Introduction
Dog poop can reveal a lot about your dog’s health. The color, texture, and amount of a dog’s poop can indicate possible medical issues. While there is no consensus on what is considered “normal” dog poop, some characteristics are generally agreed upon as signs of unhealthy poop.
The purpose of this article is to explain what unhealthy dog poop looks like, discuss common causes, and provide recommendations on when to seek veterinary advice. By understanding the signs of unhealthy poop, dog owners can monitor their dog’s bowel movements and identify potential health problems early.
What is Healthy Dog Poop?
The ideal healthy dog poop is brown in color, similar to chocolate. This brown color indicates that your dog’s digestive system is functioning properly and absorbing nutrients from their food.
Healthy poop should have a firm, solid texture. It should not be runny or liquid, but should hold its shape. The poop should not be too hard and dry either. A soft to firm consistency is ideal.
There should be minimal odor from healthy poop. While it will have some smell, it should not have an extremely foul or strong odor. A very stinky poop could indicate a digestive issue or infection.
Sources:
https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/health/what-does-healthy-dog-poop-look-like
https://puppypoop.com/dog-poop-chart/healthy-dog-poop-chart/
What Makes Poop Unhealthy?
There are several signs that indicate your dog’s poop is unhealthy. The most noticeable is a change in color and consistency. Here are some things to look out for:
Color Changes
– Green poop could indicate your dog is eating too much grass. It can also be a sign of parasites or other infections (Source).
– Black or tarry stool indicates the presence of digested blood, which can signal ulcers or tumors in the GI tract (Source).
– Yellow or grey poop can indicate liver or pancreatic problems (Source).
Consistency Changes
– Runny or liquid poop indicates diarrhea, which may be caused by infections, parasites, food sensitivities, etc. (Source).
– Hard, dry poop can signal constipation or dehydration (Source).
– Poop with no form or mucus indicates irritation or inflammation in the colon (Source).
Common Causes of Unhealthy Poop
There are several common causes of unhealthy dog poop.
Diet
An unhealthy diet can lead to poor stool quality. For example, a diet too high in fat or too low in fiber may result in loose, oily stool. Diets high in dairy can also cause loose poop in dogs who are lactose intolerant. Switching to a high-quality dog food formulated for your dog’s life stage and activity level may improve stool consistency (source).
Parasites
Intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, giardia and coccidia can infect dogs and lead to unhealthy poop. Parasites can cause diarrhea, mucus or blood in the stool, or a change in color and odor. Regular deworming and fecal testing can help detect and treat parasites (source).
Disease
Diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract or organs like the liver or pancreas can also cause unhealthy poop. For example, inflammatory bowel disease may result in chronic diarrhea and bloody stool. Diseases like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency can lead to poor digestion and greasy, foul-smelling stool. Diagnostic testing like blood work or imaging can help identify underlying disease (source).
When to See the Vet
There are certain signs in your dog’s poop that warrant a veterinary visit. Unhealthy poop may be a sign of serious illness that requires prompt treatment. Some of the most concerning signs to watch out for include:
Blood in the stool – Blood can indicate bleeding in the digestive tract caused by conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, ulcers, or ingestion of toxic substances. Blood in the stool, especially in large amounts or if it’s dark/tarry, necessitates an urgent vet visit. Source
Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours – Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other complications if left untreated. Seek veterinary care if diarrhea persists beyond 24 hours or if it’s accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite. Source
Straining without production – Excessive straining with little or no stool produced could mean an intestinal blockage or obstruction. This is an emergency situation requiring immediate vet attention. Source
Unusual odor – Foul, unusual odor in the stool may indicate a bacterial imbalance or infection. Seek veterinary advice, especially if combined with other symptoms. Source
Loss of appetite – Appetite loss along with unhealthy poop can signal an underlying health issue. Consult your vet to identify and treat the cause. Source
Dietary Changes
One of the best ways to improve unhealthy dog poop is through dietary changes. Certain ingredients and nutrients can help produce firmer, better-formed stools. According to the ASPCA, increasing fiber can help bulk up stool and regulate digestion.
Some sources of soluble fiber to consider adding to your dog’s diet include pumpkin, sweet potatoes, bran, and oats. You can mix some into your dog’s regular food, or give small amounts as a supplement. Gradually increase fiber to avoid gastric upset.
