Let's Talk About It: Dog Pooping

Today, I want to address a topic that might not be glamorous but is incredibly important for every dog owner—your dog’s poop. Recently, Sochi had a bout of constipation, and it got me thinking about how much our pups' pooping habits can tell us about their health. Keeping an eye on your dog’s number twos can help you catch health issues early and make sure they’re comfortable and happy. Let’s dive into what you need to look out for when it comes to your dog’s poop and how to deal with potential problems.

What Normal Dog Poop Should Look Like

First off, let’s talk about what’s normal. Healthy dog poop should be firm but not too hard, easy to pick up, and have a consistent brown color. The consistency is a key indicator of your dog’s digestive health. If the poop is too loose or watery, or if it’s too hard, it can signal something is off.

Common Pooping Issues and What They Mean

1. Constipation: This is when your dog struggles to pass stool, or their poop is small, dry, and hard. This can happen due to dehydration, lack of fiber, or ingestion of something they shouldn’t have (like bones or foreign objects). When Sochi was constipated, I realized that she wasn’t drinking enough water, and I hadn’t been giving her enough fiber-rich foods. Increasing her water intake and adding some pumpkin puree to her diet helped get things moving again.

2. Diarrhea: If your dog’s poop is loose or watery, it can be caused by a number of things—anything from a sudden change in diet to stress or even parasites. Diarrhea can also be a sign of food intolerance. If your dog has diarrhea that lasts more than a day or is accompanied by vomiting or lethargy, it’s best to consult your vet. Keeping your dog on a consistent diet and avoiding table scraps can help prevent diarrhea.

3. Mucus or Blood: Seeing mucus in your dog’s stool can indicate inflammation in the intestines, while blood can signal anything from minor irritation to more serious issues like parasitic infections or gastrointestinal ulcers. It’s important not to ignore these signs—take your dog to the vet if you notice either of these symptoms.

4. Color Changes: Healthy dog poop should be a consistent shade of brown. However, if you notice black, tarry stool, it could be a sign of internal bleeding in the stomach or small intestine. Yellow or gray stool may indicate liver or pancreas issues, while green could be a sign that your dog ate a lot of grass. Any drastic color changes should be discussed with your vet to rule out any serious health issues.

Common Causes of Pooping Problems

• Dietary Issues: Sudden changes in your dog’s diet can lead to digestive upset. Switching foods too quickly or feeding them something they’re not used to can result in diarrhea or constipation. Always transition to a new food gradually over a period of about a week.

• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can lead to constipation, especially if your dog is on a kibble-only diet. Make sure your pup has access to fresh water at all times. Adding a bit of wet food or water to their kibble can also help keep them hydrated.

• Lack of Fiber: Fiber is essential for regular bowel movements. Adding fiber-rich foods like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or carrots can help with both constipation and diarrhea. When Sochi was constipated, I added some plain, unsweetened pumpkin puree to her meals, and it made a big difference.

• Anxiety and Stress: Dogs can have digestive issues due to stress—just like humans! Changes in routine, moving to a new home, or even being around unfamiliar people or animals can cause stress-related diarrhea. Keeping a consistent schedule and providing a safe, calm environment can help alleviate stress for your pup.

Remedies for Pooping Problems

• Pumpkin Puree: As I mentioned earlier, pumpkin is a great natural remedy for digestive issues. It’s rich in fiber and can help regulate your dog’s bowel movements. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not the pie filling, which often has added sugars and spices.

• Hydration: Encouraging your dog to drink more water is crucial for both preventing and treating constipation. You can also offer bone broth (without added salt or seasoning) to entice your dog to drink more.

• Probiotics: Adding a probiotic supplement to your dog’s diet can promote healthy gut flora, which can help regulate digestion and improve stool quality. There are plenty of dog-specific probiotics available that can make a big difference in their digestive health.

• Exercise: Regular exercise helps stimulate bowel movements. Even just taking your dog for a brisk walk can help relieve constipation. Sochi always seems to do her business more easily after a good walk—it’s like it gets everything moving!

When to See the Vet

If your dog’s poop issues persist for more than a couple of days, or if they’re accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite, it’s time to call your vet. Poop can tell us a lot about our dog’s health, but sometimes the underlying issue needs a professional’s insight.

Conclusion

Keeping an eye on your dog’s pooping habits might not be the most pleasant part of pet ownership, but it’s one of the best ways to monitor their overall health. Paying attention to what’s normal for your dog and noticing changes early can make a big difference in keeping them comfortable and happy. So, next time your dog takes a number two, take a moment to check in—because a healthy pup is a happy pup, and that’s what we all want for our furry friends.

Thanks for reading, and here’s to healthy, happy poops for all our pups!

J.C.