What in the world am I looking at?! Why is it that color?! Is it supposed to be that mushy?! Is that normal??? These are just a few of the things that run through my head after my pup has done her business. So, I decided to take these questions to animal nutritionist, Dr Susan Lauten, PhD, to get the inside scoop on poop!
A Healthy Poop: The 4Cs – Cut, Consistency, Color, and Carat
I spend far too much time considering, analyzing and discussing my dog’s poop with my significant other… Why does it warrant such attention?
Poop is so important! It provides real-time insight into your dog’s well-being. If something is up, more often than not, the poop is going to tell a story.
Like choosing a diamond, careful inspection of poop can tell me a lot about its quality…and in this case ultimately the gut health of my dog. Could you tell me what’s normal?
Interesting comparison – not many people compare poop to diamonds but sure, let’s do it!
- Cut – The cut (or shape) of your dog’s poop should be log-shaped and maintain it’s form. If it’s really small and hard, that could actually be a sign of dehydration.
- Consistency – Your dog’s poop should be easily picked up and not leave a residue. A mushy consistency means that the body has excreted the stool too quickly, perhaps because of a food sensitivity, and was unable to absorb enough fluid from the food.
- Color – This should be reminiscent of the colour of the food your dog’s eating. Unlike the absence of color that you’d be looking for in a diamond, you’ll typically be looking for a nice chocolate brown! If you’re not seeing this desired color, that’s a reflection of the quality of the gut bacteria!
- Carat – The size of the poop should be relative to the size of your dog. But, remember, the higher the fiber intake, the bigger the carat!
How many poops a day keep the doctor away?
Not only the look of your dog’s poop but also the frequency is something to take note of! On average, you should be looking for 1-2 poops per day and that number shouldn’t really exceed 4 per day.
I think my dog is constipated. How can I help him?
Just like humans, if your dog isn’t drinking enough water or getting enough fiber, they can get backed up. If that’s the case, adding some food that’s high in fiber can really help get things moving! Canned pumpkin to the rescue! Pumpkin is a fibre-rich food that has many benefits to your dog’s digestive health, including getting them back on track.
My dog is having bad diarrhea. What should I do?
If your dog is having diarrhea, I would skip a meal or two to let their gut calm down. Then, re-introduce their food in small portions. You can also swap your pup over to a more bland diet, like cooked chicken and white rice, to give their tummy time to rest without a big digestive load.
Alternatively, canned pumpkin really is a superfood! It can be used for both ends of the spectrum. Pumpkin can gel in the GI tract and bind the loose stool to make it more firm! You just have to find a good balance, as too much of it will make the stool loose. My recommendation is always to start with 1tsp a day and then you can increase it as you feel necessary.
What to Watch For and When to Seek Medical Help
Keep an eye out for anything unusual in your dog’s stool. If you see mucus coating your pup’s poop, she may be having a reaction to something in the food. Mucus is usually a sign of irritation, as the body produces mucus to protect the GI tract from further irritation and it may be a sign of some inflammation in the intestines. If mucus is present, contact your vet to test for food allergies or sensitivities.
At any point, if you see blood, especially if you see it more than once, you should contact your vet. You should also contact your vet if your dog has continued diarrhea (and nothing helps, including the bland diet), if they’re burping up food or if they have a fever.
The ‘Scoot’
Why does my dog ‘scoot’ across the ground after he poops?
If your dog is ‘scooting’ it’s most likely that their anal glands are not expressing themselves. Usually, when your dog poops, pressure is put on the anal glands which causes them to empty through a secretion of fluid. However, if their poop is too soft or too small, there may not be enough pressure to express the glands. So, your dog may scoot to clean them. If this is a recurring thing, you can get your vet or groomer to clean the glands for you!
Thanks so much for giving me the scoop on poop, Susan! I think I can spot a diamond in the rough now…
