As pet owners, we hate to see our dogs in pain or experiencing health issues. While some injuries may be obvious, there may be things going on inside that we can’t see. What’s worse is they can’t speak and clearly communicate with us when something is wrong.
So, how do we know if they’re experiencing an issue?
While not the most pleasant thing to talk about, your dog’s poop can provide plenty of insights into what’s going on in your dog’s body. By paying attention to the color, texture, and shape, you can get early warning signs for your dog’s health and wellness.
Dog Poop Color
Color can provide some clues about your dog’s health, though it's not always a definitive indicator.
It's important to note that occasional changes in stool color may not always be a cause for concern, as diet changes or ingestion of certain substances can affect the color temporarily. However, persistent or concerning changes in stool color could indicate underlying health issues.
Here are some common colors of dog poop and what they might be telling you:
Brown Dog Poop
This is the most common color and is generally considered “normal.” A chocolate or light-brown color indicates that the dog's digestive system is functioning properly and the stool contains digested food and waste.Green Dog Poop
In most cases, green poop can indicate that the dog has eaten a lot of grass, which is common and usually not a cause for concern. That said, if the green color persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, like diarrhea or vomiting, it could indicate a more serious issue — such as exposure to rodent poison or gallbladder issues.
Yellow Dog Poop
Yellow poop can be a sign of an upset stomach or food intolerance. If the yellow color persists after more than a day or two or is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy or loss of appetite, consult a professional to check your dog’s liver and/or pancreas.
Orange Dog Poop
In some cases, orange poop may indicate liver or gallbladder issues. Sometimes, orange foods like carrots, squash, or pumpkin can also turn your dog’s poop orange. Monitor your dog's overall health and consult a veterinarian if you have concerns.
Black Dog Poop
Don’t ignore this color. Black poop could mean there’s blood in the upper digestive tract, such as the stomach or small intestine. A variety of serious issues like ulcers could cause this. Seek professional attention if you notice black stool.
Red Dog Poop
Red poop can indicate fresh blood in the stool. This could be a sign of bleeding in the lower digestive tract, such as the colon or rectum. This could be caused by issues like an infection in your dog’s anal glands or an injury. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary if you notice red stool or your dog appears to be straining when defecating.
White Dog Poop
White poop or a chalky appearance may be a sign of too much calcium in your dog’s diet. It can also indicate a problem with the liver or bile ducts, and may require further testing and diagnosis.
White Specks in Dog Poop
If you notice white spots or specks in your dog’s poop and they appear to be moving, that may indicate tapeworm, roundworm, hookworm, or some other intestinal worm. If the spots aren’t moving, it could simply be undigested food or tiny bone bits. This is common for dogs who eat a raw diet.
Dog Poop Texture
In addition to color, the texture and consistency of your dog's stools can also provide valuable insights into their overall health. Let’s look at some common types of poop textures and what they might indicate.
Firm and Well-Formed
Firm, but not overly hard, and holding a log-like shape is considered the ideal or “normal” consistency for dog poop. It usually indicates that the dog's digestive system is functioning as it should, with the right balance of nutrients and hydration.
Watery
Watery or liquidy poop, often referred to as diarrhea, can be caused by a wide range of factors including dietary issues, infections, parasites, or underlying health conditions. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, so seek professional attention if it’s an ongoing issue or there are other symptoms.
Hard and Dry
Hard and dry poop can indicate constipation, which can result from dehydration, lack of fiber in the diet, or underlying health issues. Consult a professional if your dog seems to be straining or having difficulty defecating to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Slimy or Mucus
A slimy, mucus, or jelly-like substance on your dog’s poop can indicate colitis or bowel irritation.
Talk to a professional, especially if accompanied by weight loss or vomiting.
Other Things to Watch Out For
While texture and color will tell you a lot about your dog’s health, there are some other things you should also watch out for.
Frequency
Is your dog pooping more than normal? Less? Your dog’s potty habits should be fairly routine and predictable. If you notice your dog is suddenly defecating or needing to use the bathroom at a different frequency than normal, that’s something to note and keep an eye on.
Smell
Poop naturally doesn’t smell great, of course. But significant changes in smell are something to pay attention to. Is your dog’s poop suddenly stinkier than normal or exceptionally foul? It could be an indicator that they’re not properly digesting their food or some sort of bacteria.
Foreign Objects
Watch for foreign objects in your dog’s poop. Common ones include rocks from the yard or chunks of plastic from their toys. Hair is also common and could indicate over-grooming and excessive licking due to stress, anxiety, or skin issues.
Other General Tips
- Establish a potty routine or schedule with your dog if you haven't already. This will help you notice changes in their bathroom habits.
- Always wear gloves and wash your hands when handling dog poop to keep bacteria from spreading.
- Take photos to share with your vet or other professionals if you’re concerned.
- Regularly pick up your dog’s poop in your yard to monitor for potential issues.
Support Your Dog’s Health With Maya Pet
If you want to take the next proactive step in supporting your dog’s health, consider adding Maya Pet to their daily routine. Maya Pet is an all-natural pet health supplement with 10 Smart StrainsTM of good bacteria chosen to help support your dog’s digestive health, immune system, and overall wellness.
And unlike other pet probiotics and supplements, Maya Pet doesn’t contain artificial ingredients or fillers that can actually make digestive issues worse.
