The No. 1 Sign Your Dog's Poop Is Unhealthy
When you brought your dog home, you were likely prepared to obsess over their adorably expressive eyes, wagging tail and loving spirit.
You likely did not imagine inspecting the poop your locality requires you to pick up during walks. And yet, here you are, noticing all the things—including signs your dog's poop is unhealthy—as you perform your legal duty as a pet parent.
Your natural inclination to play detective may seem gross, but a vet says it's actually a good idea to keep an eye on your dog's poop.
"By paying attention to your pet’s poop and taking the necessary steps to promote their digestive health, you can ensure their overall well-being and catch potential health issues early, leading to better outcomes and a happier, healthier pet," says Dr. Jamie Richardson, the head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Vet.
Another vet agrees, adding that there's even a "right" way for a dog's poop to look.
"Stools should be firm but not dry and not smell too bad," says Dr. Gary Richter, DVM, a veterinarian, international bestselling author of The Ultimate Pet Health Guide and founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition.
Though there's a spectrum of "normal" within this definition, Dr. Richardson says a deviation from your pet's normal is concerning.
“Any abrupt and persistent changes from the normal appearance of your dog’s poop may be a cause for concern," Richardson explains.
What's the biggest red flag that something is off? Vets explain.
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What's the #1 Sign Your Dog's Poop Is Unhealthy?
Blood or mucus in the stool. Dr. Richardson and Dr. Richter flagged these symptoms of unhealthy poop as cause for concern.
"This may indicate inflammation or irritation in the digestive tract," Dr. Richardson says.
Dr. Richter concurs, adding a few potential issues associated with blood or mucus in the stool.
"It could be a sign of...dietary sensitivity, dietary indiscretion or some other kind of digestive issue," he explains. "All of these can lead to more systemic health problems over time."
Other Signs of Unhealthy Dog Poop
Blood or mucus in a dog's poop is one major sign something is amiss. However, vets share it's not the only one to look out for when inspecting a pup's stool.
Other potential poop-related issues that could mean your pet has a health issue include:
Excessive diarrhea or constipation. Dr. Richardson says either one is problematic: "Persistent bowel irregularities can lead to dehydration and nutrient deficiencies."
Undigested food particles. If you see bits of kibble or table food the pet has eaten in the stool, bring it up to the vet. "Poor digestion may signify an issue with your dog’s diet or its ability to absorb nutrients properly," Dr. Richardson explains.
Excessive gas and poop odor. Dr. Richter says these are symptomatic of a dog struggling to digest food.
Excessively dry poop. While pet parents don't want to see loose and watery stool, like diarrhea, it shouldn't be completely dry. Dr. Richter says a digestive issue could be the cause if it is.
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Risks of Unhealthy Poop
Poop isn't the sexiest topic of pet parenthood. However, it's an important one. A dog with problematic poop could be experiencing health issues that affect them physically and even mentally.
"Unhealthy poop suggests inflammation in the GI tract, which can lead to discomfort, poor nutrient absorption, increased levels of whole-body inflammation and a decreased quality of life," Dr. Richter says. "Digestion and GI tract health is the key to overall health, so this is critically important."
Moreover, the pet may unintentionally put their favorite humans (like you) at risk for health concerns.
"Risks of unhealthy dog poop include the potential spread of infectious diseases, both to other pets and humans," Dr. Richardson says. "Certain parasites found in feces can also be transmitted to humans, posing a health risk, especially to children and immunocompromised individuals."
The CDC lists hook and roundworms as potential parasites that can infect humans.
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How To Keep Your Dog's Poop Healthy
1. Diet
Dr. Richardson says a balanced, high-quality diet is critical to digestive health.
"Feed your dog a nutritionally complete and appropriate diet," Dr. Richardson says.
Your vet can provide further insights. But generally, standard dog food with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) seal will suffice. Dr. Richter says some dogs may benefit from supplements like Nutra Thrive and Canine Restore from Ultimate Pet Nutrition, which his company, Ultimate Pet Nutrition, produces.
Again, speak with your vet about concerns.
2. Exercise
Dr. Richardson says that keeping a dog moving will help their digestive system continue to move in a healthy way.
"Regular physical activity can help maintain good bowel movement and overall digestive function," Dr. Richardson explains.
Walks, hikes, jokes, games of fetch and agility courses all count toward a pup's exercise goals.
3. Prevent parasitic infections
Parasites can affect a dog's gut health. In these cases, prevention is the best medicine.
"Ensure your pet is on a proper deworming schedule and protected against external parasites like fleas and ticks," Dr. Richardson says.
4. Hydrate
Like humans, dogs benefit from regular water consumption. These perks extend to the gut.
"Always provide clean, fresh water to keep your pet hydrated and aid in digestion," Dr. Richardson says.
5. Regular veterinary check-ups
Even if your pet's stool looks healthy, Dr. Richardson stresses that attending regular vet check-ups is still essential. Your dog's doc can flag issues affecting their GI health and poop before it gets that far.
"Schedule routine visits to your veterinarian for health assessments, vaccinations and preventive care," Dr. Richardson recommends.
For most healthy pets, that'll mean one to two vet visits per year, depending on their age. Dogs with underlying conditions may need more frequent visits.
What To Do if You're Concerned About Your Dog's Poop
Get the vet on the line.
"If you notice any unhealthy signs in your pet’s poop, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible," Dr. Richardson says. "They can perform a thorough examination and diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment."
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