What's your dog’s poo telling you

There’s a range of things to consider when analysing your dog's poop, such as colour and consistency. But let’s simplify things by discussing what’s normal and what’s not normal. 

Normal

• Colour: varying shades of brown
• Firm to pick up but soft if squeezed
• Minimal coating or film over stool
• Size proportionate to the size of your dog

Not Normal

If your dog’s poop suddenly changes in frequency, consistency, content and/or colour, schedule a visit to the vet if it persists for more than a day.

Consistency

Paying a bit of attention to your dog’s Number 2 can provide you and your veterinarian with important information - a change in the form and consistency of the stool can help your vet zero in on what portion of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is out of whack.

Diarrhoea is usually categorised into small bowel and large bowel origin. Small intestinal diarrhoea is usually more watery and is passed in larger volumes with urgency. Large intestinal diarrhoea, is usually passed in smaller, more frequent volumes with straining and often contains mucus and sometimes fresh blood.

Colour

• Normal poo should be varying shades of brown. 
• If you notice the stools are pale, or appear red, dark brown or black, then please visit your vet.

What’s on the menu

What goes in must come out, so it’s fair to say that your dog’s diet is mostly responsible for the state and shape of their poops. You will notice that their poop sometimes contains fragments of any food (or non-food!) they have eaten. 

Some dogs have dietary sensitivities or intolerances that may be contributing to chronically abnormal stools. And since most dogs also behave like scavengers, they will often ingest things on walks and at home that may result in abnormal stools or diarrhoea. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, kidneys, liver and endocrine systems can also contribute to bouts of diarrhoea.

If your dog has acute diarrhoea for longer than 24 hours, or if they appear unwell in any way, then please visit your vet as soon as possible.