A dog stools say something about his health. In a healthy dog, the stool is firm and dark brown in color. The stool is abnormal if it has a strong odor, is too hard or too soft, and has a different color. In case of black or bloody DOG stools, a visit to the vet is necessary. This may indicate internal bleeding. Normally a dog poops once or twice a day. Does the dog poop more often, or does he have big turds? Then look at the diet. Cheap food contains more waste products and is usually poorly digested.
Dog Stool and health
The shape, firmness, color, and smell of feces say something about the health of the dog. You can tell by the stool whether a dog is getting the right food. Abnormal dog stools can also be caused by disease, parasites, or worms.
What does ‘normal’ stool look like?
Dogs poop about twice a day. Normally a dog turd is a firm and dark brown in color. The turd stays stuck while defecating and breaks off as soon as it falls to the floor. A dog turd should not give off a strong smell.
Why does a dog poop more than twice a day?
A dog that poops more than twice a day is fed food with too many unnecessary ingredients. In some cases, he is fed too much. Cheap food often contains more unnecessary ingredients. Digestion is poor and the dog needs more food. More expensive dog food is usually of better quality. The food is carefully composed and contains all the necessary nutrients. The ingredients are easily digestible. In that case, the dog will produce less stool. He also needs less food. The difference in price isn’t that big after all. Good nutrition generally ensures that the dog has fewer health problems.
A dog that gets good nutrition
- Is more alive
- Has a beautiful, shiny coat
- Has less chance of itching, dander, and extreme shedding
- Has less chance of intestinal problems
- Less likely to have an allergy or hypersensitivity to nutrients
hard dog stools
Too little fiber in the diet causes hard stools. Permanently hard stools can cause constipation. When the dog has had too little to drink, the stool becomes hard. Chunks contain little moisture, much less than fresh meat. Do you give the dog kibble? Make sure you have enough fresh drinking water. Cancer or a swallowed object also causes hard stools or constipation. In that case, a visit to the vet is necessary.
Soft stools or diarrhea
Diarrhea is in many cases harmless and easy to treat.
What causes diarrhea?
- Switching food
- Too much food/snacks
- stress
- A deworming tablet
- Drinking too much cold water on hot days
If the dog has diarrhea for more than a few days, there may be more to it. A visit to the vet is then necessary.
Causes for persistent diarrhea
- An infection
- Worms
- parasites
- A bacteria
Black stool
Black stools indicate bleeding at the beginning of the gastrointestinal tract, into the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine. The blood can mix with the stool. It has a pungent odor. A vet must treat the dog.
Gray dog stool
Gray, slightly greasy dog stools indicate problems with the bile or pancreas. The liver makes bile. Bile aids in the digestion of fats. In addition, it contains bilirubin, a substance that provides a brown color. If not enough bile is released during digestion (for example, in the case of gallstones), the stool may contain more fat and less color. Gray dog stools also occur when too few digestive enzymes are produced and secreted in the pancreas. Consult a veterinarian if the stool remains gray.
Green dog stool
The dog has eaten grass. Dogs eat grass when they are not feeling well, this is how they induce vomiting. If a dog eats grass often, he may suffer from gastrointestinal problems. After a strong course of antibiotics, the disturbed intestinal flora can cause green stools.
White stool
The dog stool turns white if the dog gets too many chew bones. The stool is dry and hard.
Light, yellow stools
The dog is fed milk products or rice and cannot digest it properly.
Blood in the stool
Blood in the dog stool means bleeding in the last part of the intestines, (large intestine, rectum) or at the anus. Blood in the stool can have various causes.
Inflammation of the large intestine
When there is an inflammation in the colon, there is a constant urge to defecate, even if there is no more stool. There is mucus in the stool and sometimes blood.
Inflamed anal glands
Dogs have two anal glands on either side of the anus. The anal glands contain a strong-smelling liquid, which comes out with the stool. This defines the territory. In addition, it is a signal that is given as a warning or in case of stress.
If the soft dog stools, the anal glands remain filled and become congested. This causes itching and irritation. The dog bites and licks under its tail and rubs its behind on the ground. A blockage can turn into an inflammation. In that case, the vet will flush the glands and prescribe medication.
Worms and parasites
A dog can become infected through breast milk or placenta, but also through contaminated dog turds. To prevent this, it is necessary to deworm the dog several times a year.
parvo
Parvo is a contagious disease that can be fatal without treatment. Every dog is at risk of being infected with the virus, but puppies up to one year old are most susceptible. They have not yet been fully vaccinated and in the period when they start missing the antibodies from breast milk and their own immune system is not yet working optimally, they are extra susceptible. Vomiting and diarrhea are symptoms of the disease. Then there is blood.
