The condition of your dog's stool can provide important clues about their digestive and overall health. Observing the color, consistency, and frequency of their bowel movements can help you identify potential problems before they become serious. In this article, we explain in detail how to evaluate your dog's stool and what warning signs to look out for.
1. What Should Normal Dog Feces Look Like?
The feces of a healthy dog usually meet the following characteristics:
- Shape and consistencyThey should be cylindrical, firm but not too hard, and easy to pick up.
- Colour: A chocolate brown hue indicates healthy digestion.
- Odor: Although feces always have an odor, they should not be excessively foul-smelling.
- FrequencyA healthy dog defecates between one and two times a day.
However, any changes in these parameters can be a sign of digestive or general health problems.
2. Types of Stool and Their Meaning
Depending on its color and texture, stool can indicate different health conditions:
Abnormal Colors in Stool
| Colour | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Black or tarry | Digested blood in the gastrointestinal tract, possible ulcer or internal bleeding. |
| Green | Grass ingestion, biliary problems or intestinal infections. |
| Gray or greasy | Fat absorption problems, pancreatitis or liver disease. |
| Bright red | Fresh blood, bleeding in the colon, or problems in the rectum. |
| White or calcareous | Excess calcium in the diet, possible liver or biliary problem. |
Consistency and its Meaning
| Type of Stool | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Hard and dry | Dehydration, lack of fiber in the diet. |
| Soft or mucus-filled | Presence of parasites, infection or intestinal irritation. |
| watery diarrhea | Stress, infections, viruses or food poisoning. |
| With blood or mucus | Parasites, intestinal inflammation or colitis. |
It is important to remember that an occasional change in stool consistency is not necessarily alarming, but if it persists for more than 48 hours, it is advisable to go to the veterinarian.
3. Causes of Digestive Problems in Dogs
There are many reasons why your dog may have stool changes. Some of the most common include:
- Sudden change in diet
- Food intolerances or allergies
- Ingestion of foreign objects
- Intestinal parasites
- Liver or pancreatic diseases
- Stress or anxiety
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Poisoning or consumption of toxic foods for dogs (chocolate, onion, etc.)
Common examples in BARF Diet:
- White, sandy poop after eating a recreational bone. If this is your case, we advise letting your dog eat the bone for a shorter period of time next time, as he may have ingested too much. If you have further questions, we recommend reading our article on How to offer bones to your dog.
- Mucusy poop after giving him a raw egg. Many dogs, even those on a BARF diet, don't digest raw eggs well. If your dog has mucusy poop after giving him a raw egg, try giving him a beaten egg next time, or even a hard-boiled egg. The egg has many properties, including its shell, but it is important to find the best way to offer it to your dog.
- Excessively hard poop. Some commercial single-protein BARF poultry meals (mainly chicken or turkey) contain a lot of bone. If your dog's poop is excessively hard when eating these meals, we recommend switching to mixed poultry meals.
- Poops vary in color depending on the protein or organ meat they eat. It's normal for the color of poop to vary depending on the protein or organ meat they eat, as game meat, for example, tends to be darker than poultry. Another example is liver, as eating it may cause your dog to poop a little darker than usual.
If you notice persistent changes in your dog's stool, especially if accompanied by vomiting, weight loss, or lethargy, consult your veterinarian immediately.
4. When Should You Worry?
While some stool changes may be temporary, there are certain signs that require immediate veterinary attention:
- Black or bloody stools
- Persistent diarrhea (more than 48 hours)
- Frequent vomiting along with abnormal stools
- unexplained weight loss
- Lethargy or lack of appetite
In these cases, collect a stool sample and take it to the veterinarian for analysis.
5. How to Improve Your Dog's Digestive Health
To keep your dog's digestive system in optimal condition, follow these recommendations:
✔ Balanced and high-quality diet: Avoid ultra-processed foods and opt for natural options.
✔ adequate hydration: Make sure he always has access to fresh water.
✔ Regular deworming: Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to prevent parasites.
✔ Avoid sudden changes in diet: Introduce new foods gradually.
✔ Provides probiotics: They help maintain a healthy intestinal flora.
Conclusion
Your dog's stool can provide valuable information about his health. Monitoring its color, texture, and frequency will allow you to detect potential problems early. If you notice unusual changes that persist, consult a veterinarian to ensure your pet's well-being.
Remember: The best way to take care of your dog is to be alert to any warning signs of his health. Prevention is key!
Sources: Dr. Karen Becker (barkandwhiskers.com)
