As a responsible dog owner, it’s essential to keep an eye on your furry companion’s health, and one of the best ways to do so is by monitoring their poo. While it may not be the most pleasant task, examining your dog’s stool can provide valuable insights into their overall wellbeing and help you determine if they’re getting the right nutrition.
If you feed your dog the same thing every day, their waste shouldn’t change much. One-off or occasional changes in stool consistency shouldn’t raise alarm, but if the issue persists, schedule a check-up with a vet.
A guide to dog poo consistency
Veterinarians often use a scale to classify dog poo into seven different consistencies, ranging from hard and dry to watery diarrhoea. Here’s what each stage indicates:
1. Hard, dry pellets (constipation)
If your dog is producing pellet-like poo, or struggling to expel waste, they may be constipated. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of constipation. Introducing some wet food into your dog’s diet can help because it increases water intake. Persistent constipation should be discussed with your vet.
2. Firm but mouldable logs (the perfect poo)
This is the gold standard of dog poo. Healthy dogs typically pass stools that are shaped like logs with clear segments. It should be a firm yet pliable consistency reminiscent of playdough.
It should be easy for your dog to pass and easy for you to pick up, leaving minimal residue. This consistency suggests your dog is on a diet that’s well-suited to their digestive needs, providing the right balance of nutrients.
3. Moist logs (early stages of diarrhoea)
Moist, log-shaped poos that are losing their form, and will leave residue on the ground.
Dogs have more sensitive stomachs than humans, so sudden changes in their diet can often lead to diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal issues. When introducing your dog to new food, it’s important to do so gradually over a span of 10-14 days to facilitate a smooth adjustment process.
4. Soggy logs (diarrhoea)
If your dog’s poo is starting to lose its shape, it’s becoming too high in water content. This could be due to a sudden change in diet or the ingestion of something unsuitable.
If your dog experiences diarrhoea for only 24 hours without any other concerning symptoms, there may not be immediate cause for worry. It’s possible they ingested something they shouldn’t have. However, if the diarrhoea persists beyond a day, worsens over time, or if you have any concerns, make an appointment to see a vet as soon as possible.
5. Moist and viscous piles (gastrointestinal upset)
When your dog’s poo is more pile than log, it’s a sign of gastrointestinal upset. Common causes include dietary indiscretions, such as eating spoiled food or too many table scraps, and stress. Keeping your dog hydrated is crucial, and a vet visit may be necessary if the issue persists.
6. Diarrhoea with some areas of consistency
Diarrhoea with some texture but no defined shape can be caused by stress, parasitic, viral and bacterial infections, and other illnesses. Dogs lose a lot of water when they have diarrhoea, so you must keep your dog hydrated by encouraging them to drink more water. Make a home-cooked chicken or vegie broth to make drinking water more inviting.
7. Watery diarrhoea (severe diarrhoea)
Persistent or severe diarrhoea can indicate food intolerances or more serious health concerns. It’s essential to identify the offending ingredient or underlying condition with the help of your vet. Once the cause is addressed, your dog’s digestive health should improve.
Feeding for optimal health
The key to healthy poo is a balanced diet tailored to your dog’s specific needs. Factors such as age, breed, and activity level all play a role in determining the right food for your pet. High-quality, nutrient-rich diets promote better digestion and waste that’s easier to manage.
Do you have a dog? Do you take notice of how normal its poo is? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Also read: Dog behaviours and what they mean
