What can we discover about dogs’ health by observing their excrements?
Dog poop can provide clues about their general health.
Our dogs’ excrement can give us fundamental clues about their health, the quality of food they eat and their life rhythm. We can understand whether they are living stressful lives or if their eating habits are healthy and it is important to monitor them to ensure that they are in good health.
Although the colour of their excrement may vary, it usually should be dark brown, but neither too soft nor too hard. There are special cases, such as those that feed on natural alternative diets, such as the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diet, in which their excrements can take on other colours.
The life habits and, in general, the dog’s physique may also influence, as in the case of humans. There are dogs whose excrements may be a little softer or with a lighter colour throughout their lives, but this is not an alarming sign. The only reason to go to the veterinarian and take appropriate measures, would be a sudden change in the way they defecate, because it may be due to a health problem that needs to be addressed.
Food is a very important factor, but there are also others, such as stress or changing habits. Even a move can change for a few days the frequency with which the dog defecates, exactly as it happens to people. A coprological analysis from a vet may help us to know more about its causes.
In most cases, however, it might be a mild digestive problem or a food allergy. If we don’t ignore the signs, we will ensure the health of a man’s best friend.
A larger size of excrement and a higher frequency may be signs of a poor absorption of nutrients.
Food that has a large proportion of cereals can make digestion difficult and make dog’s excrement very hard. It would be better to provide them with meals rich in protein and low in cereals.
If we notice a sudden change in consistency, we should consult with the veterinarian as it may be due to a health problem.
However, if your dog's poop has always been a bit soft, you don't have to worry as a natural diet can influence its consistency.
It indicates, in principle, a digestive problem that is not necessarily anything serious, but sometimes can be a sign of more severe problems. In this case, you have to monitor the excrements and see if it persists for several days before going to the veterinarian.
Diarrhea can be due to several causes - from simple indigestion to a large number of diseases. It is a very common clinical sign and among its causes are viruses, parasites and ingestion of garbage or other foreign bodies. If it persists for several days and you observe that the dog is apathetic, you must take it to the veterinarian.
The white excrements colour is quite common in dogs that feed on homemade and/or natural diets, such as the BARF diet. In this case, it does not indicate a health problem.
However, there are cases in which the excrement colour is white due to an excess of calcium in the dog's diet, parasites or mucus. If you do not provide them with a natural diet, consult the veterinarian to find out the cause.
It may be due to an excess of fruits and vegetables, so it is also quite common with the BARF diet and other natural diets. In any case, it will be necessary to make an analysis to remain calm.
However, if this is not the case and you provide a normal brand feed, go to the veterinarian for a coprological analysis, as it may be due to diseases such as pancreatitis.
If your dog's poop has a blackish or dark colour, you may either be providing too much liver in its diet, or its feed may have a high amount of meat in its ingredients. It's somewhat alarming, but keep in mind that dog’s excrement should be brown, except in cases such as a natural diet.
These colours may appear due to excessive consumption of dairy products, or an excess of corn and cereals in the composition of the feed. However, in the event there is a sudden change, it may be due to some stomach irritation or infection.
Don’t worry too much, but keep in mind that it may be due to a more serious problem than in other cases. The most common causes are usually the ingestion of something harmful to the dog, a food allergy or intestinal parasites, but it can also be due to a rectal injury. Consult with your veterinarian who can provide you with professional advice.
It can be alarming, but first think if you have given your dog food with beet. In the event you have chosen to give your dog a vegetable-based diet, you don't have to worry.
Keep in mind that your dog's excrements should generally be brown. If not, there is something you could be doing wrong and although it might not be alarming, you should consult with your veterinarian. It's better to prevent than having to cure.