Probiotics may also help restore good gut bacteria for healthy digestion. Look for dog foods or supplements with probiotics included. Some options are yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, sauerkraut, and fortified dog foods.
Additionally, staying hydrated is key for healthy poop. Make sure fresh water is always available. Consider adding broth, gravy, or water to your dog’s kibble to increase moisture intake.
Limiting fatty foods like bacon grease or table scraps can also lead to firmer stool. Stick to your dog’s regular diet and avoid sudden changes in ingredients or amounts fed.
If you don’t see improvement in your dog’s poop consistency within a few weeks, consult your veterinarian. They can provide tailored dietary recommendations or treatments for your dog’s needs.
Medications
If your dog has intestinal parasites, bacterial infections, or other illnesses causing unhealthy poop, your vet may prescribe medications to treat the underlying condition. Some common medications used for unhealthy poop include:
- Dewormers like fenbendazole to kill intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms (https://www.petplate.com/blog/dog-poop-health/)
- Antibiotics like metronidazole to treat bacterial infections in the GI tract (https://bonevoyagedogrescue.com/unhealthy-dog-poop/)
- Anti-diarrheal medication like loperamide to firm up loose stools (Canelo)
- Steroids like prednisone to reduce intestinal inflammation (https://www.blackmores.com.au/pet-health/digestive-health/what-your-dogs-poop-tell-you)
Your vet will prescribe the appropriate medication based on your dog’s specific condition. Be sure to give the medication as directed and finish the full course even if your dog’s poop improves sooner. Stopping medication too soon could allow the infection to return.
Other Treatments
In addition to dietary changes and medications prescribed by a veterinarian, there are some other at-home treatments that can help improve your dog’s digestive health and unhealthy poop. Two common options are probiotics and supplements.
Probiotics contain beneficial live bacteria that can help repopulate the gut with healthy microorganisms. This can improve digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. According to one source, probiotics have been shown to help with acute and chronic gastrointestinal issues in dogs. [1] Some common probiotic strains used for dogs include Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium. Probiotics come in powder, chewable tablet, or paste form and are easy to mix into your dog’s food.
There are also some supplements that can help support healthy digestion in dogs with chronic loose stools or diarrhea. These may include digestive enzymes to improve food breakdown and absorption, glutamine to heal intestinal lining, and slippery elm bark to soothe intestinal inflammation. Check with your vet before starting any new supplements. With their guidance, supplements can be a helpful addition to other treatments for unhealthy poop.
Preventing Unhealthy Poop
There are several ways you can help prevent unhealthy poop in your dog.
Proper diet is key. Make sure your dog is eating a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, breed size, and activity level. Avoid sudden changes in diet and foods with fillers that are hard to digest. Supplements like probiotics and pumpkin can also help promote good digestion.
Exercise helps keep things moving through the digestive tract. Try to take your dog on daily walks and make sure they get plenty of playtime. Puppies should get at least 30-60 minutes of activity per day.
Preventive veterinary care helps catch issues early before they become serious. Have your vet do regular exams and fecal tests. Keep your dog up to date on deworming, flea/tick, and heartworm preventatives. Vaccinations will help prevent infections that could upset their stomach.
With a balanced diet, active lifestyle, and good preventive care, you can help keep your dog’s poop healthy.
When to Get Help
In most cases, unhealthy dog poop will resolve on its own or with simple at-home treatments. However, there are certain signs that indicate a more serious issue requiring emergency veterinary care:
Take your dog to the emergency vet immediately if the poop contains a large amount of blood or has a black, tarry appearance. This could signify gastrointestinal bleeding or a possible intestinal blockage or tumor, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Some signs of toxicity or parvovirus that require emergency treatment include diarrhea with blood, vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, or fever. Parvovirus is highly contagious, so isolate the dog from other pets if these symptoms arise.
In addition, if your dog is extremely lethargic, has abdominal pain or distension, or is vomiting repeatedly, seek professional veterinary care without delay, as these can indicate a potentially deadly condition like pancreatitis or GDV.
While abnormal poop is common, certain red flag symptoms warrant urgent vet care. Don’t hesitate to call or visit an emergency animal hospital if your dog’s condition seems critical. Early treatment vastly improves the chances of recovery. With rapid veterinary intervention, most dogs can bounce back after a GI emergency.