8 Signs Your Dog’s Poop Reveals About Their Health
This article is not a replacement for professional veterinary care when your dog is unwell. If you notice anything unusual about your dog’s stool, it’s vital to promptly consult your veterinarian to ensure your furry friend’s health and safety.
1. Passing More Stool Than Normal
If your dog is producing stool more frequently or in larger amounts, it’s often linked to overfeeding. Using commercial dog food without measuring portions precisely can easily lead to feeding too much. Use the feeding guide on your dog food packaging, and weigh your dog and the food to confirm you’re meeting, but not exceeding, their daily calorie needs. Remember, if you give treats, adjust their meal portions accordingly to prevent overfeeding.
Some dogs may have difficulties digesting certain ingredients. Switching gradually to a dog food formula with different protein and carbohydrate sources can help reduce stool volume and frequency.
2. Passing Loose Stool
Loose stool or diarrhea can result from multiple factors such as sudden diet changes, stress, excitement, or even differences in water sources, which is common in puppies.
Infectious causes commonly seen in the US include:
- Bacterial infections like Campylobacter and Salmonella
- Viruses such as parvovirus
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
Parasites that may cause loose stools include:
- Worm infestations such as roundworms and tapeworms
- Protozoal parasites like Giardia and Isospora
Other medical issues resulting in loose stools include:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
- Poisoning or toxin ingestion
- Pancreatitis
- Intestinal blockage from foreign objects
- Tumors in the digestive system
- Intussusception (intestinal telescoping)
- Protein losing enteropathy
Given the wide range of potential causes, working closely with your veterinarian is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
3. Passing Hard Stools (Constipation)
Constipation in dogs can be caused by several reasons, such as:
- Swallowing foreign objects like stones, toy parts, bones, or indigestible chews that can block the intestines
- Masses such as tumors, polyps, abscesses, anal tumors, or an enlarged prostate gland
- Endocrine disorders including hypothyroidism
- Parasite infections like whipworms, which are more common in some US regions, especially in kenneled dogs
- Nerve-related issues or conditions like megacolon causing ineffective bowel movements
- Certain drugs including diuretics, antacids, opioids, and antihistamines
The fiber content in your dog’s diet significantly affects stool hardness. Some dogs need more fiber, others less. Too little or too much fiber can trigger diarrhea or constipation. If your veterinarian advises fiber supplements, these are usually better than home remedies like adding vegetables or bran, as they allow precise dosing.
Dehydration is a frequent contributor to constipation. Encourage your dog to drink more water by soaking dry food, feeding canned or wet food, or using a pet water fountain. A little added oil from canned sardines or fish oil can lubricate the intestines. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals may also help improve digestion and lessen bowel strain.
4. Fresh Blood in Stool
The presence of small amounts of bright red blood in your dog’s stool usually points to colitis, inflammation of the colon lining. This may result from dietary indiscretions, infections, or other medical problems. If bleeding appears heavy or persistent, immediate veterinary care is necessary as it could indicate more serious issues like blockages lower in the digestive tract.
5. Dark or Black Blood in Stool
Black, tarry stools, known medically as melena, suggest bleeding higher up in the digestive tract, such as from the stomach or small intestines. This serious symptom requires urgent evaluation and treatment by a veterinarian.
6. Yellow or Pale Stool
Yellow or pale stools might signal pancreatic disease or infections including giardia. These signs call for prompt veterinary assessment.
7. Green-Colored Stool
Green stools may indicate excess bile in the intestines, potentially due to digestive disturbances or ingestion of poisons such as rodenticide. If green stool persists, it’s important to seek veterinary advice quickly.
8. Mucus in Stool
Small amounts of mucus in the stool help lubricate the intestinal lining and can be normal occasionally. However, excessive mucus, especially if coupled with blood or diarrhea, can be a sign of intestinal inflammation or infection. Veterinary diagnosis is vital to determine the cause and guide treatment.
Observing your dog’s stool regularly provides early warnings about its health that might otherwise go unnoticed. Early veterinary consultation supports timely care, keeping your canine companion comfortable, happy, and healthy.
For instance, many Labrador Retrievers in the US can be prone to dietary sensitivities that may affect stool quality, so choosing the right food is essential.
