12/01/2024
Can you believe we waited seventeen days to mention p**p? That’s gotta be some kind of record for us! Your dog’s p**p may or may not have a lot to say. If it’s brown, formed into log shapes, firm but not rock hard, everything’s probably tip top.
• If stools become mushier throughout the day, it’s a good idea to have it checked. If the result is negative, it’s time to change the diet.
• If you notice white flecks they may have worms so 📞 the vet.
• It should be brown. If it’s yellow, green or dark black speak with your vet (dark black may be an emergency if other symptoms are present).
• Mucous is a sign of intestinal inflammation and is often a symptom of IBD if recurring. Time for a diet change and supplementation to ease inflammation! If you only see it from time to time, keep a journal of everything they eat each day, then compare the days prior after each incident to identify the culprit.
• If what comes out is more voluminous than what went in, this is a sign their current diet isn’t working for them.
• Rock hard crumbly p**ps (often seen with some raw diets) are not pleasant to pass. In this case, you should consider adding more veg/fibre to the diet and choosing formulas with less bone/bone that is finely ground. If this describes the stool of your kibble-fed dog, they’re likely dehydrated. Please consider adding some fresh, moisture-rich toppers (meat and veg) at mealtime (see Dec 14).
•Intermittent diarrhea can be many things and must be checked out. When the runs come and go, owners usually assume that food or dietary indiscretions are to blame, but the cause can actually be Giardia, an intestinal parasite.
•If the stool contains undigested grass and food, this could be a sign the GI tract is not only unhappy, but also not functioning perfectly. If there’s no medical reason your vet can identify, let’s talk diet!
• If your pup passes normal logs with a flat edge on them, please talk to your vet right away because this indicates a growth in the colon.
Make stool tests part of your annual exams (see Dec 3) and keep a mental or physical journal of abnormal movements.
