can be a sign of trouble. For example, black or tarry stools can indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, whilst red streaks might point to bleeding in the lower part. (Emmy had a bad intestinal infection a number of months ago and I knew something was wrong the moment I saw her black stool – a visit to the vet and a course of antibiotics sorted it out but if I didn’t immediately recognise that there was a problem, it could have been a lot worse.)
Consistency: Healthy poo should be firm but not too hard. It should hold its shape but be easy to pick up. Runny poo can indicate dietary issues or infections, while overly hard poo might be a sign of constipation.
Frequency: How often your dog goes can vary based on their diet and activity level, but a general rule of thumb is one to two times a day. Sudden changes in frequency, whether more often or less, can be a sign of underlying health issues.
Is your dog’s poo the right colour and consistency? How often should you be concerned about changes? If you notice anything unusual, it’s always a good idea to consult your vet.
Was that Cat Poop?
Have you ever been out on a walk with your dog and they stop to sniff, give a little dig with a paw and, the next thing you know, they’ve just made a little snack out of some cat poop!? It’s important, especially when you’re out walking, to watch your dog and make sure he or she doesn’t find something eeuw to snack on, because that could be dangerous. Dog’s are strangely attracted to cat poo (usually because of its high protein content), but this can be a health risk due to cat feces often containing harmful pathogens like E.coli. If you’ve noticed your dog chomp on something whilst out on a walk, keep an eye on them for a day or two, and if you notice diarrhoea , lethargy, changes in appetite , take them to the vet immediately. (Of course, as South Africans, the other all-too-common danger when out on walks is, unfortunately, human poo.)
TOP TIP: One of the handiest commands I’ve taught Levi is “drop it!” Of course, “Leave it!” would be even better in most circumstances but, we all know how quickly dogs get something in their mouths. Having a dog with a good “Drop it!” understanding helps a lot when you’re out on a walk and they decide to have a smelly snack.
Common Poo Problems and What They Mean
So, what are some common poo problems, and what do they mean?
Diarrhoea: This can be caused by anything from dietary indiscretion (like sneaking a bit of your supper) to more serious issues like infections or parasites (refer back to the cat poop). If your dog has diarrhoea for more than a day or two, it’s time to see the vet.
Constipation: On the flip side, if your dog is straining to go or producing hard, dry stools, they might be constipated. This can be due to a lack of fiber, not enough water, or even something more serious like an obstruction.
Unusual Substances: Finding mucus, blood, or parasites in your dog’s poo is definitely cause for concern. These can indicate anything from inflammation to infections, and you should seek veterinary advice immediately.
Have you ever noticed unusual changes in your dog’s poo? When should you take your dog to the vet? If in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
Maintaining Healthy Poo: Diet and Lifestyle Tips
So, how can you keep your dog’s digestive system in top shape?
Diet: A balanced diet rich in fiber and hydration is key. Make sure your dog is getting high-quality food that meets their nutritional needs. Sometimes, simple dietary adjustments can make a big difference.
Exercise: Regular physical activity helps keep things moving smoothly. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise to help maintain a healthy digestive system.
Vigilance: Do regular checks around your home and garden to make sure there isn’t anything harmful your dog could decide to snack on (dead birds are a common thing to look out for in the Spring and Summer months in South Africa (September to March) as this is prime breeding season for birds and it’s not uncommon for a baby bird to fall out of its nest and start decaying in the garden. Also, watch your dogs carefully when out on walks.
Regular Check-Ups: Routine visits to the vet can catch potential problems early. Even if everything seems fine, regular check-ups are essential for your dog’s health.
What are you feeding your dog and how does it affect their poo? How often does your dog exercise? These factors play a crucial role in maintaining healthy poo.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, monitoring your dog’s poo is an easy and effective way to keep an eye on their health. By understanding what to look for, you can catch potential problems early and keep your fur-kid happy and healthy. If ever you’re not sure if your dog’s poo is a concern, call your vet a.s.a.p and, if necessary, send them a pic – they’ll quickly let you know what to look out for and whether or not a vet visit is required. And, next time you’re on poo patrol, remember these 💩 tips!
I know I can’t be the only one this attentive to my dogs’ 💩. Let’s hear YOUR poo stories (tasteful ones, of course LOL). Share in the comments so I don’t feel alone in this.
Sh*t Happens!
If you enjoyed this 💩 post, we may have a similar sense of humour. So you may want to check out some of Dog Mom’s 💩 designs #justsaying
And, if you purchase a Sh*t Happens Mug, I’ll donate R50 of each mug purchase to The WOW Project…not such a sh*tty way to help 😉