The Scoop on Poop

A topic nobody is fond of but needs to be talked about... dog poop. When Lucy was diagnosed with pancreatitis and diabetes her stools were off, she either had loose stools or diarrhea. She was then on a high fiber diet and pooped several times per day and it was really dry. With diet change her poops finally went back to normal. Frank my senior dog has an abdominal tumor and liver disease, both have caused poop issues including color and consistency change . . My little non-diabetic Bella got ill with HGE and throughout all the years I've had dogs I also had to deal with tapeworms, yeah GROSS!

But it's an important topic and questions about poop consistency come up often in our Facebook group. So today we go over poop, from color to consistency along with some remedies to aid in the perfect poop.

Let's start with color, I made this chart and it can be printed.

Consistency is important as well. The chart below is based on the Bristol Stool Chart which is used worldwide for humans and companion animals. This chart can be printed as well.

One common issue is diarrhea, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as a change in diet or a viral infection. It's important to keep your dog hydrated and consult with your veterinarian if the diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours.

Another issue is constipation, which can be caused by lack of fiber or too much fiber, dehydration, or a blockage in the digestive tract.

Blood in the stool is also a concerning issue, as it can indicate a range of problems such as parasites, infections, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) or even cancer. It's important to seek veterinary advice immediately if you notice blood in your dog's stool.

In addition, abnormal color or texture of the stool can also indicate health issues. For example, black or tarry stool can indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract, while greasy or fatty stool can indicate issues with digestion like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).

Interesting fact: some supplements and vegetables high in beta carotene can change the color of your dog’s poop, it may have an orange hue to it.

A couple of products that are beneficial:

Probiotics – probiotics are good bacteria that live in the gastrointestinal tract and fight of f bad bacteria. When a dog is on antibiotics they kill the bad bacteria and good bacteria so your dog should get a probiotic supplement. Daily probiotics also help crowd out bad bacteria, support the immune system and support a healthy microbiome. To read more about probiotics click here.

Fiber – there are two types of fiber, insoluble and soluble. Insoluble fiber is an indigestible bulking agent and can help pass stools. They can also help your dog feel fuller longer when adding insoluble fiber to their diet, a healthy insoluble fiber is green beans. Soluble fiber is indigestible and turns into a gel when moisture is added. The benefit of soluble fiber is that it coats nutrients and slows the absorption rate. To read more about fiber please click here.

GastroElm – this product coats and soothes the gastrointestinal tract. It is helpful for dogs with diarrhea, ulcers, IBD, IBS, pancreatitis and other GI issues. Quick note: you should give GastroElm three hours away from other supplements or medications.

If you notice any changes in your dog's poop, it's important to take action right away. Keeping track of your dog's stool habits and noting any abnormalities can help you catch potential health issues early on. Additionally, feeding your dog a balanced and healthy diet, providing plenty of fresh water, and giving them regular exercise can also help promote good digestive health. Remember, a healthy poop means a healthy dog!

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please start a conversation below.

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USA link: https://shoppettest.com/eco-friendly-premium-compostable-poop-bags-with-dispenser/

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For a printable version of this blog click here.

Until next week stay comfy, don’t stress and you got this!

Michelle Miller-Matlock

AAHA Certified Diabetes Educator

Founder/Administrator of DDO: Diabetic Dog Owners University

Administrator of Diabetic Dog Owners on Facebook

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